When to plant Okra in Scott County, AR
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Plant Okra between April 12 (after last frost on April 5) and May 3.
When to Plant Okra in Scott County, AR
Scott County, Arkansas gardeners: here's your July plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Scott County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Pick okra
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of August
- First harvests: okra
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.
Scott County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 797 feet, Scott County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Okra root diseases.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Okra 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.
Soil Compatibility in Scott County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.0) overlaps with Okra's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Okra — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Okra.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Okra.
How to Plant Okra
Succession Planting Okra
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 27 to harvest before frost.
Okra Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Okra
Okra needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Okra Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Okra Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Okra Planting Timeline — Scott County, AR
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Okra in Scott County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after April 05 in Scott County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Okra in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Okra in Scott County, AR?
Scott County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, AR?
Scott County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Okra in Scott County, AR?
In Scott County, AR, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, AR for Okra?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Okra grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Okra grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Okra grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 31.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.