What grows in John Pandeni (Soweto)
Khomas, Namibia
The 2026 season in John Pandeni (Soweto)
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | January 2026 to March 2026 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 356 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January and February look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +2.1 °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 | This area is smaller than the climate grid can resolve, so it reads as one kind of ground. |
| 50% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 90 growing days · about 380 mm · December to April |
|---|---|
| 50% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 85 growing days · about 360 mm · January to March |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in John Pandeni (Soweto)
50% highland, semi-arid, warm — 38 crops
-
SunflowerFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–1.8 t/ha expected
· about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
22.2–25.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
6.5–7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Green gramFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
13.7–16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
SorghumFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
2.1–2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.9–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2027 – 18 Aug 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 47.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
WheatFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Common beanFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CucumberFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 20 Jan 2027 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
FonioModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TomatoModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
AmaranthModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
OnionModerate
Plant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
GroundnutModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
LettuceModeratePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Sweet pepperModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
EggplantModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Not enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
ChilliModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Swiss chardModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleModeratePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range
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 John Pandeni (Soweto) with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 7 Dec 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SesameFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
MangoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
RoselleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 61.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
MoringaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
PapayaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 51.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
RiceFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable
What Divisi would not plant in John Pandeni (Soweto)
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.
- Moringa Moderate — Water
- Papaya Moderate — Water
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Rice Moderate — Water
- Garlic Moderate — Water
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cashew Unsuitable
- Cassava Unsuitable
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Grapefruit Unsuitable — Water
- Guava Unsuitable — Water
- Lemon Unsuitable — Water
- Lime Unsuitable — Water
- Mandarin Unsuitable — Water
- Mango Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Roselle Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sesame Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 36 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across John Pandeni (Soweto), 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 John Pandeni (Soweto)
- 31 August 2026 Jute Mallow — 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
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in John Pandeni (Soweto)?
Lablab, Sunflower, Watermelon, Jute mallow, African eggplant all rate well in John Pandeni (Soweto) — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lablab in John Pandeni (Soweto)?
In John Pandeni (Soweto) the window for Lablab runs 21 Dec 2026 to 10 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in John Pandeni (Soweto)?
Divisi does. It reads John Pandeni (Soweto)'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 John Pandeni (Soweto), not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.