What grows in Dr Kenneth Kaunda
North West, South Africa
The 2026/27 season in Dr Kenneth Kaunda
| 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 561 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 +2.1 °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, with a cool spell that slows winter growth |
| Ground this covers | 3 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 68% of this area. |
| 68% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 146 growing days · about 540 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 23% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth 167 growing days · about 570 mm · November to April |
| 8% | too dry for rain-fed cropping without irrigation; warm, with a cool spell that slows winter growth no rain-fed season · about 490 mm |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Dr Kenneth Kaunda
68% lowland, semi-arid, mild winter — 40 crops
-
LablabFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.6–3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
26.2–30.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.6–20.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.6–20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.1–8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
FonioFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 16 Dec 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageModeratePlant 8 Feb 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameModeratePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.0 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GroundnutModeratePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season
23% highland, semi-arid, mild winter — 41 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.4–9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Green gramFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.7–3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 18 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
26.8–31.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 16 Jan 2027 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 18 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
OkraFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 7 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameModeratePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 3 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 0.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 1.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageModeratePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutModeratePlant 7 Nov 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GarlicModeratePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 15.4 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 Dr Kenneth Kaunda with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Frost riskEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 18 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Dr Kenneth Kaunda
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.
- Roselle Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Mango Moderate — Frost & pests
- Papaya Moderate — Frost & pests
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Unsuitable
- Banana Unsuitable
- Cashew Unsuitable
- Cassava Unsuitable
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable
- Ginger Unsuitable
- Grapefruit Unsuitable
- Guava Unsuitable — Water
- Lemon Unsuitable
- Lime Unsuitable
- Mandarin Unsuitable — Water
- Moringa Unsuitable
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Sugarcane Unsuitable
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable
- 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 Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 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
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Joburg Market
116 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
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Tshwane Market
157 km · Irish potato, Tomato, Onion, Cabbage
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Letsema Horticulture Market
240 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Onion, Carrot
Support and extension
- Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme
- Ilima/Letsema
- Agricultural Research Council
- National Extension Support Services
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Dr Kenneth Kaunda?
Jute mallow, Lablab, Pearl millet, Bambara groundnut, Tobacco all rate well in Dr Kenneth Kaunda — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Jute mallow in Dr Kenneth Kaunda?
In Dr Kenneth Kaunda the window for Jute mallow runs 17 Dec 2026 to 15 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Dr Kenneth Kaunda?
Divisi does. It reads Dr Kenneth Kaunda'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 Dr Kenneth Kaunda, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.