How to Grow Okra in the Desert

Plant okra seeds in early March, or three to four weeks after the last winter freeze. For successive crops until autumn, plant okra until early July.

Select a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden.

Spade or till the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches. Deep cultivation allows the plants to grow healthy, deep roots and take advantage of soil moisture.

Remove rocks and large dirt clods.

Cover the planting area with 2 to 3 inches of organic material such as compost or rotted animal waste. Organic matter is beneficial in any soil but is especially important in desert soil. Desert soil is often sandy, which doesn't hold water well; or clay-based, which may become compacted.

Fertilize the prepared area, using a dry fertilizer. For best results, select a general-purpose garden fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-20-10. Use 2 to 3 pounds of fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Fertilizer is critical for healthy growth, as desert soil is often either alkaline or salty, and nutrient-poor.

Dig the organic material and fertilizer into the soil and smooth the soil with a rake.

Create rows at least 3 feet apart, using the tip of a garden hoe.

Plant okra seeds in the rows, allowing 2 inches between each seed. Cover the seeds with 1 inch of soil.

Water the seeded area immediately and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. After that time, water the plants deeply enough to saturate the roots every seven to 10 days. Sandy soils require more frequent irrigation than clay soils.

Thin the okra when the seedlings are about 2 inches tall. Allow 12 inches between each row.

Harvest okra when the pods are 3 to 4 inches long. Harvest every other day, as okra allowed to grow too large becomes bitter and tough. Regular picking also stimulates the plant to continue producing.