What grows in Waterberg
Limpopo, South Africa
The 2026/27 season in Waterberg
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to March 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 439 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 +2.2 °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 | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 80% of this area. |
| 80% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 147 growing days · about 540 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 110 growing days · about 440 mm · November to March |
| 3% | too dry for rain-fed cropping without irrigation; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth no rain-fed season · about 420 mm |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Waterberg
80% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 33 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.3–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
6.3–7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.5–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Green gramFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
20.4–23.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
12.8–15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
2.1–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
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 -
SesameFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 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 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
TomatoModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
MaizeModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 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 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
AmaranthModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionModerate
Plant 17 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
ChilliModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
10% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 34 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Green gramFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
19.0–23.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
CarrotModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthModeratePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeModeratePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
OnionModerate
Plant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceModeratePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk
3% lowland, arid, mild winter — 34 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
19.3–23.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
2.0–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.5–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
12.3–15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SesameFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.6–0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
1.4–1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
CarrotModeratePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantModeratePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionModerate
Plant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 7.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleModeratePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 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 grows in Waterberg 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 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
-
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
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 -
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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Early-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
LettuceFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 40.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.8 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 15.8 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.7 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in Waterberg
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.
- Sweet potato Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Niger seed Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Beetroot Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Mango Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Lettuce Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Irish potato 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
- Swiss chard Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Papaya Moderate — Frost & pests
- Moringa Moderate — Water
- Sweet pepper Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Cashew Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Pigeon pea Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- Banana Unsuitable
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- 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
- Sugarcane Unsuitable
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 40 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Waterberg, 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
-
Letsema Horticulture Market
204 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Onion, Carrot
-
Tshwane Market
227 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
-
Joburg Market
282 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
Support and extension
- Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme
- Ilima/Letsema
- Agricultural Research Council
- National Extension Support Services
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Waterberg?
Lablab, Pearl millet, Jute mallow, African eggplant, Bambara groundnut all rate well in Waterberg — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Lablab in Waterberg?
In Waterberg the window for Lablab runs 7 Nov 2026 to 7 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Waterberg?
Divisi does. It reads Waterberg'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 Waterberg, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.