Can okra be grown in containers?

Growing okra in containers is effective if you choose dwarf varieties, such as 'Blondy' or 'Baby Bubba', that don't exceed 4 feet in height. Use 5-gallon pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot and fill them with a good-quality potting mix loaded with compost, place containers where they have at least 6 hours of direct sunshine daily.

Like most container vegetables, okra requires consistent care. Fertilize every 3 weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 formula. Rotate the pots weekly to ensure all plants receive equal sunlight. Check your plants every day if possible, especially for aphids, which hide on the undersides of leaves. Spray with neem oil immediately if you see any; they multiply quickly. Stake any plants that are taller than 2 feet for wind protection.

Harvesting. Snap off a pod here and there from each container plant (to quickly and easily harvest, pick when they are 2-3 inches [5-7.5 cm] long and firm). Use scissors to cut at the stem since podding plants have compact roots. For the best eating quality, harvest in the morning; to minimize rind toughness, move the pots to the shade. Expect to harvest 3-5 pods per plant per week when they reach full production.

Extend your growing seasons with the mobility of pots. Before a frost threatens, bring your pots indoors and place them under grow lights. Overwinter in a sunny window, keeping the air temperature around 60°F (16°C). Prune plants down to about 12 inches, and give them only a little water to carry through the winter. You'll have a great head start on next season's crop.

Read the full article: How to Grow Okra Successfully