Okra like hot air and warm soil, Jon... If you don't have both then forget it... If you live in a cooler climate than black plastic needs to go down before planting to warm the soil and hold the heat at night... Once you get it going then mulch with 8 inches of straw...
Also likes sandier soils so if your soil is like woods dirt then no good...

BTW, if you are growing it so that you can see what it tastes like I'd suggest buying some from a farmer to see if it's worth it to you... People either love it or hate it... I am some where in between...

B~