What grows in Mungwi
Northern, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Mungwi
| 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 1,042 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning wet — January, November and December look heavier than usual. Make sure water can drain off the field; a wet year does more damage through waterlogging and disease than through the rain itself. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.2 °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 87% of this area. |
| 87% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 206 growing days · about 1,100 mm · October to May |
|---|---|
| 11% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 177 growing days · about 1,110 mm · October to April |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Mungwi
87% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 58 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 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 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 20 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 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 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 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SesameFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MangoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 9 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 20 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 20 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 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 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 12 Oct 2026 – 11 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 14 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GuavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.5 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 -
CashewFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 15 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 -
MoringaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 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 22 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PapayaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 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 22 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
EggplantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 1 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 9 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 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 21 Feb 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 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 17 Mar 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 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) -
LimeFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 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) -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 5 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) -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 1 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 4 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
RiceFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 17 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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
OkraFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
YamFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 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 -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 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) -
MandarinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
LettuceFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CassavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 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 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.0 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 -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this cropSoil pH outside the crop's range -
TurmericModeratePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.0 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
11% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 57 crops
-
MangoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 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 -
SorghumFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 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 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 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 — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 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 12 Oct 2026 – 31 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 -
FonioFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 -
RoselleFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 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 -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 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 -
CottonFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 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 — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 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 — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 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 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 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 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Green gramFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
PapayaFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
EggplantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 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 — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Jan 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 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChilliFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 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 — manageable -
CashewFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 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 — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 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 — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 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 — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 5 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 — manageable -
CucumberFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 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 — manageable -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 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 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 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 — manageable -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 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 — manageable -
RiceFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 17 Nov 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
YamFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableDry season too long for this crop -
CassavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
TurmericModeratePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.1 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 Mungwi 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 — manageable -
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 outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
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 — 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 -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 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 26.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 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 1.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 33 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 30 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 77.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime)Correctable with liming
What Divisi would not plant in Mungwi
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 Moderate — Water
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Ginger 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
- Oil palm Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 16 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mungwi, 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 Mungwi
- 2 September 2026 Tomato — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
- 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
- 2 September 2026 Sweet Pepper — Limiting factor changed, now held back mostly by Frost & pests
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 Mungwi?
Bambara groundnut, Cotton, Egusi melon, Finger millet, Fonio all rate well in Mungwi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Mungwi?
In Mungwi the window for Bambara groundnut runs 12 Oct 2026 to 10 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mungwi?
Divisi does. It reads Mungwi'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 Mungwi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.