To sow gumbo , you could start indoors about four to six weeks before the last freeze day of the month in your area . This allows the plants to establish a secure root organisation before being transplanted outside . I commend overcharge the okra seeds overnight in ardent water before planting to help oneself speed up germination .
To begin , gather your supply . You will need okra seeds , a container or tray for seed starting , sterile source starting commixture , and weewee . Ensure that the container has drainage hole to prevent mucky land .
Next , prepare the seed commence mix . This mixture should be sterile to derogate the risk of diseases or gadfly dissemble the young seedlings . I choose using a pre - packaged come set out commixture , which is readily usable at garden center . wash the intermixture with piddle until it is equally dampish but not souse wet .
Now it ’s time to plant the okra seeds . ensure the seeds are dry before handle them . Plant the seeds about three - quarter of an column inch deep into the come set out admixture . I find it helpful to use a pencil or my finger to make a little hole for each seed . Space the seminal fluid about 2 - 3 inch apart to allow elbow room for growth .
After planting , gently continue the seeds with the seminal fluid starting commixture , ensuring they are well covered but not buried too deep . gently press down on the grease to assure good seed - to - soil contact .
irrigate the new implant seed gently , using a obscure bottleful or a watering can with a okay rose attachment . Avoid overwatering , as this can guide to seeded player waste or damping - off disease . Keep the territory systematically moist but not waterlogged .
invest the container in a tender location with ample sunlight or under grow light . Okra command at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight per day , so opt a sunny dapple if you are growing indoors .
Keep an eye on the seeds for sprouting , which typically occur within 7 - 14 days . Once the seedling come forth , provide them with adequate light and defend ordered wet level . As they grow , you may need to thin out the weaker seedlings to allow for considerably spacing and tune circulation .
When the danger of frost has glide by and the seedlings have develop a few sets of true leaves , they are ready to be transplant outdoors . Harden off the seedlings gradually by display them to outdoor conditions for a few hour each day . This helps them acclimate to the out-of-door surround and forbid transplant shock .
Choose a gay locating in your garden with well - draining soil . Okra thrives in tender climates , so secure the soil temperature is systematically above 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) before transplanting . Space the seedlings about 12 - 18 inch apart to give them ample way to grow .
Before transplant , prepare the soil by loosening it and adding constitutive issue , such as compost , to improve prolificacy and drain . Dig a cakehole slightly heavy than the ascendent ball of the seedling and gently commit it in the hole . Backfill the golf hole with soil , tauten it around the young plant .
Water the transplanted seedling thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any breeze pockets around the root . wield regular lacrimation throughout the growing time of year , ensuring the grime stay evenly moist but not soggy .
Monitor the plants for pests and diseases , such as aphid or powdery mildew , and take appropriate cadence to control them . on a regular basis reap the okra pods when they achieve a size of 2 - 3 inches , as this encourages continuous production .
think of , every gardening experience is unequaled , and it ’s of import to observe and adapt to the specific conditions in your garden . revel the mental process of growing Abelmoschus esculentus and enjoy the delicious harvest it provides !
Caroline Bates
