Have you started growing your okra yet?
One Seed One Community still has seeds to share. Email OneSeedAlachua@gmail.com with your address and the OSOC volunteers will mail a small packet of Clemson Spineless seeds to you. If you know of a community garden or a neighborhood that might like a few packets please let them know!
If you've never tried growing okra before now is a great time to try it out! Okra is one of the few crops that can be started from seed at this time of year. The soil is warm and okra loves heat. It's easy to grow and flourishes in Florida summers, a great first crop for new gardeners. You can freeze it, dehydrate it, can it, pickle it, ferment it. Eat it raw, fried, boiled, baked, and sauteed.
A few quick tips about growing okra
- It does best in soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. You can find your soil pH by getting a soil sample through University of Florida's soil testing lab.
- Nematodes are the biggest threat to okra plants. Sources say marigolds planted around your okra will provide some protection. (Mother Earth News, Eco-friendly management of root knot nematode infecting okra)
- If you're fertilizing, keep the nitrogen levels low early in the growing cycle.
Are they in the soil yet? Do you have plans with what you're going to do with all that lovely okra? Let us know! Email us photos and your favorite okra recipies!
The Whole Okra: A Seed to Stem Celebration