Explore Vegetables.im
Okra.vegetables.im
Field notes

The okra diary of Useless

Useless is the network’s eraser-in-residence. This time it has been given a hot greenhouse, a packet of okra seeds and no gloves. Every fact in here has been checked by someone more qualified, i.e. anyone.

Useless, a pink-and-blue eraser with googly eyes
  1. Day 1

    Okra plants are covered in short hairs that can irritate bare skin, so the RHS says wear gloves. I am covered in pencil dust. Nobody wears gloves for me. Rude. RHS: How to grow okra

  2. Day 2

    The RHS says an airing cupboard is ideal for germinating okra. I spent a week in the airing cupboard. Nothing germinated. I came out very warm and slightly fluffy. RHS: How to grow okra

  3. Day 3

    Clemson says pick okra at least every two days. I get picked up about once a term. Usually to rub out a wrong answer. Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center: Okra (HGIC 1313; written for South Carolina)

  4. Day 4

    Large mature pods become tough and stringy, says the RHS. I am large, mature and slightly tough. I prefer “seasoned”. RHS: How to grow okra

  5. Day 5

    Okra’s family includes cotton, cocoa, hibiscus, durian and balsa. My family includes a ruler, a sharpener and a pencil with no point. We don’t talk about the pencil. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World Online, Abelmoschus esculentus, species profile (Internet Archive copy of 4 June 2026)

  6. Day 6

    Kew calls okra a cultigen: a plant people changed by breeding. Nobody has bred me. I was made in a factory, and I came out exactly like this. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World Online, Abelmoschus esculentus, species profile (Internet Archive copy of 4 June 2026)

  7. Day 7

    Gumbo takes its name from a Bantu word for okra, says Britannica. My name comes from my school report. It was not a kind report. Encyclopaedia Britannica: gumbo

  8. Day 8

    Kew holds okra seeds in its Millennium Seed Bank. I asked to be stored there too. They said I am not a seed. They are correct, but it still hurt. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World Online, Abelmoschus esculentus, species profile (Internet Archive copy of 4 June 2026)

  9. Day 9

    Despite the name, red spider mites are usually yellowish-green. Despite my name, I am occasionally useful. Occasionally. RHS: Glasshouse red spider mite

  10. Day 10

    Whitefly fly up in clouds when you disturb the plant. When you disturb me, I roll under the radiator. Same idea, less flying. RHS: Glasshouse whitefly

  11. Day 11

    Clemson says ‘Burgundy’ okra is red but turns green when cooked. I turn grey when used. Nobody calls it a feature. Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center: Okra (HGIC 1313; written for South Carolina) · checked 30 Oct 2026

  12. Day 12

    Once plants are 60cm tall, the RHS says pinch out the tips for more pods. I pinched my own tip once. I just got shorter. RHS: How to grow okra

  13. Day 13

    In some countries okra seeds are used instead of coffee. I have never had coffee. I am already jittery enough in a pencil case. Encyclopaedia Britannica: okra

  14. Day 14

    Okra bark has been spun into fishing lines and hammocks in West Tropical Africa. I would like a hammock. Mine would be very small and very relaxing. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World Online, Abelmoschus esculentus, species profile (Internet Archive copy of 4 June 2026)

  15. Day 15

    Kew says the slimy texture is not to everyone’s taste. Neither am I, apparently, judging by how often I get left in the bottom of the bag. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World Online, Abelmoschus esculentus, species profile (Internet Archive copy of 4 June 2026)

  16. Day 16

    Texas A&M says pods are ready 3 to 4 days after the flowers. I took 3 to 4 days to find my way out of a backpack. Nobody harvested me. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Growing okra