What grows in Makoabating
Mafeteng, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Makoabating
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 633 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, 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 +2.0 °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 short crop, and only if timed to it, warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 4 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 77% of this area. |
| 77% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 157 growing days · about 630 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 155 growing days · about 600 mm · November to May |
| 10% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 155 growing days · about 600 mm · November to May |
| 3% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 164 growing days · about 660 mm · November to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Makoabating
77% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 35 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.6–9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
25.4–31.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.2–21.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.7–4.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.5–21.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.1–24.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.8–14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
MaizeFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 6.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 20.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
· about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 8 Feb 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 47.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.5 t/ha expected
· about 12.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
African eggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 14.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
EggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
10% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 39 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
24.0–29.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.1–19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.8–8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.4–4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.2–19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 14.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 6.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 20.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
· about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 47.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 16 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 16.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Green gramModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicModeratePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
· about 12.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
10% semi-arid, mild winter — 30 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.5–0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.2–17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.9–5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.2–12.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SorghumModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
AmaranthModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
5.5–7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 20.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SoybeanModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TomatoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LablabModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
MaizeModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 6.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PumpkinModeratePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CarrotModeratePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OkraModeratePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.2 t/ha expected
· about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 47.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 27.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
· about 12.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
3% semi-arid, cool — 18 crops
-
SunflowerModeratePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinModeratePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.4–7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotModeratePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.9–10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Niger seedModeratePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.3–0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatModeratePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanModeratePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberModeratePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.8–8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.6–5.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.4–10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.5–8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.5–3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TeffModeratePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
· about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 47.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
· about 12.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
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 Divisi would not plant in Makoabating
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 — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mandarin Moderate — Frost & pests
- Banana Unsuitable
- Cashew Unsuitable
- Cassava Unsuitable
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable
- Ginger Unsuitable
- Grapefruit Unsuitable
- Guava Unsuitable
- Lime Unsuitable
- Mango Unsuitable
- Moringa Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Papaya Unsuitable
- Pearl millet Unsuitable — Temperature
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Roselle Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sesame Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 35 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Makoabating, 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
-
Durban Fresh Produce Market
336 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
412 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
472 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Makoabating?
Jute mallow, Pumpkin, Sunflower, African nightshade, Beetroot all rate well in Makoabating — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Jute mallow in Makoabating?
In Makoabating the window for Jute mallow runs 9 Jan 2027 to 8 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Makoabating?
Divisi does. It reads Makoabating'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 Makoabating, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.