Comments on: Growing Okra

By: Jo Ellen

Jo Ellen — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:26:43 +0000

I was wondering what you have to do to harvest okra seed to use next year in your garden. I have let several okra pods grow and get hard and dry out. Now what do I do?

By: R. L. Howard

R. L. Howard — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:03:50 +0000

To follow up after my okra questions to you, got past the black spots on the leaves (appeared to be ant related), bumpy leaves (do not know but did not seem to cause any major problems), voracious grasshoppers, had a beautiful stand of okra plants with lots of blossoms. Had about 3 weeks of rain and cooler than normal temperature, which slowed down the growth, and succumbed to an early frost! With no control over the weather, things happen! Appreciate your input, Kenny. Will try again next year. Have a question regarding tomatoes now. Is it OK to preserve green tomatoes if they went through 1 night of light frost? Heard this changes the chemistry somewhat and is not a good idea to eat. (Was thinking of canning a green tomato sauce.) Do you think it is safe?

By: Gordon

Gordon — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:18:52 +0000

Hey Kenny! Greetings from sunny Sydney, Australia! I am a novice green-thumb and am growing okra for the first time. Have put them in an area that basil, chilli, and coriander thrive in. The first shoot has appeared so have my fingers crossed. Just want to thank you for all the great advice here and looking forward to watching the okra grow.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:40:50 +0000

To give your okra an early start soak the seeds overnight to soften the hard seed coat. However, don’t soak them longer because they’ll start to sprout and you’ll damage your seed trying to plant them.

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:12:40 +0000

Hi R.L., I’m afraid that I don’t know what is the problem with your okra leaves. Okra plants do seem to loose a lot of their lower leaves as the plants mature but excessive bumps and curling doesn’t sound good. Do the tops of the plants look healthy? If so, I wouldn’t worry too much at this point as there isn’t much that you can do, so just keep a close eye on them and see if you can notice any insects feeding on the plants and water/fertilize your okra as needed.

By: R. L. Howard

R. L. Howard — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:48:49 +0000

Kenny, Am afraid my okra worries are not over. The leaves used to be smooth and veined, but some are now “bumpy” and curling. Any thoughts?

By: Kenny Point

Kenny Point — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:07:17 +0000

No, I don’t think that they are aphids that you are up against, although they are small and you would have to look closely to see them.

By: R. L. Howard

R. L. Howard — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:01:08 +0000

Kenny, Thanks so much for the info. Apparently they are not aphids, right? Haven’t really gardened in years, but it’s a toss up whether the great organic food or the physical and mental stress relief is the great benefit!