What grows in Sandleni
Shiselweni, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Sandleni
| 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 743 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 71% of this area. |
| 71% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 222 growing days · about 760 mm · September to May |
|---|---|
| 29% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 225 growing days · about 760 mm · September to May |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Sandleni
71% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 57 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.0–16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.0–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.7–10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GuavaFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.0–19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.5–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Green gramFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 25.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
12.7–15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.6 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
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MaizeFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 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 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OnionFavourable
Plant 19 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OkraFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WheatFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 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 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
EnsetFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PineappleFavourablePlant 24 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 21 Sep 2026 – 11 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutModeratePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RiceModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffModeratePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericModeratePlant 20 Aug 2026 – 19 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamModeratePlant 20 Aug 2026 – 19 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
29% sub-humid, mild winter — 60 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.6–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
28.8–31.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
16.6–20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.7–12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.2–18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.2–10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 14 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 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
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 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 25.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.2 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 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 12 Sep 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 12 Sep 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameFavourablePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 30 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 34.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 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 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
EnsetFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PineappleFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
LettuceFavourablePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 3 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChilliFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericModeratePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamModeratePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicModeratePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 1 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 14.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
Rain-fed. These dates are worked out from each place's own rainfall, for a field watered by the season — with irrigation a window can open earlier, close later, or come round more than once a year. Check your own field under What grows, or get the Divisi app for a calendar dated to your farm.
What grows in Sandleni 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 1 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.4 t/ha expected
-
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.5 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 69.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable
What Divisi would not plant in Sandleni
Every crop in the catalogue is scored against this district, not only the ones that work — so the list above is a decision rather than a shortlist. These are the rest, with what ruled each one out.
- Banana Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate
- Cabbage Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro 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 Sandleni, 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
179 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
320 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
342 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Sandleni?
Mango, Pearl millet, Watermelon, Jute mallow, Niger seed all rate well in Sandleni — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Sandleni?
In Sandleni the window for Mango runs 18 Nov 2026 to 27 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Sandleni?
Divisi does. It reads Sandleni'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 Sandleni, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.