Plants should ultimately be 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 3 feet apart. Make a cutworm collar by cutting an empty toilet paper roll in half and placing around plant carefully. Press into soil so that half is below ground, being careful not to injure the stem. Mulch with partially decomposed compost after soil has warmed, to prevent weeds, keep soil evenly moist, and provide disease protection. Harvest as soon as pods are 4 inches long, using scissors to cut pods from plant.
Larger pods get tough, so be sure to keep okra harvested.
During the height of the season, you may need to harvest every day. If you miss a pod and it gets too large to eat, cut it off and compost it to keep the plant producing. Wear gloves while harvesting as okra plants tend to be prickly. Try this recipe for Traditional Fried Okra . Use okra as soon as possible after harvesting.