What grows in BOBONONG
CENTRAL, Botswana
The 2026/27 season in BOBONONG
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to March 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 403 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, November and December look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +2.3 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 36% of this area. |
| 64% | too dry for rain-fed cropping without irrigation; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season no rain-fed season · about 340 mm |
|---|---|
| 36% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 96 growing days · about 380 mm · November to March |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in BOBONONG
36% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 36 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
6.5–7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
2.0–2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.5–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CottonFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
CarrotModeratePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthModeratePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoModeratePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeModeratePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceModeratePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionModerate
Plant 2 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 29 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantModeratePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliModeratePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleModeratePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
Rain-fed. These dates are worked out from each place's own rainfall, for a field watered by the season — with irrigation a window can open earlier, close later, or come round more than once a year. Check your own field under What grows, or get the Divisi app for a calendar dated to your farm.
What grows in BOBONONG with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
-
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.8 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 72.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.5 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 44.3 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 21.3 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CassavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in BOBONONG
Every crop in the catalogue is scored against this district, not only the ones that work — so the list above is a decision rather than a shortlist. These are the rest, with what ruled each one out.
- Moringa Moderate — Water
- Papaya Moderate — Water
- Passion fruit Moderate — Water
- Pigeon pea Moderate — Water
- Cassava Moderate — Water
- Sweet pepper Moderate — Water
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Beetroot Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cashew Unsuitable — Water
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Grapefruit Unsuitable — Water
- Guava Unsuitable — Water
- Irish potato Unsuitable
- Lemon Unsuitable — Water
- Lime Unsuitable — Water
- Mandarin Unsuitable — Water
- Mango Unsuitable — Water
- Niger seed Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable — Water
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet potato Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
- Wheat Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 38 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across BOBONONG, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstThis calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
Nkulumane Market
179 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Onion, Irish potato
-
Letsema Horticulture Market
384 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Onion, Carrot
-
Tshwane Market
453 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in BOBONONG?
Jute mallow, African eggplant, Bambara groundnut, Egusi melon, Finger millet all rate well in BOBONONG — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Jute mallow in BOBONONG?
In BOBONONG the window for Jute mallow runs 22 Dec 2026 to 31 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in BOBONONG?
Divisi does. It reads BOBONONG's own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average, so the planting dates and crop shortlist on this page are the same ones the app works out for a field here — then dates each job for that field, and keeps working with no signal.
Is this exact for my own field?
No — these are readings taken across BOBONONG, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.