What grows in Qibing
Mafeteng, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Qibing
| 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 587 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 | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 86% of this area. |
| 86% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 154 growing days · about 590 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 137 growing days · about 560 mm · December to May |
| 3% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 156 growing days · about 620 mm · November to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Qibing
86% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 39 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.4–9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
23.7–28.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.3–20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.5–4.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.7–20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
19.0–23.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.4–13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 66.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 33.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 28.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 8 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 8 Feb 2027 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 37.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
FonioModeratePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutModeratePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
10% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 27 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.0–9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.3–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
22.5–27.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.0–19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.5–19.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Green gramFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 28.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
OkraFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
3% semi-arid, mild winter — 38 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.4–9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
25.1–30.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.0–20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-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 – 10 Feb 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.6–4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.9–20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 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
19.7–24.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.9 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
11.4–14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.1–18.9 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 33.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 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 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 28.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 66.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
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 Qibing
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.
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Unsuitable
- 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
- Lemon Unsuitable
- Lime Unsuitable
- Mandarin 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
- Sugarcane Unsuitable
- Sweet orange Unsuitable
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable
- Yam Unsuitable
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 Qibing, 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
365 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
399 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
459 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Qibing?
Jute mallow, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Watermelon, African nightshade all rate well in Qibing — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Jute mallow in Qibing?
In Qibing the window for Jute mallow runs 20 Jan 2027 to 9 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Qibing?
Divisi does. It reads Qibing'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 Qibing, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.