What grows in Mwinilunga
North-Western, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Mwinilunga
| 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 1,250 mm |
| This season's rain | Rain close to usual — plan around about 1,250 mm falling roughly when it always does |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.2 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one 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 94% of this area. |
| 94% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 225 growing days · about 1,230 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 6% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 225 growing days · about 1,240 mm · October to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Mwinilunga
94% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 54 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 open now
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 -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 open now
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 28 Sep 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 28 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 29.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 open now
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 28 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 open now
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 28 Sep 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 open now
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 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 18 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.6 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 -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 28 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 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) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 19 Oct 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 26 Sep 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LemonFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.9 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) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
TeaFavourablePlant 19 Oct 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 12 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 16.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeffFavourablePlant 28 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH outside the crop's range -
MandarinFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 26 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RiceFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 5.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 29 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RoselleFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 18 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PineappleFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 42.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
CabbageFavourablePlant 19 Mar 2027 – 28 Mar 2027 opens in 24 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 48.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TurmericModeratePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 18 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GingerModeratePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 18 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Not enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum
6% highland, sub-humid, warm — 50 crops
-
GuavaFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 open now
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 28 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 2 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
KaleFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
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 -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 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) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 3 Mar 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LemonFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 9 Oct 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 10 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
LimeFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MangoFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 open now
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 -
ChilliFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 5 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MaizeFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 open now
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 open now
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 8 Oct 2026 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 1 week
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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.6 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 -
OkraFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OnionFavourable
Plant 18 Oct 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeaFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 4.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 20 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
ChickpeaFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 20 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 18 Dec 2026 – 16 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GarlicFavourablePlant 27 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 16.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TeffFavourablePlant 27 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 17 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CabbageFavourablePlant 5 Feb 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 34.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 48.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MandarinFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 · about 2.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 18 Oct 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 5.7 t/ha
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
TurmericModeratePlant 28 Sep 2026 – 18 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GingerModeratePlant 29 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Not enough water in seasonSoil 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 Mwinilunga with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
CowpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 55.6 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming -
EnsetFavourable 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 -
Green gramFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Arabica coffeeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in Mwinilunga
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.
- Green gram Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pearl millet Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pigeon pea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cowpea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cotton Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Yam Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Moringa Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Arabica coffee Moderate — Water
- Enset Moderate — Water
- Sugarcane Moderate
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable — Temperature
- Taro Unsuitable — Temperature
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Oil palm Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 19 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mwinilunga, 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.
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 Mwinilunga?
African eggplant, Amaranth, Avocado, Bambara groundnut, Beetroot all rate well in Mwinilunga — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant African eggplant in Mwinilunga?
In Mwinilunga the window for African eggplant runs 26 Sep 2026 to 25 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Mwinilunga?
Divisi does. It reads Mwinilunga'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 Mwinilunga, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.