What grows in Ngudzeni
Shiselweni, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Ngudzeni
| 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 773 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 | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Ngudzeni
-
MangoFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.7–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 20.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.9–17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.2–10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 17.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.7–19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 21.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PineappleFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 27 Sep 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SesameFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BananaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.7–15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 49.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
22.0–27.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 49.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 16.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CarrotFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 21 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 24.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 8.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 8.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OnionFavourable
Plant 3 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 28 Aug 2027 – 9 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 11 Sep 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EnsetFavourablePlant 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 24.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 22 Aug 2027 – 11 Sep 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 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 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
ChilliFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 20 Feb 2027 – 18 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TeffModeratePlant 21 Aug 2027 – 2 Sep 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericModeratePlant 22 Aug 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 16.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
YamModeratePlant 22 Aug 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 12.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-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 Ngudzeni with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope
What Divisi would not plant in Ngudzeni
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.
- Cassava 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
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Garlic Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cabbage Moderate — Slope / terrain
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 14 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Ngudzeni, 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 Ngudzeni
- 2 September 2026 Teff — Crop stopped being recommendable
- 2 September 2026 Jute Mallow — Crop stopped being recommendable
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 Grossista do Zimpeto
165 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
328 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
357 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Ngudzeni?
Mango, Lime, Lemon, Avocado, Guava all rate well in Ngudzeni — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Ngudzeni?
In Ngudzeni the window for Mango runs 14 Nov 2026 to 2 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Ngudzeni?
Divisi does. It reads Ngudzeni'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 Ngudzeni, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.