What grows in Omatako
Otjozondjupa, Namibia
The 2026/27 season in Omatako
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | December 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 424 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 +1.9 °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 55% of this area. |
| 55% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 99 growing days · about 410 mm · December to April |
|---|---|
| 45% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 114 growing days · about 450 mm · December to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Omatako
55% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 41 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.6–3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
26.9–31.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.1 t/ha expected
· about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.3–19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.6–9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 1 Mar 2027 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
FonioFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MaizeFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 2 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
OkraFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
EggplantFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
ChilliFavourablePlant 22 Dec 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameModeratePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GroundnutModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceModeratePlant 4 Jan 2027 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceModeratePlant 13 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RoselleModeratePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
KaleModeratePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
45% highland, semi-arid, warm — 40 crops
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
28.2–32.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.4–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
15.3–18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 11 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Green gramFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
· about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 31 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Common beanFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CucumberFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
· about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
FonioFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MaizeFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TomatoFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
WheatFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CarrotFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
OnionFavourable
Plant 3 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
LettuceFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
EggplantFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
ChilliFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 4 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
SesameModeratePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GroundnutModeratePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
RiceModeratePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
Rain-fed. These dates are worked out from each place's own rainfall, for a field watered by the season — with irrigation a window can open earlier, close later, or come round more than once a year. Check your own field under What grows, or get the Divisi app for a calendar dated to your farm.
What grows in Omatako 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 -
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 34.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.8 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 27.8 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 23.2 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 3.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MoringaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.9 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 41.3 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)
What Divisi would not plant in Omatako
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.
- Mango Moderate
- Moringa Moderate — Water
- Papaya Moderate — Water
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cashew Unsuitable
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Grapefruit Unsuitable — Water
- Guava Unsuitable — Water
- Lemon Unsuitable — Water
- Lime Unsuitable — Water
- Mandarin Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 33 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Omatako, 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
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Omatako?
Watermelon, Jute mallow, Bambara groundnut, Finger millet, Soybean all rate well in Omatako — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Watermelon in Omatako?
In Omatako the window for Watermelon runs 7 Jan 2027 to 6 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Omatako?
Divisi does. It reads Omatako'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 Omatako, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.