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Difference between revisions of "Okra"
→News About Okra
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==News About Okra== | ==News About Okra== | ||
'''The Propagation of Okra''' | |||
*Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/propagation-okra-27716.html | |||
:(San Francisco Gate) | |||
Okra (Abelmoschus escutentus) is a vegetable well-known to regions with hot summers. The edible pods produced by this plant are vital ingredients in a variety of common dishes. Because of its popularity and ease of care, many gardeners choose to grown their own okra. Okra is a plant that does best when direct seeded into the garden, making propagation simple. | |||
:Prepare the Bed | |||
Okra suffers when grown in compacted, hard or poor-draining soils. Before planting, work at least 4 inches of well-rotted compost into a bed with a high clay content. A soil test performed by your university extension can provide specific guidance on the amount of fertilizer needed by your soil for ideal okra production, but adding about 3/4 pound of a 10-20-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden plot will often suffice. Soil pH should be between 5.8 and 6.5 for best results. | |||
:Prepare the Seed | |||
Okra seeds have hard, thick seed coats that can interfere with germination. Place the seeds you intend to sow in the freezer the night prior to planting and allow them to freeze. The moisture contained inside will cause the seed coat to crack, making it easier for the young plant to emerge. You can also soak the seeds in warm water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat. | |||
:Seed Sowing | |||
Okra can be sown as early as the beginning of February in frost-free areas. Once the soil warms to about 60 degrees, it's time to plant. Space rows 26 to 40 inches apart, with seeds placed at nine- to 12-inch intervals. Drop three of four seeds in a small hole 1 1/2 inches deep in the soil. Once seedlings reach about 3 inches tall, thin them to the strongest plant. | |||
:Seedling Care | |||
Provide plants with 1 1/2 inches of water every 10 days -- too much water can cause excessive growth. As seedlings grow, remove weeds and begin applying mulch. Eventually build a layer of mulch 4 to 8 inches deep to keep weeds sufficiently controlled. Side dress with compost after thinning seedlings, again when the first pods begin to develop and a third time about halfway through the growing season. Monitor seedlings closely for aphids, as they often attack early in the year. | |||
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'''Can Okra Be Pre-Sprouted?''' | '''Can Okra Be Pre-Sprouted?''' | ||
*Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-okra-presprouted-80274.html | *Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-okra-presprouted-80274.html | ||