What grows in Makhoalipana
Maseru, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Makhoalipana
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | September 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 749 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 +1.6 °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, cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date |
| 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 full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 239 growing days · about 690 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 9% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 154 growing days · about 600 mm · November to May |
| 8% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 152 growing days · about 600 mm · November to May |
| 4% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 216 growing days · about 680 mm · October to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Makhoalipana
77% sub-humid, cool — 6 crops
-
Irish potatoModeratePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.4–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 13.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CabbageModeratePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.3–13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.5–9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.7 t/ha
Steep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
5.6–7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.5–12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope
9% semi-arid, cool — 12 crops
-
SunflowerModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PumpkinModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
5.5–6.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Niger seedModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
5.7–7.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 30 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.2–9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 13.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Common beanModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TeffModeratePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.9–8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.9–4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
5.3–6.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
8% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 12 crops
-
WheatModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Niger seedModeratePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanModeratePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.6–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.5–9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 13.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CarrotModeratePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.1–9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TeffModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.8–14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.8–9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.7 t/ha
Steep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
5.9–7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.3–9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 16.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.9–10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
4% highland, sub-humid, mild winter — 30 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.7–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.4–12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.6–12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 30 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.9–5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 30 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.5–0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.5–15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 14.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 13 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumModeratePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
AmaranthModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SoybeanModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Finger milletModeratePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeModeratePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
OkraModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 30 Apr 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CarrotModeratePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Aug 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 16.4 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 Makhoalipana
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.
- Enset Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mandarin Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Groundnut Moderate — Temperature
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Eggplant Moderate — Water
- African eggplant Unsuitable — Temperature
- Bambara groundnut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Banana Unsuitable
- Cashew Unsuitable
- Cassava Unsuitable
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cowpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Fonio Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Temperature
- Grapefruit Unsuitable
- Green gram Unsuitable — Temperature
- Guava Unsuitable
- Chilli Unsuitable — Temperature
- 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
- Sweet potato Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 44 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Makhoalipana, 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
286 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
384 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
444 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Makhoalipana?
Beetroot, Common bean, Niger seed, Teff, Wheat all rate well in Makhoalipana — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Beetroot in Makhoalipana?
In Makhoalipana the window for Beetroot runs 27 Jan 2027 to 16 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Makhoalipana?
Divisi does. It reads Makhoalipana'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 Makhoalipana, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.