When to Plant Okra in Phelps County, NE
Okra is a heat-loving tropical plant that produces edible seed pods. It thrives in hot summers and produces beautiful hibiscus-like flowers before setting pods.
Phelps County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 983 feet, Phelps County receives approximately 24.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Okra to ensure they mature before fall.
Phelps County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Okra Planting Timeline — Phelps County, NE
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–65 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
157 days
Growing Tips for Phelps County
Direct sow after soil reaches 65F. Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Harvest pods when 2-4 inches long and still tender; they become tough if left too long.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Okra in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Okra in Phelps County, NE?
Phelps County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phelps County, NE?
Phelps County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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