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Kit & books

Garden kit and books for growing okra

A short, sensible list. You don’t need most of it: a packet of seeds, somewhere warm, a pot and a cane will get you started.

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Seeds and sowing

  • Okra seeds (affiliate link)The RHS says okra seeds are sold by online seed suppliers and larger garden centres.
  • Heated propagators (affiliate link)The RHS says keep okra seeds above 16°C (60°F), in a lidded propagator or under a clear polythene bag.
  • Small plant pots (affiliate link)The RHS says sow one seed to each small pot or module.
  • Soil thermometers (affiliate link)Clemson and UGA say check the soil is at least 65°F, 4 inches down, before sowing outside.

Growing on

  • Large pots (affiliate link)The RHS suggests a pot at least 30cm (1ft) wide and deep, or two plants in a growing bag.
  • Growing bags (affiliate link)Two okra plants to a standard growing bag, says the RHS.
  • Canes (affiliate link)Okra can grow 90–120cm tall, so the RHS says provide canes and tie the stems in.
  • Garden twine (affiliate link)For tying the stems in as they grow.
  • Cloches (affiliate link)The RHS says warm the soil with cloches before planting outside.

Feeding, picking and protecting

  • High potassium liquid feed (affiliate link)For okra in containers, once a week from the first flowers, says the RHS.
  • Gardening gloves (affiliate link)Okra’s short hairs may irritate bare skin, so the RHS says wear gloves and long sleeves.
  • Secateurs (affiliate link)The RHS says cut through the thin stalk with secateurs or a sharp knife.
  • Horticultural fleece (affiliate link)For several more weeks after planting outdoors, until plants grow strongly, says the RHS.

Books and planners