What grows in Senga Hill
Northern, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Senga Hill
| 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 987 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 53% of this area. |
| 53% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 205 growing days · about 1,010 mm · November to May |
|---|---|
| 45% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 208 growing days · about 1,100 mm · October to May |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Senga Hill
53% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 57 crops
-
CashewFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 Mar 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 · about 2.0 t/ha
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 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
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 below the crop's optimum -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 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 – 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 -
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 -
MangoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 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 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 — manageable -
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 below the crop's optimum -
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 below the crop's optimum -
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 — manageable -
CottonFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 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 — manageable -
GuavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 13 Oct 2026 – 22 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 -
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 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 8 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) -
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 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
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 below the crop's optimum -
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 -
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 — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 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 22 Oct 2026 – 10 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 22 Oct 2026 – 11 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 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 below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 23 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 below the crop's optimum -
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 — manageable -
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 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
KaleFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 4 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 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 4 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 -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Nov 2026 – 30 Jan 2027 opens in 4 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 4 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 – 1 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 4 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 21.9 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 -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 30 Jan 2027 – 4 Mar 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 below the crop's optimum -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 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 -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 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 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 15.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 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 -
LimeFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.1 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 -
MandarinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 10 Feb 2027 – 15 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
WheatFavourablePlant 19 Jan 2027 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 5.9 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 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.4 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 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.8 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
45% highland, 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 below the crop's optimum -
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 — manageable -
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 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 30 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 -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 20 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 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
13.8–13.9 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 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 — manageable -
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 below the crop's optimum -
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 below the crop's optimum -
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 — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 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 — 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) -
GuavaFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 8 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
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 20 Jul 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
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 – 10 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 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 below the crop's optimum -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 11 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 -
KaleFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 29.0 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 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 below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 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 -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 opens in 3 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 below the crop's optimum -
Common beanFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 1 Mar 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 -
Green gramFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 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) -
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 — manageable -
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 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OkraFavourablePlant 24 Oct 2026 – 9 Feb 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 — 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 20.1 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 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 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 -
CarrotFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 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 -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
OnionFavourable
Plant 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Feb 2027 opens in 4 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 4 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 – 11 Mar 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
RiceFavourablePlant 1 Nov 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 4 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 -
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 below the crop's optimum -
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 below the crop's optimum -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 4 Mar 2027 opens in 6 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 below the crop's optimum -
SesameFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 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 2.2 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 -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 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 -
CashewFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 26 Mar 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 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 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 22 Oct 2026 – 19 Feb 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 9 Feb 2027 – 14 Mar 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 32.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 17 Jan 2027 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 5.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CassavaFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.9 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 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 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 -
GrapefruitFavourablePlant 12 Oct 2026 – 1 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.1 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 -
AvocadoFavourablePlant 11 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 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 11 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 1 week
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 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 Senga Hill 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 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 -
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 -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Oil palmFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 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 1.7 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 -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 75.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Senga Hill
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
- 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
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 Senga Hill, 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 Senga Hill
- 31 August 2026 Tea — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Dec 2026
- 31 August 2026 Watermelon — Planting window moved, now opens 1 Nov 2026
- 31 August 2026 Passion Fruit — Planting window moved, now opens 30 Jan 2027
- 31 August 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Planting window moved, now opens 15 Jan 2027
- 31 August 2026 Lablab — Crop stopped being recommendable
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 Senga Hill?
Bambara groundnut, Cashew, Cotton, Egusi melon, Finger millet all rate well in Senga Hill — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Senga Hill?
In Senga Hill the window for Bambara groundnut runs 12 Oct 2026 to 10 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Senga Hill?
Divisi does. It reads Senga Hill'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 Senga Hill, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.