When to plant Okra in Meade County, KS
In Meade County, plant Okra in spring between April 23 and May 14, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Meade County's last frost averages April 16, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 65 days before the first frost on October 18.
When to Plant Okra in Meade County, KS
This month in Meade County, Kansas
Your garden in Meade County, Kansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: okra
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Start harvesting okra
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Meade County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 705 feet, Meade County receives approximately 20.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season.
Meade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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 Meade County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) is within Okra's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Meade County is excellent for Okra — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Okra will thrive.
How to Plant Okra
Succession Planting Okra
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
Okra Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Meade 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 — Meade County, KS
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Meade County
Growing Tips for Okra in Meade County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after April 16 in Meade County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Meade County receives only 20" of rain annually. Okra needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Meade County, KS?
Meade County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Meade County, KS?
Meade County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Okra in Meade County, KS?
In Meade County, KS, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Meade County, KS for Okra?
Meade County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Okra grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Okra grow in Meade County's climate?
Yes — Okra grows well in Meade County's temperate climate. Meade County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.
Your Meade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Meade County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.