What grows in Makhoarane
Maseru, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Makhoarane
| 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 665 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 70% of this area. |
| 70% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 158 growing days · about 660 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 17% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 215 growing days · about 700 mm · October to May |
| 13% | enough rain for one full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 230 growing days · about 710 mm · October to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Makhoarane
70% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 37 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.4–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
26.7–32.8 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 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 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 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.9–20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.7–19.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 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
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.7 t/ha expected
· about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 26 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.8–23.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.2–14.0 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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
2.2–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 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 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
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 3.6 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 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 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 · about 1.2 t/ha
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 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 66.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 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 -
LettuceFavourablePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.6 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 -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 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 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 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 5 Feb 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.7 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 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.7 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 17 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 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 17 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 24.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 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 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 17.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
ChilliModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 23.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season
17% highland, sub-humid, mild winter — 34 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 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 -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
22.1–27.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.1–7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.1–3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
· about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026 open now
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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
2.0–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.3 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 9.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 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 -
CucumberFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 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 -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 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 -
LettuceFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 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 -
CabbageFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.8 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.6 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 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 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 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoModeratePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 66.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GroundnutModeratePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioModeratePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliModeratePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 5 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 23.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantModeratePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
13% sub-humid, cool — 27 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.3–3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.7–19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.6 t/ha expected
· about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 15 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.8–23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 14 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
MaizeFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 3 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
2.9–3.9 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 -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 14 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 28.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 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 25 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 12 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 -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 23.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 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 -
LettuceFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
· about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.2 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 4 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.2 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 -
GarlicFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 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 -
TomatoModeratePlant 24 Sep 2026 – 14 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 66.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/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 Divisi would not plant in Makhoarane
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.
- Cowpea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Enset Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange 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
- Ginger Unsuitable
- Grapefruit Unsuitable
- Green gram Unsuitable — Temperature
- 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; 37 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Makhoarane, 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
338 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
384 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
445 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Makhoarane?
Jute mallow, Lablab, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Cucumber all rate well in Makhoarane — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Jute mallow in Makhoarane?
In Makhoarane the window for Jute mallow runs 9 Jan 2027 to 8 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Makhoarane?
Divisi does. It reads Makhoarane'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 Makhoarane, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.