[Beginners Guide] How To Grow Okra In Kenya

Join Us on WhatsApp

Growing okra provides a unique and exciting opportunity for you to become an okra farmer that grows fresh okra. The edible pods of this vegetable are a popular garden plant in Kenya. They are easy to grow and maintain, and they give a lot of fruit for the space they take up.

The key steps to successfully growing okra in Kenya include knowing soil and climate requirements, preparing the farmland for okra planting, selecting okra varieties, planting, okra plant care and management, and harvesting.

This article is compiled to teach you all you need to know on how to grow okra in Kenya to have a successful yield during harvest which can be consumed or commercialized.

How To Grow Okra In Kenya Step By Step Guide

Table of Contents

The steps to growing okra in Kenya have been discussed below to provide you with all of the necessary guides and tips that you need to establish a successful okra garden either in your backyard or on a large farmland.

Step 1: Soil and Climate Requirements

When choosing a location for okra farming, it is important to consider the soil. The best soil type is well-drained sandy-loamy soil with a pH level of 6-7. Okra is a hardy crop and can withstand semi-arid areas, requiring 35 mm of water weekly.

Additionally, okra grows best in hot temperatures of at least 19°C and receives plenty of sunlight, so make sure the chosen location receives a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Step 2: Preparing the Farmland for Okra Planting

Make sure you clear the planting site removing existing vegetation and debris of different kinds and sizes. Then you should test the soil to determine its fertility and pH level, and amend the soil using compost, manure or chemical fertilizer.

Till the soil to help create a smooth, even surface for planting the okra seeds. This will also help aerate the soil, which will help to promote water retention and healthy root growth. create farm beds where the okra seedling will be planted.

Step 3: Selecting Okra Varieties

To ensure successful okra cultivation in Kenya, it is important to select good seedlings. Various varieties of okra can be grown, including Clemson spineless, white velvet, Pusa sawani, and dwarf green long pod. Choosing the right variety for the climate and soil type is essential for optimal growth and harvest.

Step 4: Planting

If you’re looking to get a head start on your okra crop in Kenya, consider soaking your seeds in water overnight before planting. Once the weather is warm, it is time to plant your okra seeds. Create a furrow in the prepared farm bed, and then place the seeds 4 inches apart at a depth of 1⁄2 inch. Water the seed bed lightly and wait for the okra to start germinating.

Step 5: Okra Plant Care Management

Don’t make the mistake most farmers do, neglecting their okra plants after planting. Ensure you routinely care for your okra plants to ensure they grow fast and produce healthy pods.

Adequate Watering

To successfully grow an okra plantation in Kenya, you must provide 35 liters of water per square meter during the first three months of growth. This is especially important in semi-arid areas of the country, where okra is mainly grown.

Make sure to irrigate your plantation frequently from the time the flowers appear until the pods are ready for harvesting. This will ensure that your okra plants receives the necessary 400 mm of water during their growth period.

Weeding

To protect your okra from pests and diseases and to give your crops the best chance of success, you should keep your farm weed-free. Annual and perennial grasses are common weeds that can attack okra.

To ensure successful weed control, it is important to cultivate your land at the right time. Shallow cultivation between crops and rows is the best way to keep weeds at bay. If you wait too long to cultivate, the weeds may be too large and difficult to remove.

Compost or Manure Application

It’s important to nourish your okra throughout the summer for optimal growth. To do this, side-dress the plants with compost or manure three times. Start by raking a few inches around the seedlings after thinning them. Then, do the same after the first pods begin to appear.

Finally, give them a third dose of compost or manure halfway through the season. This will provide the nutrients necessary for strong growth.

Pest and Disease Control

Be sure to regularly check your okra plants for pests such as aphids, stinkbugs, and corn earworms. These insects can damage the plants, reducing the yield of your okra crop. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation, such as holes in the leaves and yellowing foliage.

If you spot pests, you can pick them off by hand or spray the leaves with a soapy water solution to discourage them from returning. Taking these steps can help to keep your okra plants healthy and productive.

Thinning

Once your seeds have grown to 3 inches tall, it’s time to thin them out. Leaving the strongest seedlings, space out the remaining ones 1 to 2 feet apart and in rows 3 feet apart. If you already transplanted the seedlings you started indoors, you don’t need to do this step.

Step 9: Harvesting

Okra grows to fruiting stage within 60 days. Harvesting okra pods should be done with care and at the proper stage, by either cutting off or snapping off. Since okra grows quickly, harvesting should be done regularly to ensure that the plant continues to produce more pods.

Leaving okra to mature on the plant can lead to reduced productivity, so the pods should be handled gently while harvesting to avoid bruising.

Varieties of Okra in Kenya

There are several varieties of okra that are suitable for growing in Kenya. Some popular varieties include Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Annie Oakley, and Louisiana Green Velvet.

These varieties have been selected for their high yield, disease resistance, and suitability for the Kenyan climate.

How much is Okra sold for in Kenya?

The price of okra in Kenya varies depending on factors such as location, season, and supply and demand. On average, a kilogram of okra is sold for around Ksh 50 to Ksh 100 in local markets.

