Part IV · Crop record 06

Okra

A slow warm-season start gave way to tender pods harvested every few days through mid-August.

2026 STATUSFrequent young pods← all crop stories

Growth timeline

The season in three field marks

MAY 7

Direct-sown in moist soil; watering skipped after rain.

JUL 6

First flower and pod set observed.

JUL 20–AUG 17

Tender pods entered a steady repeat-harvest rhythm.

01

Planting

Okra was direct-sown May 7 at the southwest end of the plot once the warm-season row was prepared.

02

Fertilization

The shared row received compost top-dressing. Once plants were established, minimal feeding avoided lush growth at the expense of pods.

03

Irrigation

Okra tolerated heat but still received the same soil-level drip support during dry stretches; rainfall replaced scheduled watering.

04

Pest history

No okra-specific pest was observed through July.

05

Harvest progression

One pod was ready around July 20, followed by repeat tender harvests through August, including several pods on August 19.

06

Companion record

Okra’s upright habit complemented spreading squash, zucchini, and the bean row nearby.

07

Organic practices

Frequent picking, soil-level watering, and pest-free observation were sufficient.

08

Yield

Early production stage; several pods harvested by July 31, without a weight total.

What I’d change next year

Mark the first flower date and pick on a consistent every-one-to-two-day rhythm once pod production starts.

Next crop recordBanana peppersThe first peppers of the year arrived July 2 and continued into mixed harvest baskets through the month.