What grows in Lugongolweni
Lubombo, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Lugongolweni
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | September 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 798 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, October, 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 +1.3 °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 full main crop, warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 83% of this area. |
| 83% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 221 growing days · about 780 mm · September to May |
|---|---|
| 17% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 199 growing days · about 710 mm · October to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Lugongolweni
83% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 59 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PineappleFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
33.3–34.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 56.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.9–17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Green gramFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 26 Aug 2027 – 15 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 30 Aug 2026 – 19 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
11.9–13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
EnsetFavourablePlant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WheatFavourablePlant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TeaFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
MoringaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OnionFavourable
Plant 7 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LettuceFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
ChilliFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
KaleFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TurmericFavourablePlant 26 Aug 2027 – 15 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 26 Aug 2027 – 15 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 5.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
17% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.8–16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
PineappleFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
40.2–41.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 56.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
LimeFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.6–9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GuavaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.0–17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 9 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 6 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SesameFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Steep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 29 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 9 Mar 2027 – 18 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 5 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
RiceModeratePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 5.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 17 Feb 2027 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
YamModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk
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 Lugongolweni with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 54.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
-
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 70.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Lugongolweni
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.
- Banana Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 13 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Lugongolweni, 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 firstWhat changed in Lugongolweni
- 2 September 2026 Watermelon — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Soil
- 2 September 2026 Watermelon — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Watermelon — Planting window moved, now opens 16 Nov 2026
- 2 September 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Soil
- 2 September 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
This 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
-
Mercado do Xipamanine
65 km · Cassava, Tomato, Onion, Sweet potato
-
Mercado Grossista do Zimpeto
73 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
385 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Lugongolweni?
Mango, Lime, Niger seed, Pineapple, Lemon all rate well in Lugongolweni — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Lugongolweni?
In Lugongolweni the window for Mango runs 28 Oct 2026 to 6 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Lugongolweni?
Divisi does. It reads Lugongolweni'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 Lugongolweni, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.