What grows in Zombodze
Shiselweni, Eswatini
The 2026/27 season in Zombodze
| 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 750 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 90% of this area. |
| 90% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 223 growing days · about 740 mm · September to May |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 221 growing days · about 710 mm · September to May |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Zombodze
90% lowland, sub-humid, mild winter — 53 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.2–17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.5–10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
GuavaFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.7–19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
21.9–23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 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 18 Sep 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.2 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 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 18 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 21 Sep 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 21.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 63.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CarrotFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
· about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EnsetFavourablePlant 21 Aug 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 21 Aug 2027 – 10 Sep 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
KaleFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GroundnutModeratePlant 1 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 1 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicModeratePlant 22 Aug 2027 – 1 Sep 2027 opens in 46 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 15.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
10% sub-humid, mild winter — 52 crops
-
LemonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.5–16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MangoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.4–15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GuavaFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.1–17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 21.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
FonioFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.2–9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PapayaFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 63.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CarrotFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OkraFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
EnsetFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TeffFavourablePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
· about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RoselleFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameModeratePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 22 Sep 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African eggplantModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TomatoModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthModeratePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MaizeModeratePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 21 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 8 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
ChilliModeratePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
EggplantModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleModeratePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 23 Aug 2027 – 2 Sep 2027 opens in 47 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 15.8 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 Zombodze 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 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.2 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
MoringaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Frost riskLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 42 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Zombodze
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.
- Moringa Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cotton Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pigeon pea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Rice Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Banana Moderate — Water
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Turmeric Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Yam Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Robusta coffee Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 21 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Zombodze, 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
199 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
301 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
339 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Zombodze?
Mango, Pearl millet, Lemon, Finger millet, Soybean all rate well in Zombodze — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Mango in Zombodze?
In Zombodze the window for Mango runs 20 Nov 2026 to 29 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Zombodze?
Divisi does. It reads Zombodze'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 Zombodze, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.