What grows in Mangochi
Southern, Malawi
The 2026/27 season in Mangochi
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 937 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February 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 +1.3 °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 all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 89% of this area. |
| 89% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 163 growing days · about 970 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 197 growing days · about 1,100 mm · November to May |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Mangochi
89% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 54 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 44.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 22.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
· about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 11 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 12 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 16 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
YamFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LettuceFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropLate-maturing — drought risk
10% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 53 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 62.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
· about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 11 Mar 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
MandarinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
RoselleFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 12 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 14 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 19 Feb 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-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 grows in Mangochi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 107.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CoconutFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 43.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Mangochi
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.
- Passion fruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Wheat Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Tea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Garlic Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cabbage Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Water
- Coconut Unsuitable — Water
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 19 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mangochi, 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 firstWhat changed in Mangochi
- 31 August 2026 Oil Palm — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Passion Fruit — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Lablab — Crop became recommendable
- 31 August 2026 Papaya — Crop became recommendable
This 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
-
Lilongwe Old Town Market
136 km · Maize, Groundnut, Common bean, Soybean
-
Kanengo Auction Floors
139 km · Tobacco
-
Limbe Produce Market
167 km · Maize, Tomato, Common bean, Pigeon pea
Support and extension
- Affordable Inputs Programme
- NEEF Agricultural Development Loans
- Department of Agricultural Extension Services
- Department of Agricultural Research Services
- Seed Services Unit
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Mangochi?
African eggplant, Bambara groundnut, Cashew, Egusi melon, Finger millet all rate well in Mangochi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African eggplant in Mangochi?
In Mangochi the window for African eggplant runs 2 Nov 2026 to 31 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mangochi?
Divisi does. It reads Mangochi'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 Mangochi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.