Interested in learning how to garden?
I love, love, love okra! Having grown up in Oklahoma this was a veggie that was a regular at the dinner table, in cafes, and diners. Now, I have to say it may be a veggie that is suited to the south because it does not like the cold!
Vegetable gardening is a great way to get into the hobby. Not only does it allow you to save money on groceries, but you also get the satisfaction of growing your own food. Okra is a great vegetable to start with because it’s easy to grow and doesn’t require a lot of space.
If you are looking for an interesting and delicious vegetable to add to your garden, then okra is a perfect choice. This plant produces pods that are filled with seeds that can be eaten fresh or cooked. You will love the taste of homegrown okra!
What Are the Best Okra Cultivars to Grow?
There are a number of okra cultivars that are best suited for growing in different regions of the United States. For example, the ‘ Clemson Spineless ‘ cultivar is a good choice for growers in the Southeast, while the ‘Burgundy’ okra is a good choice for growers in the Midwest.
As a general rule, okra cultivars that are labeled as resistant to the bacterial leaf spot pathogen will grow best in most regions of the United States. In particular, these types of cultivars include ‘Clemson Spineless’, ‘Cow Horn’, and ‘Early Emerald’. The Cowhorn cultivar is an example of a cultivar that is resistant to both the bacterial leaf spot and southern blight pathogens.
Other cultivars, such as ‘Green Velvet’ are also good choices for growers in most regions of the United States. These types of cultivars often have moderate resistance to the bacterial leaf spot pathogen, but are not completely resistant.’ Green Velvet’ okra is an example of a cultivar that is resistant to the bacterial leaf spot pathogen, but has reduced resistance to southern blight.
Cultivars with improved tolerance or resistance to heat should be grown in regions where summer temperatures are high, such as in semi-arid climates. Examples of these types of okra cultivars include ‘Annie Oakley II’, ‘Clemson Spineless II’, ‘Cowhorn II’, and ‘Desirable’. Cultivars with improved tolerance or resistance to humidity should be grown in regions where humidity is high, such as the coastal Southeast. Examples of these types of okra cultivars include ‘Beaufort’ and ‘Green Velvet’.
How do You Plant Okra Seeds?
If you are planting okra seeds, you will need to first soak the seeds in water for an hour. Once soaked, place them in a pot of soil and cover it with approximately one inch of dirt. Keep the soil moist to promote growth. You can acquire this type of seed from most gardening centers or through various online retailers.
The second way you can plant okra seeds is by directly placing them into garden soil without prior soaking. Be sure that the ground is moist before planting the seed because it cannot survive if there are drought conditions that might dry out its roots too much! When growing your okra plants into maturity, be sure to include plenty of sunlight so they can develop well.
How do You Grow Okra in Containers?
Okra is a plant that is used in the cuisine of many countries. It is a warm-season crop that is grown in the United States. The pods of the okra plant are used as vegetables. The plant can be grown in containers. It can also be grown as a garden plant if planted early in the season.
The first step to growing okra is to choose a location for it. The soil should be rich and moist with a neutral pH of 7 or slightly higher. It should be well-drained but still retain moisture. The best temperature for growing okra is 75 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil should be well-aerated and must be loose for best root development.
To plant the seeds, you can use a hand trowel or shovel. Dig a hole that is about 6 inches deep and place the seed in the middle of it. Cover it with soil and tamp down lightly so that the seed is planted firmly in place. Water it well and keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
For a quick growing season, you can start your okra seeds indoors during the winter months. Plant them in containers filled with potting mix. You can transplant them to your garden after all danger of frost has passed. Pinch off the flowers to get larger pods.
What is the Difference Between Green and White Seed Pods?
The white seed Okra pods are mature pods… green means it’s still immature, and the plant will produce more flowers and more of those same pods.
Okra is a really good source of nutrition (high in fiber and folic acid) and has been eaten for hundreds or thousands of years. People eat different parts: seeds, leaves, flowers, flower stems.
Green pods are younger and not quite ready for picking. If you pick them too early they won’t have developed their full flavor or texture. Pick the pods when they’re 4-6 inches long.
If you just let it grow, the plant will produce more flowers and those pods in addition to the ones you’ve picked. (So if you want more, pick them frequently.)
How do You Harvest Okra Pods?
Okra pods are best harvested when they are young and tender. To harvest, cut the stem close to the pod with a sharp knife. Another method is to pinch and twist the stem until it snaps off. If you cut the stem with a knife, you can either pull or cut the pod from the plant.
Another way to harvest young okra pods is to use a forked tool such as a hula hoe, garden weasel or grub hoe (above). Using this type of tool, you can step on the hoe to force it into the soil and then pull it toward you. This action dislodges or snaps off young okra pods that are growing close to the ground. It is best to harvest okra before the pods get tough and stringy.
How to Store Fresh Okra
Fresh okra can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store fresh okra, first, trim off the stem and then wash the okra in cold water. Dry the okra with a paper towel and then place it in a plastic bag or container. Store the okra in the refrigerator crisper drawer. To store fresh okra for a longer period of time, place the fresh okra in a freezer bag and freeze it.
What Are Some Different Ways I can Cook Fresh Okra?
One way to cook fresh okra is to slice it into thin pieces and then fry it in some hot oil. You can also add spices like cumin, chili powder, or black pepper to give it a bit of flavor. Another option is to boil the okra for a few minutes until it’s tender, then serve it with some sauce or seasoning on top. Some people bake fresh okra, which may turn it brown but gives it a crispy texture. If you’re looking for a bit of sweetness without altering the flavor too much, pan-fry the okra with sugar, honey, or molasses.
Conclusion: Vegetable gardening is a great way to get into a hobby. Not only does it allow you to save money on groceries, but you also get the satisfaction of growing your own food. Okra is a great vegetable to start with because it’s easy to grow and doesn’t require a lot of space.