What grows in Ngorongoro
Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
The 2026/27 season in Ngorongoro
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 689 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning wet — January, November and December look heavier than usual. Make sure water can drain off the field; a wet year does more damage through waterlogging and disease than through the rain itself. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.0 °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 full main crop, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | 4 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 61% of this area. |
| 61% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 212 growing days · about 670 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 14% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 166 growing days · about 440 mm · November to April |
| 10% | too dry for rain-fed cropping without irrigation; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season no rain-fed season · about 350 mm |
| 5% | enough rain for a long crop, or two in a year; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 280 growing days · about 960 mm · October to July |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Ngorongoro
61% highland, sub-humid, warm — 48 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
15.7–18.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PineappleFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
49.2–50.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
SorghumFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.8–3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 2 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
4.6–5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
19.8–21.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 13 Jan 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
39.6–46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 2 Feb 2027 – 15 Apr 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.3–18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
-
CarrotFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
25.1–29.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
25.5–29.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 3 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 12 Feb 2027 – 24 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 5 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 18 Apr 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Feb 2027 – 10 Apr 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 26 Feb 2027 – 15 Apr 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 10 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WheatFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.0 t/ha
-
ChilliFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 24 Dec 2026 – 13 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GarlicFavourablePlant 3 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 18.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 23 Jan 2027 – 12 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CabbageFavourablePlant 15 Mar 2027 – 25 Mar 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 52.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 6 Oct 2026 – 26 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
TurmericModeratePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GroundnutModeratePlant 5 Oct 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.2 t/ha
-
Bambara groundnutModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
African eggplantModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
EggplantModeratePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Sweet potatoModeratePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
RiceModeratePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
FonioModeratePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
OkraModeratePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Jute mallowModeratePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 10 Apr 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
WatermelonModeratePlant 7 Feb 2027 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope
14% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 49 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 9 Mar 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.1–9.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
22.2–25.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
LablabFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 30 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–2.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 2 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.1–1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.7–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 26 Feb 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.9–20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 25 Jan 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 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 -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 2 Apr 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 8 Apr 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 15 Feb 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 3 Mar 2027 – 23 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
RoselleFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CottonFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
EggplantFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Not enough water in season -
KaleFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 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 -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
FonioFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 10.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 9.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
CarrotFavourablePlant 4 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 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 -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PineappleFavourablePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 28.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 70.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 25 Jan 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CassavaFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 17 Mar 2027 – 19 Apr 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
RiceModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season
5% high montane, humid, warm — 11 crops
-
EnsetFavourablePlant 16 Sep 2026 – 6 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
28.1–28.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeaFavourablePlant 2 Oct 2026 – 19 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
2.8–3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
KaleFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 27 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
27.9–29.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 9 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
28.1–29.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 4 Oct 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
21.4–25.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 40.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GarlicFavourablePlant 30 Sep 2026 – 17 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
7.7–8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 18.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 20 Sep 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
3.6–4.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 7.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 7 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 45.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CabbageFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 8 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 42.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 52.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 16 Sep 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Soil 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 Ngorongoro 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 17 Nov 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 59.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.8 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)
What Divisi would not plant in Ngorongoro
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.
- Chickpea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Mandarin Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Grapefruit Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate
- Yam Moderate — Slope / terrain
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro Unsuitable — Temperature
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 13 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Ngorongoro, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstWhat changed in Ngorongoro
- 2 September 2026 Chickpea — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Water
- 2 September 2026 Chickpea — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Mango — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Lemon — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Water
- 2 September 2026 Sunflower — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
Support and extension
- Building a Better Tomorrow – Youth Initiative for Agribusiness
- Fertiliser Subsidy Programme
- Smallholder Farmers Credit Guarantee Scheme
- Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute
- Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Ngorongoro?
Kale, Swiss chard, Beetroot, Irish potato, Lettuce all rate well in Ngorongoro — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Kale in Ngorongoro?
In Ngorongoro the window for Kale runs 30 Sep 2026 to 27 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Ngorongoro?
Divisi does. It reads Ngorongoro'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 Ngorongoro, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.