how to start okra indoors
1 You can also start okra directly in your garden 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date as long as you cover the plants with a cold frame or grow tunnel until the weather warms up. Make sure that the covering is 2 to 3 feet tall so that the plants have room to grow. You can soak the seeds overnight in tepid water to help speed up germination. 2  If you are planting okra transplants, be sure to space them 1 to 2 feet apart to give them ample room to grow. 3  Okra plants are tall, so be sure to space out the rows 3 to 4 feet apart.