Joyce J
8 August 2022
What’s better than eating organic vegetables? Eating your own homegrown organic vegetables! Let’s talk about how to grow Okra in your Perth backyard.
(Whilst most of this guide suits anywhere in Australia, check local conditions for growing months if you live outside Perth.)
Vegetable gardening can be a lovely connection to the beauty of the natural world around us. Your vegetable garden has the potential to feed you both physically and mentally.
When should you plant Okra?
The best months to plant Okra in Perth are Sep-Dec. You can plant using Seed, ideally when the soil temperature is around 10-20 degrees celcius and the air is around 15-30 degree celcius.
Seeds or Transplant? Seed
Ideal air temp: 15-30c
Ideal soil temp: 10-20c
Can Okra grow in pots?
Yes, they can grow in pots. Be mindful of the size they grow to.
The great thing about planting Okra in pots is that you can move them around easily, should they need more or less sun, or are getting attacked by pests. In some cases, you can even grow Okra indoors, as long as the position can get enough sun.
How much sun should Okra get?
You will discover that Okra thrives on Full sun.
Some gardens get more shade than others, and your direction north etc varies. Try the ideal position first, and if the Okra isn’t growing well enough, maybe try a more or less sunnier spot.
There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.
Mirabel Osler
How often should you water Okra?
Okra really enjoys when it gets Keep well watered..
They prefer soil that is Well-drained.
When can you harvest?
Being a Annual vegetable, the ideal time to harvest your Okra crop is around All year. Play it by ear though, and just see how your plant(s) do this season.
Growing Okra in rows
If you are getting serious with your vegetable garden, you may wish to grow Okra in rows. You’ll need to allow around 30 centimetres between rows, and 30 centimetres between each seedling or seed.
Space between rows: 30 cm
Space between seedlings: 30 cm
Keep the seeds!
Did you know that you can keep Okra seeds for up to 3 years, and use them to grow more next season?
Gardening is the purest of human pleasures.
Francis Bacon
Enjoy delicious Okra in your Perth garden
You can save so much money by growing Okra in your own backyard.
Your vegetable garden can feed not just your body, but your soul. It encourages you to ask for more out of your garden, seeking variety and adventure every day.
All the best in growing your own! Good luck.
