What grows in Manonyane
Maseru, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Manonyane
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 706 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 +1.8 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one full main crop, warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 4 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 43% of this area. |
| 43% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 217 growing days · about 720 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 29% | enough rain for one full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 238 growing days · about 750 mm · October to May |
| 21% | 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 670 mm · November to May |
| 7% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 216 growing days · about 710 mm · October to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Manonyane
43% highland, sub-humid, mild winter — 33 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 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
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
25.5–31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.2–7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 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 -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.6–4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 13 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.6 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
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.7–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 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 11 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.7–18.9 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.4–16.1 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 -
CucumberFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 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 -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 17.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 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 10.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 25 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 16.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.0 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 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 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 -
GarlicFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
· about 12.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 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 -
TomatoModeratePlant 18 Sep 2026 – 18 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
FonioModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
29% sub-humid, cool — 27 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.1–12.3 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 -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 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 -
Common beanFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.4–12.7 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 19 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.4–15.3 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 -
LablabModeratePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumModeratePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TobaccoModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.2 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 -
MaizeModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
2.1–2.7 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 -
AmaranthModeratePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 20 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.8 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 20 Sep 2026 – 20 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletModeratePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 20 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoModeratePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 20 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CarrotModeratePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 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 -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 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 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionModerate
Plant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 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 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 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 — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageModeratePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 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 20 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 27.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
· about 12.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 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 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 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
21% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 38 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
23.6–29.3 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 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 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 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.1–20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 13 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 -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.6–8.7 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 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.4–4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.9–19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
18.3–23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.4 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
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLimited rooting depth -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
2.1–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 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 -
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 2.6 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 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
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 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 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 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 12.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
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 -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
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 12 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 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 -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.9 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 -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 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 -
LettuceFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.7 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 -
CabbageFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.3 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 -
EggplantFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 16.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 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 12 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.0 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 -
GarlicFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.3 t/ha expected
· about 12.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
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
7% sub-humid, mild winter — 33 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.4 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 10 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.1–19.6 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 -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.2–12.5 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 -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 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 -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.9–5.4 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 -
Common beanFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 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 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 13 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLimited rooting depth -
SorghumModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SoybeanModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletModeratePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoModeratePlant 3 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 47.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
FonioModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 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
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TobaccoModeratePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 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 -
OkraModeratePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 9.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MaizeModeratePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 6.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
AmaranthModeratePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 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 -
CarrotModeratePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 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 -
OnionModerate
Plant 30 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 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 -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 9 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 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 -
BeetrootModeratePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 16 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 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 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 -
Spider plantModeratePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 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 29 Jan 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 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 13 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 27.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
ChilliModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 3 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 16.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
EggplantModeratePlant 23 Sep 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 open now
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 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 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 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 -
GarlicModeratePlant 20 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 11 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
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 Manonyane
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
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Tea 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 — 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
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 36 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Manonyane, 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
321 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
363 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
423 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Manonyane?
Sunflower, Pumpkin, Niger seed, Beetroot, Common bean all rate well in Manonyane — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Sunflower in Manonyane?
In Manonyane the window for Sunflower runs 11 Dec 2026 to 10 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Manonyane?
Divisi does. It reads Manonyane'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 Manonyane, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.