What grows in Nakonde
Muchinga, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Nakonde
| 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 972 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning wet — January, February, 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 +1.1 °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 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 87% of this area. |
| 87% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 205 growing days · about 1,000 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 13% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 206 growing days · about 930 mm · November to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Nakonde
87% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 57 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MangoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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 13 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 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 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 3 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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.9 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 -
MoringaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 23 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 3 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 46.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 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 -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 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 -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 30 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 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 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 2 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 5 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 -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 16 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 22 Nov 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 2 Dec 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 5 Mar 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
YamFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 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 -
LemonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.7 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 -
LimeFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 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 -
MandarinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 31 Jan 2027 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 4.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 22 Feb 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 27.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CassavaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 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 -
TurmericModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop
13% highland, sub-humid, warm — 57 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 2 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 optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 -
FonioFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 2 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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
13.7–13.9 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SorghumFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RoselleFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 10 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TomatoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
EggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 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 -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 22 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Common beanFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 18 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 25 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MoringaFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 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 -
CarrotFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 2 Nov 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 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 -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 4 Nov 2026 – 5 Mar 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 2 Nov 2026 – 12 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 18 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 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 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 -
LimeFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.2 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 -
WheatFavourablePlant 21 Dec 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 4.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 11 Feb 2027 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 27.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CashewFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 16 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.7 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 -
CassavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
YamFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.4 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 -
MandarinFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 30.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericModeratePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 2 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonDry season too long for this crop
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 Nakonde 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 -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
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 -
CocoaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourable 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 88.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Nakonde
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.
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Water
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable — Water
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable — Water
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Enset Unsuitable
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 17 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Nakonde, 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 Nakonde
- 2 September 2026 Tomato — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Tomato — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Beetroot — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 2 September 2026 Beetroot — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Spider Plant — Limiting factor changed
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
- Farmer Input Support Programme
- Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility
- Department of Agriculture
- Seed Control and Certification Institute
- Zambia Agriculture Research Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Nakonde?
Bambara groundnut, Cotton, Egusi melon, Finger millet, Fonio all rate well in Nakonde — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Nakonde?
In Nakonde the window for Bambara groundnut runs 13 Oct 2026 to 21 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Nakonde?
Divisi does. It reads Nakonde'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 Nakonde, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.