Yes. Okra is a warm-season crop. Varieties differ in plant size, pod type and color, and number of spines. Dwarf plants without spines and with smooth, green pods are best for home gardens. The fruit is used as a flavoring in soups, such as gumbo, and can also be fried. Plant seeds after the soil has warmed in the spring, probably two to three weeks after the date of the last frost. Soak seeds for six hours in warm water, then sow about 12 inches apart. Keep seedbed moist until germination is complete. Most varieties produce the first fruit in 55 to 60 days. To harvest, break off pods when they are about 2 to 3 inches long; larger pods will become tough. Once harvesting starts, continue to harvest every two to three days until frost. Store pods in plastic bags in the refrigerator for a week, or blanch and freeze them for later use. They also pickle nicely.

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