Today, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about growing okra.
Whether you’re new to gardening or just looking for some tips, this guide will help you grow, harvest, and enjoy delicious okra.
Hey there, fellow gardeners, I’m Hasan, and I’ve been gardening for about 8 years.
Let’s get started…
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Table of Contents
How to Plant Okra
Okra is a warm-weather plant that loves sunny spots.
Here’s how to plant it:
1. Soak the Seeds: Soak okra seeds in water for 12 to 18 hours before planting to soften the outer shell.
2. Choose the Right Time: Plant okra in the spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed. If you’re in a colder climate, start the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
3. Planting: Plant the seeds 1 inch deep in rows 3 feet apart. Make sure the area gets full sun.
4. Using Fertilizer: You can use chicken manure instead of chemical fertilizer. It’s high in potassium and phosphorus.
Growing Okra
Once your seeds sprout, here’s what you need to do:
1. Thinning: Thin the seedlings to 12-18 inches apart.
2. Watering: Water the plants about 1 inch per week.
3. Mulching: Use mulch to prevent weeds. Okra grows best in soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8.
Harvesting Okra
Here’s how to know when your okra is ready:
1. Time to Harvest: Okra is ready to harvest about two months after planting.
2. Pod Size: Pick the pods when they are about 3 inches long. Larger pods can get tough.
3. Wear Gloves: Okra has spines, so wear gloves when harvesting.
11 Okra Nutrition Facts
In 100 grams of cooked okra (about 1 cup), you get:
- Calories: 22 kcal
- Protein: 1.87 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.51 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Calcium: 77 mg
- Magnesium: 36 mg
- Potassium: 135 mg
- Vitamin C: 16.3 mg
- Folate: 46 mcg
- Vitamin A: 14 mcg
- Vitamin K: 40 mcg
Things You Didn’t Know About Okra
- Low-Calorie and Low-Carb: Okra is super low in calories and carbs.
- Spiny Plants: Okra plants have spines like cacti that can make you itchy.
- High Yield: Each plant can produce 2-4 pods every 2 days in the summer.
- Nutrient-Rich: Get 25% of your daily needs for Vitamin C and K in 100g of okra.
- Okra Coffee: Yes, there’s such a thing as okra coffee!
- Inedible Pods: If you don’t harvest pods in a few days, they become tough and inedible.
7 ‘Must Know’ Health Benefits of Okra
1. High Fiber: Okra is full of dietary fiber, great for lowering cholesterol.
2. Protein Source: Okra has essential amino acids like lysine and tryptophan.
3. Digestive Health: Okra helps keep your stomach healthy.
4. Healthy Skin and Blood: It cleanses the blood and benefits skin health.
5. Heart Health: Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol and heart disease risk.
6. Eye Health: Rich in Vitamin A, C, and Zinc.
7. Antioxidants: High in antioxidants that protect your cells.
Conclusion
Growing okra can be a rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels.
From planting the seeds to enjoying the harvest, okra is a versatile vegetable that offers many health benefits.
Remember, okra loves warm weather, so plant it in the right season, give it plenty of sunlight, and keep it well-watered.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to grow and enjoy your own okra in no time. Happy gardening!
Author Bio
Hasan has been gardening for about 8 years and loves sharing her tips and tricks with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Follow her for more easy-to-understand gardening guides and tips.
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