Many people think growing okra – which is also known as lady’s fingers – is difficult.

In the UK it’s best for okra to grow under glass or in a tunnel, although if you are in a sheltered area it can be possible to grow okra outside on a hot, sunny patio.

Okra is calcium-rich and the pods can be used in curries, soups and stews.

You can sow okra in March to April and before sowing, soak the okra seeds for two hours in warm water. Sow the seeds in a tray or in pots and place in a propagator to help the seed germinate. Or you can place the seeds on your windowsill or in a warm airing cupboard. Once the seeds have germinated place the seedlings in an area where there is good light and you still need to keep the seedlings warm.

Once the okra seedlings have some true leaves you can transplant them into a larger pot, before planting them out. On average you will need around 6 plants to feed a family.

Grow

In the UK, okra plants are best grown in a greenhouse or tunnel. They can also be grown in containers on a sunny, warm, sheltered patio area.

Once the plants are big enough you can transplant them to the area where you are going to grow them. So either in a greenhouse, tunnel or in big pots to grow on the patio.

Water the okra regularly and keep the compost moist. If you planted your plants in containers then you need to water them more frequently – you may have to check them twice daily during warm weather.

Once the plants are established then pinch out the shoot tips to encourage the plant to start to bush.  The okra plant can grow tall 100cm–120cm, so it’s best to give the plants a sturdy support like a cane.

Once the first flowers are forming then feed the plant weekly with a high potassium fertiliser.

Harvesting

The okra plants starts to crop pods from mid-summer to the autumn, often okra will crop up to the first frost. By regularly picking the pods it will encourage more pods to form.

You need to harvest the okra pods when they are young and tender and about 5–10cm long.  Be gently when picking the pods as the outside skin is easily marked. If you allow the okra pods to become large and mature they will become tough and stringy.

Many people wear gloves and long sleeves when harvesting okra plants because the plant is covered with short hairs that can irritate your bare skin.

To eat the okra you can use them in your cooking straight away, or you can freeze the okra pods.