Best Agronomic Practices To Engage In When Growing Okra In Kenya

To successfully grow okra in Kenya, it is important to use the right agronomic practices.

These include selecting the right variety, preparing the soil properly, planting at the right time, ensuring adequate water and nutrient supply, and controlling pests and diseases.

You should also ensure that you use good crop rotation practices to prevent the build-up of soil-borne diseases.

Projected Profit Of Growing Okra In Kenya

The profitability of growing okra in Kenya will depend on several factors, including the cost of production, market demand, and yield.

On average, a well-managed okra farm in Kenya can produce yields of between 15 and 25 tonnes per hectare, with each tonne selling for between Ksh 60,000 to Ksh 100,000. This can translate to a net profit of between Ksh 600,000 to Ksh 2.5 million per hectare.

Common Diseases And Pests Of Okra

Some common diseases and pests that affect okra in Kenya include aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.

To control these pests and diseases, you can use insecticides and fungicides, such as neem oil, pyrethroids, and copper-based fungicides.

You should also practice good crop management practices, such as crop rotation and removal of infected plant debris, to prevent the spread of diseases.

Different Propagation Methods For Okra

Okra can be propagated using either seeds or cuttings. Seed propagation is the most common method and involves planting seeds directly into the soil.

Cuttings, on the other hand, are taken from mature plants and rooted in soil or water before being transplanted to the field. However, seed propagation is generally preferred due to its ease and reliability.

Okra Price Per Kg In Kenya

Okra prices in Kenya vary depending on the region and season, but generally range from KSh 30-60 per kg.

Okra Buyers In Kenya

Okra buyers in Kenya are mainly wholesalers and retailers who purchase okra in large quantities from farmers across the country. These buyers usually buy okra directly from the farmers and supply it to local markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and other vendors.

They are essential in providing a market for Kenyan farmers in order to ensure that their produce reaches the end-user.

Is Okra Farming Profitable In Kenya

Yes, okra farming is profitable in Kenya. It is a popular crop among small-scale farmers and provides a source of income for many. It is relatively easy to grow and harvest, has a high yield, and is in demand by local markets. Additionally, okra farming is less affected by climate change than other crops, making it a reliable cash crop for farmers.

Where To Buy Okra In Kenya

Okra can be bought at local vegetable markets, supermarkets, and online stores in Kenya.

Okra Farming Pdf

Okra farming is the cultivation of okra, a vegetable that is popular in tropical and subtropical regions. The crop is grown for its edible fruits, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Okra farming requires the selection of a suitable variety, suitable soil and climate, adequate water supply, and proper cultivation practices. It is important to choose the right variety and growing conditions to maximize yields.

Proper care and harvesting are also essential for a successful okra farming venture.

How Long Does Okra Take To Grow

Okra takes approximately 50-70 days to grow from seed to harvest. It can be harvested when the pods reach 3-4 inches in length.

Okra In Kikuyu

The Kikuyu are a Bantu ethnic group native to Kenya, who speak the Kikuyu language. They make up the largest ethnic group in the country, with an estimated population of 7.1 million people.

Their traditional way of life is based on subsistence agriculture, with a strong emphasis on family and community. They are mainly concentrated in the Central Highlands, where they have a long history of political and economic struggle.

Okra Yield Per Acre

Okra yields vary depending on the variety and growing conditions, but in general, an acre of okra can yield up to 10,000 pounds of okra pods.

Where Is Okra Grown In Kenya

Okra is grown in various parts of Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kericho and Eldoret.

How Do You Grow Okra Step By Step

You can begin to grow your own okra from scratch following the steps below.

Select a location that has full sun and well-draining soil.
Prepare the soil by loosening the top 10 inches with a shovel or tiller.
Mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost to the soil.

Plant okra seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows that are spaced 3 feet apart.
Keep the soil moist by watering lightly every day or two.
Apply a layer of mulch around the okra plants to help retain moisture.

Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart when they reach 3 inches tall.
Fertilize the okra plants once a month with a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Harvest okra pods when they are 2 to 6 inches long.

How To Grow Okra Faster

Plant okra in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Fertilize okra with a balanced fertilizer before planting and again when plants begin to flower.
Water okra deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy.

Mulch around okra to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.
Thin out okra plants to 4-6 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation.
Use row covers to protect okra from pests and diseases.

Harvest okra regularly, as soon as the pods are big enough to eat.

How To Grow Okra At Home

Choose a sunny spot in your yard or garden to plant the okra, as okra requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding compost or manure.

Plant okra seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart.
Water regularly, at least 1-2 inches per week.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Remove weeds as soon as they appear.
Harvest okra when pods are 3-4 inches long.
Keep plants well-watered during dry spells.

How Many Months Does Okra Take To Grow

Okra takes approximately 3-4 months to grow from seed to harvest.

Conclusion

Growing okra can be fun and lucrative at the same time. From the steps discussed above, you should be able to grow okra on your own without any difficulty. Ensure you follow the steps to the end for best result in Kenya.

[Beginners Guide] How To Grow Okra In Kenya