What grows in Mbinga
Ruvuma, United Republic of Tanzania
The 2026/27 season in Mbinga
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to May 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 1,081 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January and February look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.3 °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 | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 89% of this area. |
| 89% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 202 growing days · about 1,140 mm · November to June |
|---|---|
| 10% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 218 growing days · about 1,210 mm · November to June |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Mbinga
89% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 56 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Apr 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 27 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 30 Oct 2026 – 19 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LemonFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 44.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 8 Nov 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 4 Apr 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 4 Apr 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 10 Jan 2027 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Feb 2027 – 7 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 11 Mar 2027 – 21 Mar 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 20 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
· about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 1 Mar 2027 – 10 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
· about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
· about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 7 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 31 Mar 2027 – 10 Apr 2027 opens in 26 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 10 Mar 2027 – 1 Apr 2027 opens in 23 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourablePlant 29 Oct 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 34.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
TurmericModeratePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop
10% highland, sub-humid, warm — 52 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 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 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MangoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LemonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.2–16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LimeFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 19.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.9–12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LablabFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableLimited rooting depthSteep slope -
MaizeFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 8.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SorghumFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
MandarinFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
ChilliFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TomatoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 61.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
· about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Common beanFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Green gramFavourablePlant 28 Oct 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 1.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
CarrotFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
KaleFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
· about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
· about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
OnionFavourable
Plant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
· about 39.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
TeaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSteep slope -
CucumberFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
OkraFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GarlicFavourablePlant 5 Jan 2027 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 · about 13.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeffFavourablePlant 16 Mar 2027 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 20 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 35.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
WheatFavourablePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
LettuceFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 3 Apr 2027 opens in 20 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
Bambara groundnutModeratePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
FonioModeratePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
RoselleModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
SesameModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutModeratePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
EggplantModeratePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 43.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantModeratePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CabbageModeratePlant 24 Feb 2027 – 6 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)
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 Mbinga with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
PineappleFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Robusta coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 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 2.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 98.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Mbinga
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.
- Pineapple Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Enset Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Ginger Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Water
- Coconut Unsuitable — Water
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 12 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mbinga, 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
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 Mbinga?
Bambara groundnut, Finger millet, Fonio, Green gram, Groundnut all rate well in Mbinga — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Mbinga?
In Mbinga the window for Bambara groundnut runs 29 Oct 2026 to 6 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mbinga?
Divisi does. It reads Mbinga'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 Mbinga, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.