What grows in Nkwene
Shiselweni, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Nkwene
| 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 824 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 +1.4 °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 93% of this area. |
| 93% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 224 growing days · about 800 mm · September to May |
|---|---|
| 7% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 228 growing days · about 840 mm · September to May |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Nkwene
93% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 56 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.1–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.5–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.3–3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
29.8–31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.2 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 optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 22.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.4–17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 19.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.7–19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 60.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 7.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 12 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 -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PineappleFavourablePlant 26 Aug 2027 – 15 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 26 Aug 2027 – 15 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 21 Sep 2026 – 11 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 9 Sep 2026 – 1 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 9 Sep 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 54.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 5.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.3–12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
ChilliFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
KaleFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 3 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericFavourablePlant 26 Aug 2027 – 15 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceModeratePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope
7% sub-humid, mild winter — 59 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.1–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.6–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.5–3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.4–33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 8 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 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 optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 22.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 19.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 60.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 24.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 7.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 54.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 12 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PineappleFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 14 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 38.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 14 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-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 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CassavaFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 14 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 5.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 14 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 4 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 3 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 14 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 15.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourablePlant 25 Aug 2027 – 14 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 23.4 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 Nkwene with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 54.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 56.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in Nkwene
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.
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Enset 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
- Banana Moderate — Water
- Garlic Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cabbage Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- 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 Nkwene, 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
175 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
320 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
326 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Nkwene?
Mango, Finger millet, Fonio, Lablab, Pearl millet all rate well in Nkwene — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Nkwene?
In Nkwene the window for Mango runs 13 Nov 2026 to 22 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Nkwene?
Divisi does. It reads Nkwene'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 Nkwene, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.