What grows in Lithipeng
Mohale's Hoek, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Lithipeng
| 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 616 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 short crop, and only if timed to it, warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 4 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 57% of this area. |
| 57% | 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 600 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 17% | enough rain for one full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 211 growing days · about 680 mm · October to June |
| 12% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 150 growing days · about 570 mm · November to May |
| 12% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 162 growing days · about 640 mm · November to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Lithipeng
57% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 32 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.4–0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.6–5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLimited rooting depth -
TobaccoModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SoybeanModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TomatoModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
10.1–12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 58.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
FonioModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.4–0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SorghumModeratePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthModeratePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 25.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MaizeModeratePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
WheatModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SunflowerModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.6–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.8–10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.2–7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CarrotModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.1–9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Common beanModeratePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CucumberModeratePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 18 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TeffModeratePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootModeratePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 21.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 28 Jan 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
· about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OkraModeratePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 11.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 8 Jan 2027 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 58.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
EggplantModeratePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 8 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 6.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 33.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 15.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
KaleModeratePlant 8 Jan 2027 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
17% sub-humid, cool — 16 crops
-
Niger seedModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.3–0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
WheatModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
PumpkinModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
5.8–7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberModeratePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotModeratePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Common beanModeratePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TeffModeratePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.4–9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.2–5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 21.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 58.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
LettuceModeratePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 t/ha expected
· about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 15.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope
12% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 39 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 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 -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.5–8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.9–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
10.1–12.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TeffFavourablePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 11.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 11 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 21.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
· about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 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 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 33.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageModeratePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 58.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioModeratePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantModeratePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoModeratePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 58.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthModeratePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 25.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 35.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliModeratePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 9 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 18.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleModeratePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicModeratePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 15.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
12% semi-arid, cool — 17 crops
-
Niger seedModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.3–0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CucumberModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.4–7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.1–7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
CarrotModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.3–9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
OnionModerate
Plant 21 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.2–8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
WheatModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.0–10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 37.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
TeffModeratePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.4–5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 21.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Spider plantModeratePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.3–2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
· about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 58.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
GarlicModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 15.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 42.1 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 Lithipeng
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.
- Sesame Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Enset Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mandarin Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mango 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
- Guava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Lime Unsuitable
- Moringa Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Papaya Unsuitable
- Pearl millet Unsuitable — Temperature
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Roselle Unsuitable — Temperature
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 35 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Lithipeng, 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
319 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
456 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Lithipeng?
Niger seed, Sunflower, Jute mallow, African nightshade, Beetroot all rate well in Lithipeng — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Niger seed in Lithipeng?
In Lithipeng the window for Niger seed runs 11 Jan 2027 to 31 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Lithipeng?
Divisi does. It reads Lithipeng'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 Lithipeng, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.