What is the method for growing okra in a greenhouse? A detailed guide

Okra is an ideal high-grade green nutritious health vegetable for the new century; regular consumption has the effect of strengthening the stomach and intestines and nourishing yin and yang. Okra can also be grown in a greenhouse, so what is the method for growing okra in a greenhouse?

1. Land preparation

Okra is not particular about soil fertility, but the soil in the greenhouse should preferably be loam or sandy loam with deep soil layers, loose and fertile texture, and good drainage. Note that okra cannot be grown continuously, nor can it follow fruit vegetables in rotation, but root vegetables, leafy vegetables, and the like can be chosen as the previous crop. After the previous crop is harvested, the soil should be deeply plowed in time, and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied.

2. Sowing

Growing okra generally uses the method of sowing seeds; because it is grown in a greenhouse, as long as the temperature is suitable, it can be sown all year round. Before sowing, soak the seeds for 12 hours, then place them in an environment of 25-30°C to germinate for 24 hours; when the seeds “break open”, they can be sown. Sow the seeds in spots on the seedling bed; water first, then sow, with a plant and row spacing of 10 cm, and cover with 2 cm of soil after sowing. After sowing, maintain the temperature at around 25°C; they will sprout in about 4-5 days, and when the seedlings grow 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted.

3. Light and temperature

Okra is especially sensitive to light; during cultivation it requires sufficient light, and the light duration must be long. Okra likes a warm environment, and the suitable temperature during the growth period is between 25-30°C; when the temperature is between 26-28°C, not only are there more flowers and a higher fruit-setting rate, but the fruit also develops quickly.

4. Water and fertilizer

Okra is drought-tolerant and moisture-tolerant, but not waterlogging-tolerant; during the growth period it requires relatively high air and soil humidity, and must not lack water, but it also must not be watered too much. Topdressing should be done appropriately, but nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied one-sidedly; especially after emergence, after transplanting, and during the flowering and fruiting period, fertilizer must not be lacking.

5. Pinching

Under normal conditions, okra plants grow vigorously, but this is not conducive to flowering and fruiting; therefore, pinching should be done appropriately. In the early stage, the branch-twisting method can be used to control vegetative growth. In the middle and late stages of growth, remove old leaves in time to reduce nutrient consumption. Pinching in time when harvesting fruit can increase yield.