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Easy Wins in Vegetable Gardening: Okra

Posted by Jewel Sebastian on

Plant Name: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Okra is one of the rarely loved vegetables out there because of its sliminess. But I hope by reading this blog, you'll reconsider eating it and growing your own!
Okra is a very unique vegetable because it has protein content, which most of the other vegetables do not have. It is also a good source of Vitamin C, which helps build a strong immune system to fight illnesses. A very important Vitamin in blood clotting, Vitamin K is also contained in these green pods. Aside from these, okra is low in calories but high in antioxidants which reduces the risk for serious illnesses. It contains a lot of the antioxidant polyphenol that improves brain and heart health.
Okra is very health-friendly, as well as it is a very versatile vegetable. You can enjoy it boiled, steamed, or as an ingredient of a very satisfying dish-- Sinigang. If you are now convinced that you should have an okra plant in your garden, let's get planting!

How to plant:
Okra can be planted on the ground or in containers, but if potted, make sure they remain outdoors for they love the sun and its warmth. Choose a well-draining pot with holes to avoid root rotting. Bury the seeds about 1-2inches beneath the soil and drench them with water. Germination should take place in as quick as 4 days.
When your seedlings are about 6 inches tall, it's time that you can transfer them to their permanent area. Fertilizing can also be done in this part, simply add organic compost around the root ball of the seedling, and it will be enough to encourage good growth.
Your okra plant may need a lot of water during the germination stage, but it can withstand dry soil if you plan to water the matured plant 2-3 times a week when the soil has dried up.

How to harvest:
After about two months, your okra plant will start bearing flowers, and fruits will be ready for harvest about 3 days later. Harvest the pods when they are 3 to 4 inches long because if the okra gets too large, it will be tough and stringy. Pick the okra every 1 to 2 days so the yields won't decrease.

Bonus care tips:
As okra is considered a tolerant plant, it is best to reward them with the best soil to accompany them from germination to harvest. A loam soil that’s rich in organic compost and contains a good mix of sand and silt is best for okra, it is not just organically nutritious for the plant, but it also allows for ample aeration and water drainage.