Okra

Q: My okra plants have slowed down production quite a bit, but are still alive and producing a little. Should I pull them out or should I cut them down (are they perennials?). I read that they can be annuals or perennials, but I'm not sure what to do with them. Which would be better? Thank you for your help.

A: Okra is a warm-season vegetable. It will die if it is exposed to cold temperatures. In the United States it is mostly grown as an annual garden vegetable. I would pull them out and start afresh next year. Actually, you can leave two or three of the plants to see if they come back and produce for you next year (don't cut these three down). I'd be very interested to see how they winter over in warmer climates.