What grows in Mpolonjeni
Lubombo, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Mpolonjeni
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 691 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 +1.5 °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 94% of this area. |
| 94% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 201 growing days · about 690 mm · October to April |
|---|---|
| 6% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 197 growing days · about 620 mm · October to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Mpolonjeni
94% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 59 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.8–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.6–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.6–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
21.0–25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
30.1–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 8 Mar 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 39.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 55.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CashewFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 7 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 17 Sep 2026 – 27 Sep 2026 closed for this season
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 21 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 19 Sep 2026 – 29 Sep 2026 closed for this season
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
MoringaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 22 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 12 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 3 Mar 2027 – 23 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
6% sub-humid, mild winter — 59 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.6–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
29.8–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.7–10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.7–25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
37.2–38.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 55.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 13 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 21.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 2 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 2 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CashewFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 30 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 13 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
BeetrootModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 3 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 28 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
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 Mpolonjeni 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 58.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 97.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Soil 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 -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 52.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
What Divisi would not plant in Mpolonjeni
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.
- Enset Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Banana Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea 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
- Garlic Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Ginger Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 15 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mpolonjeni, 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
-
Mercado Grossista do Zimpeto
101 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
378 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
381 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Mpolonjeni?
Mango, Finger millet, Lablab, Egusi melon, Pearl millet all rate well in Mpolonjeni — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Mpolonjeni?
In Mpolonjeni the window for Mango runs 7 Nov 2026 to 16 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mpolonjeni?
Divisi does. It reads Mpolonjeni'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 Mpolonjeni, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.