What grows in Norton
Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Norton
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | October 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 821 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February, November and December look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.6 °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 67% of this area. |
| 67% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 181 growing days · about 820 mm · October to April |
|---|---|
| 33% | enough rain for one full main crop; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 182 growing days · about 830 mm · October to April |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Norton
67% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 49 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LablabFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 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 -
FonioFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.6–16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
-
SoybeanFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.7–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChilliFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GuavaFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 57.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 17.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
33% sub-humid, warm — 49 crops
-
SorghumFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 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 -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.9–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.1–17.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
-
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 4 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 11 Apr 2027 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 34.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GuavaFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 57.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WheatFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LimeFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 17.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 14.2 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
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 Norton with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.0 t/ha expected
-
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 64.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.4 t/ha expected
Frost riskLate-maturing — drought risk -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.4 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)
What Divisi would not plant in Norton
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.
- Grapefruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado Moderate — Water
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Tea Moderate — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cashew Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cassava Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Cotton Unsuitable — Temperature
- Egusi melon Unsuitable — Temperature
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pigeon pea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Rice Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 25 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Norton, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstThis calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Where to sell it nearby
-
GMB Aspindale Depot
37 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Boka Tobacco Auction Floors
39 km · Tobacco
-
Mbare Musika
42 km · Tomato, Maize, Cabbage, Onion
Support and extension
- Command Agriculture
- Pfumvudza/Intwasa
- AGRITEX
- Department of Research and Specialist Services
- Seed Services Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Norton?
Bambara groundnut, Finger millet, Fonio, Lablab, Mango all rate well in Norton — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Norton?
In Norton the window for Bambara groundnut runs 16 Oct 2026 to 5 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Norton?
Divisi does. It reads Norton'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 Norton, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.