What grows in Makadara
Nairobi, Kenya
The 2026 season in Makadara
| Rainy seasons | Two each year — two chances to plant |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | February 2026 to June 2026 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 832 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning wet — January, February, October, November and December look heavier than usual. Make sure water can drain off the field; a wet year does more damage through waterlogging and disease than through the rain itself. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.0 °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 all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 50% of this area. |
| 50% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 228 growing days · about 830 mm · February to June |
|---|---|
| 25% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 179 growing days · about 660 mm · February to June |
| 25% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 181 growing days · about 660 mm · February to June |
last updated 30 September 2026
What grows in Makadara
50% highland, sub-humid, warm — 65 crops
-
PineappleFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
51.9–53.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
33.9–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 16 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
34.2–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 18 Apr 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
29.3–30.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 12 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
24.4–25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 4 Mar 2027 – 18 Apr 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
24.9–25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 18 Apr 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
19.8–20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 8 Mar 2027 – 29 Apr 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.7–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 4 Mar 2027 – 18 Apr 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 18 Apr 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 16 Apr 2027 – 29 Apr 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 23 Feb 2027 – 16 Apr 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 12 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 7 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 17 Feb 2027 – 3 Apr 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 7 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 19 Mar 2027 – 3 May 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 8 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
EggplantFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WheatFavourablePlant 4 Mar 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CassavaFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
EnsetFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
YamFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 20 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BananaFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 60.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeaFavourablePlant 21 Feb 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 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 (acidifier) -
RiceFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RoselleFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TurmericFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Robusta coffeeFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TaroFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 23.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
MoringaFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GarlicFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 18.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil 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 Makadara with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 52.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 52.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable
What Divisi would not plant in Makadara
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.
- Sugarcane Moderate
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Temperature
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 9 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Makadara, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstWhat changed in Makadara
- 2 September 2026 Watermelon — Limiting factor changed
- 2 September 2026 Watermelon — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Wheat — Limiting factor changed
- 2 September 2026 Wheat — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
Gikomba Market
3 km · Tomato, Rape / covo / kale, Onion, Irish potato
-
Wakulima Market
4 km · Tomato, Irish potato, Cabbage, Onion
-
Karatina Market
95 km · Irish potato, Cabbage, Tomato, Maize
Support and extension
- Agricultural Finance Corporation Credit
- National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
- Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Makadara?
Cotton, Pearl millet, Pineapple, African eggplant, African nightshade all rate well in Makadara — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Cotton in Makadara?
In Makadara the window for Cotton runs 20 Sep 2026 to 30 Oct 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Makadara?
Divisi does. It reads Makadara'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 Makadara, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.