What grows in Thaba-Mokhele
Mohale's Hoek, Lesotho
The 2026/27 season in Thaba-Mokhele
| 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 646 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 157 growing days · about 620 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 30% | enough rain for one full main crop; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 236 growing days · about 700 mm · October to June |
| 9% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; cool for part of the year, so frost sets the planting date 164 growing days · about 660 mm · November to May |
| 5% | 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 |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Thaba-Mokhele
57% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 32 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.3–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.2–8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 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 22 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.8–2.3 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 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.7 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 -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
MaizeFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
20.7–25.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
14.6–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 11.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 13 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 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 2 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 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 -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 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 -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 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 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 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 -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 16 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourablePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 33.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 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 -
KaleFavourablePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 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 -
Finger milletModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 58.8 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LablabModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
FonioModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 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 seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 27 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 32.7 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 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
30% sub-humid, cool — 13 crops
-
PumpkinModeratePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 13 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
8.1–10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SunflowerModeratePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 1 week
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.9 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Niger seedModeratePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 10 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 -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
12.9–16.4 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 -
CarrotModeratePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.9–15.3 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 -
TeffModeratePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Common beanModeratePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 12 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 -
BeetrootModeratePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.7–9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Steep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
5.8–7.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
10.7–13.8 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 -
KaleModeratePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 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 -
GarlicModeratePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 13 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 6 Jan 2027 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk
9% semi-arid, cool — 18 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
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SunflowerModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 28 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 -
PumpkinModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.3–7.8 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 -
CarrotModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.5–9.6 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 -
WheatModeratePlant 30 Dec 2026 – 19 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 5.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSteep 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 -
CucumberModeratePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.5–8.0 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 -
Irish potatoModeratePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.2–10.4 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 -
OnionModerate
Plant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
6.4–8.3 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 -
Spider plantModeratePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–3.0 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 -
TeffModeratePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
BeetrootModeratePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.8–9.7 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 -
African nightshadeModeratePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 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 -
LettuceModeratePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
CabbageModeratePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 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 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 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 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.7 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 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 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
5% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 39 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.6–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
21.6–26.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 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
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.1–8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 28 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 12.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.1–3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.6 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 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 -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 7 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
3.0–3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 8.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 25.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 11.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 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 4 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 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 -
TeffFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 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
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 33.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 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 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.6 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 13 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 29.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.1 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 14 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 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 -
CabbageFavourablePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.1 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.3 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 -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 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 -
KaleFavourablePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 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 -
African eggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioModeratePlant 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
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TomatoModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 58.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 7 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 32.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliModeratePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 16.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicModeratePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 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
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 Thaba-Mokhele
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
- Sweet orange Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mandarin Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Moderate — Frost & pests
- Lemon Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit 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
- 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; 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 Thaba-Mokhele, 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
328 km · Banana & plantain, Irish potato, Tomato, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
425 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Tshwane Market
485 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Thaba-Mokhele?
Sunflower, Niger seed, Teff, Wheat, Watermelon all rate well in Thaba-Mokhele — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Sunflower in Thaba-Mokhele?
In Thaba-Mokhele the window for Sunflower runs 23 Dec 2026 to 2 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Thaba-Mokhele?
Divisi does. It reads Thaba-Mokhele'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 Thaba-Mokhele, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.