What grows in Mwatate
Taita Taveta, Kenya
The 2026 season in Mwatate
| 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 693 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 | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 91% of this area. |
| 91% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 200 growing days · about 670 mm · February to June |
|---|---|
| 3% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 178 growing days · about 600 mm · February to May |
last updated 30 September 2026
What grows in Mwatate
91% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
PineappleFavourablePlant 19 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
46.1–47.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 63.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
CassavaFavourablePlant 19 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
23.9–28.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
31.5–35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 Apr 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 2 Mar 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 20 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.7–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
OkraFavourablePlant 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.2–10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.4–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 20 Feb 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 20 Apr 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 16 Sep 2027 – 25 Sep 2027 opens in 50 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 18 Sep 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Sep 2027 – 26 Sep 2027 opens in 50 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depth -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CottonFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 18 Sep 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 Apr 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 19 Feb 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 39.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 60.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 9 Feb 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 54.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
EggplantFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RoselleFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 7.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 19 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 19 Sep 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 36.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
YamFavourablePlant 12 Sep 2026 – 2 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LettuceFavourablePlant 1 Apr 2027 – 21 Apr 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 26.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LemonFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 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 optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 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 29.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TurmericModeratePlant 17 Sep 2026 – 7 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season
3% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 50 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
29.9–34.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 18 Sep 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 16 Feb 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 26 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 28 Feb 2027 – 21 Apr 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.9–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
19.3–22.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.1–16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.0–8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.3–21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 2 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 28 Feb 2027 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Mar 2027 – 5 Apr 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 11.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 17 Apr 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CassavaFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PineappleFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 42.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 63.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RoselleFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CottonFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
EggplantFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
FonioFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.1 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 optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 18 Sep 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 22 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 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 12 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 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 optimum -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 60.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 54.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 31.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 7.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2025 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 39.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
ChilliFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LettuceFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 26.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 13 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season
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 Mwatate 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 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 54.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.7 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 23.2 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 84.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Mwatate
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 — Water
- Taro Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
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 Mwatate, 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 Mwatate
- 31 August 2026 Watermelon — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Oct 2026
- 31 August 2026 Jute Mallow — Planting window moved, now opens 21 Oct 2026
- 31 August 2026 Cashew — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Oct 2026
- 31 August 2026 Passion Fruit — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Oct 2026
- 31 August 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Crop stopped being recommendable
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
Kongowea Market
152 km · Tomato, Banana & plantain, Mango, Cassava
-
Kilombero Market
191 km · Tomato, Onion, Irish potato, Cabbage
-
Kibaigwa Maize Market
340 km · Maize, Sunflower, Sorghum, Pearl millet
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 Mwatate?
Cassava, Pineapple, African nightshade, Beetroot, Carrot all rate well in Mwatate — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Cassava in Mwatate?
In Mwatate the window for Cassava runs 19 Sep 2026 to 9 Oct 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Mwatate?
Divisi does. It reads Mwatate'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 Mwatate, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.