When is the best time to plant okra in the north? When is the best time to plant okra in the north?

Okra has similar effects to leeks, and is a nutritious and health-care vegetable for men, and is also known as the "king of vegetables". Okra prefers warm climates and is very afraid of frost, so it is mostly sown in spring.

In the south, okra is usually sown from April to early June ; in the north, okra is sown later, usually from the end of April to the beginning of May .

Okra planting time in the north

At present, okra is cultivated in both the north and south of my country, but it is planted later in the north, usually from the end of April to the beginning of May. In some cold places, greenhouses or sheds are generally used for seedling cultivation. If necessary, it can be sown in March in advance.

Generally speaking, the first sowing in the southern hemisphere is from April to early June, and the harvest can be harvested from July to October, and in August and November of the following year. Its entire growing period is about 120 days . As long as this time is arranged reasonably and the frost period is avoided, it is basically possible.

How to plant and manage okra

1. Land preparation and fertilization

Choose a place with a higher position and flat terrain for planting. Before planting, plant it deeply and apply enough base fertilizer to provide sufficient nutrition for plant growth. You can use well-rotted farmyard manure, apply 5,000 kg of compound fertilizer per mu, 20 kg of compound fertilizer, and then dig trenches and ridges for sowing preparation.

2. Germination and sowing

Choose a large seed, soak it for 12 hours, then wrap it with a wet cloth and place it at 25-30℃ to germinate. Wash it with water every three or four days. After the seeds germinate, they can be sown in time.

3. Sowing method

Okra seeds are about the size of red beans, so they are suitable for machine sowing. Farmers often plant okra by hand. For large plots of okra, it is necessary to apply enough base fertilizer, turn the soil and make ridges, and then sow with a seeder. Usually, the hole sowing method is used, and two seeds are sown in one hole.

If the temperature is low during sowing, it is necessary to lay ground film to increase the temperature and retain moisture to facilitate the germination and growth of okra.

4. Water and fertilizer management

If the soil moisture is poor within 3 weeks of sowing, you can first water the soil in small amounts, and then water the soil when the seedlings are large. And apply fertilizer in time after the seedlings are established. Usually, the yield per mu is 15-20 kg. When okra flowers bloom, growers should increase the amount of fertilizer, and the yield per mu can reach 20-30 kg.

5. Field management

The first thinning is done after the true leaves unfold, and the diseased seedlings are removed. When 2-3 true leaves unfold, leave one strong seedling in each hole. After the seedlings are fixed, inter-cultivation should be carried out in time to increase the soil temperature, play a role in moisture conservation and weeding. In the later stage, inter-cultivation, weeding and cultivation should be carried out frequently to prevent the plants from lodging.

6. Harvest at the right time

One week after the okra flowers fade, the fruit can grow to 8-10 cm. If you pick the fruit too early, the fruit will be tender, but if you pick it too late, the taste will be affected. It is best to store it in the refrigerator, otherwise it will easily rot.