When to plant Okra in Stevens County, KS
For Okra in Stevens County, the safe spring window opens around April 27 and closes around May 18. Last expected frost is April 20, first fall frost October 16, giving a 179-day growing season.
When to Plant Okra in Stevens County, KS
Stevens County, Kansas gardeners: here's your June plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Stevens County, Kansas this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: okra
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Start harvesting okra
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of 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.
Stevens County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,123 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season.
Stevens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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 Stevens County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) overlaps with Okra's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Stevens 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 (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Okra.
How to Plant Okra
Succession Planting Okra
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stevens 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 — Stevens County, KS
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Stevens County
Growing Tips for Okra in Stevens County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after April 20 in Stevens 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 Stevens County, KS?
Stevens County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stevens County, KS?
Stevens County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Okra in Stevens County, KS?
In Stevens County, KS, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stevens County, KS for Okra?
Stevens 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 Stevens County's climate?
Yes — Okra grows well in Stevens County's temperate climate. Stevens County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.
Your Stevens County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stevens 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.