Okra planting time.
Okra is generally sown between mid to late March and early April, depending on local climatic conditions and growing conditions. Before planting, it is necessary to select a suitable planting site, and carry out deep ploughing, application of sufficient base fertilizer and other preparations. If it is planted in greenhouses, it can be sown in February.
How okra is grown.
1.Seed treatment.
Before planting, okra seeds need to be germinated. Soak the seeds in warm water at 50-60 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes, then place them in an environment of 25-30 degrees Celsius to germinate, and sow them after most of the seeds are exposed.
2.Fertilization of the land.
The land where okra is grown needs to be cultivated carefully and with sufficient basal fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly organic fertilizer, and 2000-3000 kg of well-rotted farmhouse fertilizer, 50 kg of superphosphate, and 150 kg of plant ash can be applied per mu. At the same time, it is necessary to cooperate with the land preparation to make furrows, and the furrow width is 15-2 meters, deep ditch and high furrow.
3.Sowing seeds and raising seedlings.
Sprinkle the treated okra seeds evenly on the furrow surface, cover with a thin layer of soil, and then cover with plastic film to keep warm and moisturize. When the seedlings have grown 2-3 true leaves, the film can be removed. If you use the direct seeding method, sow 2-3 seeds per hole, cover with 2-3 cm thick fine soil, and then water to moisturize.
4.Field management.
During the growth of okra, field management needs to be strengthened. Timely weeding, soil loosening, soil cultivation and drainage and irrigation to keep the soil moist and loose. During the growth of okra, it is necessary to top dressing 2-3 times, and each time apply 10-15 kg of urea and 5-10 kg of potassium chloride per mu. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to adjusting the growth of plants, and remove the old yellow leaves and weak side branches in time to maintain ventilation and light transmission and good plant shape.
5.Pest and disease control.
Okra pest control is very important. Common diseases include blight, virus and blight, and insect pests include aphids, blind elephants and red spiders. In the process of prevention and control, it is necessary to follow the principle of "prevention first, comprehensive prevention and control", strengthen field monitoring and disease examination, and take biological, chemical or physical prevention and control measures in a timely manner for prevention and control.
6.Harvesting and storage.
Okra is usually harvested 10-15 days after flowering, when the fruit is not yet ripe and has a bright green color. When harvesting, use scissors to cut okra from the fruit stalk, taking care not to damage the plant and fruit. After harvesting, it should be cleaned, sorted, packaged and marketed in a timely manner. If you need to store and keep it fresh, you can use methods such as refrigeration or plastic wrap packaging.