Okba. 89 



OKRA.. 



TMs plant is especially adapted to the South and pro- 

 duces all summer, if kept in a good growing condition. 

 The demand both ISTorth and South is quite limited, but 

 it usually commands a good price. New York and Phila- 

 delphia are the best markets. It is a very easy crop to 

 grow and has few insect enemies, but it is very tender and 

 will not succeed after the ground gets cold and the nights 

 chilly. It is strictly a warm weather plant and for this 

 reason should not planted until the ground is warm. 



Soil. 



For early crop a sandy loam is preferred,, and while it 

 does not thrive on low land an abundance of moisture is 

 required in order to produce tender pods. Plant in rows 

 four to five feet apart and thin two feet in drills, leaving 

 two stalks to a hill. The cultivation is the same as for 

 cotton or com. 



Vaeieties. 



For Northern shipment a short thick green pod is 

 wanted three to four inches long. The stem should be cut 

 about one inch to prevent wilting. French Market is 

 decidedly the best variety for shipping. Perkins long 

 pod is also good. The six basket tomato carrier is the 

 package to be preferred in shipping this vegetable. As 

 this plant bears all summer a portion of the patch may be 

 reserved for home market and the product sold all sum- 

 mer. 



