Starting okra successfully depends on your climate and growing setup. Here’s how to start okra from seed: ### **1. Choose the Right Time** - **Outdoors**: Okra thrives in warm weather. Sow seeds **2-3 weeks after the last frost**, when soil temperatures are at least **65-70°F (18-21°C)**. - **Indoors**: If your growing season is short, start seeds **4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors**. ### **2. Prepare the Seeds** - Okra seeds have a hard outer shell. To improve germination: - **Scarify** (rub seeds lightly with sandpaper). - **Soak** them in warm water overnight. ### **3. Select the Growing Medium** - Use **well-draining, nutrient-rich soil** (pH 6.0-6.8). - A mix of compost, garden soil, and perlite or sand works well. ### **4. Planting the Seeds** - **Direct Sowing**: - Plant **½–1 inch deep**. - Space them **12-18 inches apart** in rows **3 feet apart**. - Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches when they are a few inches tall. - **Starting Indoors**: - Use **peat pots** to prevent transplant shock. - Keep the soil **moist but not soggy**. - Place in a **warm location (75-85°F)** for best germination. ### **5. Light and Temperature Needs** - **Indoors**: Use grow lights or place in a sunny window (at least **6-8 hours of light** daily). - **Outdoors**: Choose a **full-sun location** (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily). ### **6. Watering and Care** - Keep soil **consistently moist** but **not waterlogged**. - Mulch around plants to **retain moisture and suppress weeds**. - Once established, okra is drought-tolerant but benefits from **deep watering every 5-7 days**. ### **7. Transplanting** - Harden off indoor seedlings for **5-7 days** before planting outside. - Transplant when the weather is consistently warm and nighttime temps stay above **55°F**. Would you like tips on companion planting or pest management for okra?