Despite being used in many delicious dishes, okra has a reputation for being difficult to grow. It can be tricky to cultivate and harvest, but there are ways to improve your chances of growing this wonderful food! Keep reading to find out how you can use different techniques and strategies to encourage your okra plants to produce more pods.
How to make okra produce more
Correctly caring for your okra plant will significantly improve harvests. Before planting, you should carefully consider the growing conditions. You’ll need to plant your okra in a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has light, well-draining soil. If you have clay-like soil, it’s a good idea to amend it before planting okra.
Okra needs enough space to grow and should ideally be planted 12 to 24 inches apart. You can grow okra in containers, but they are likely to produce smaller fruits, and you may find yourself harvesting less than you’d hoped.
Sunlight
Okra doesn’t like cold weather or shaded areas as the plants require warmth and at least six hours of sunlight a day to thrive. Okra is a tropical vegetable that is commonly grown and eaten in hot countries such as Asia. They do best in areas with full sun for much of the day.
Temperature
In colder climates, you can plant your okra indoors to get a head start on the growing season. Only transplant the young seedlings when the soil temperature reaches at least 55°F (13°C). However, these plants do best in soil that’s at least 65°F (18°C).
If you cannot get a good harvest due to the temperature, you can try adding mulch around your plants. Dark-colored mulch will help to absorb warmth and increase the soil temperature. You can try adding black rubber mulch. Mulch is also beneficial as it will block weed growth.
Fertilizing
One technique that can help improve the harvest of your okra plants is fertilizing them regularly. Using quality fertilizer regularly throughout the growing season will give your plants the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
Okra requires a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer to grow well. However, you should be careful not to overfertilize your plants.
Watering
You can also consistently water your plants to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Okra can be affected by root rot, especially young seedlings. To avoid problems, you can test the soil with your finger to see whether or not your plant requires additional moisture.
Okra is considered a hardy plant that is relatively drought tolerant; however, a lack of water will affect pod production.
It’s best to water okra in the mornings so that they have enough moisture during the hotter parts of the day. Watering in the morning will allow the plant to absorb the water, and less will evaporate in the sun.
If you live in an area that gets high rainfall, it may be beneficial to plant your okra on a small hill to help with drainage.
Pruning
Pruning any overgrown or damaged branches can help encourage new fruit growth.
Avoid dwarf varieties
If you grow a dwarf okra plant in a pot, you are unlikely to get a good harvest. Instead, plant okra in the soil and choose a variety known to produce high yields, such as Clemson Spineless okra and Heavy Hitter okra.
How to Make Okra Produce More: Conclusion
With the right techniques and strategies, you can help your okra plants produce more fruits and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Whether you are growing okra for personal consumption or to sell at the market, these tips will help ensure that your plants reach their full potential.