When to Plant Okra in Greeley 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.
Greeley County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 1,040 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Okra to ensure they mature before fall.
Greeley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Okra to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 16 okra plants in about 32 sq ft. In Greeley County's 165-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Okra
Okra needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Okra Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Greeley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Okra Planting Timeline — Greeley County, NE
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 |
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 | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Greeley County
Growing Tips for Greeley 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Okra in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Okra in Greeley County, NE?
Greeley County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Greeley County, NE?
Greeley County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Greeley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Greeley County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.