When to Plant Okra in Strafford County, NH
This month in Strafford County, New Hampshire
Your Strafford County, New Hampshire garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Time to transplant okra
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Seed okra outdoors
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: 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.
Strafford County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 515 feet, Strafford County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season.
Strafford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Strafford County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.8) is more acidic than Okra prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Strafford County is excellent for Okra — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Strafford 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 — Strafford County, NH
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 |
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
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Strafford County
Growing Tips for Okra in Strafford County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after April 29 in Strafford 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 Strafford County, NH?
Strafford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Strafford County, NH?
Strafford County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 13.
Your Strafford County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Strafford County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.