What grows in Gwanda Urban
Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Gwanda Urban
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to March 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 504 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 +2.3 °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 short crop, and only if timed to it, 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 50% of this area. |
| 50% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 139 growing days · about 500 mm · November to March |
|---|---|
| 50% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 137 growing days · about 500 mm · November to March |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Gwanda Urban
50% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 41 crops
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
23.2–29.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.0–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 13 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.6–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
7.2–8.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
15.1–18.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
13.5–17.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SesameFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SorghumFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
FonioFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 22 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 23 Dec 2026 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 12 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 13 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceModeratePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
50% semi-arid, warm — 41 crops
-
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
8.5–9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
15.2–19.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 31.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LablabFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.4–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 23 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.7–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.8–2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.8–1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.6–3.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 4.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.3–1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
FonioFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
0.9–1.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Green gramFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 1.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 26.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 15 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CucumberFavourablePlant 14 Jan 2027 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 8.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SesameFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 58.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 3 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 20.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 44.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 24.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 5 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 37.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 22 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 29.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 33.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
KaleFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 41.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-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 Gwanda Urban with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GuavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 34.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.9 t/ha expected
-
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.0 t/ha expected
-
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.0 t/ha expected
-
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 36.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 30 Jun 2027 – 9 Jul 2027 opens in 39 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.0 t/ha expected
-
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 58.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.9 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
WheatFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
PapayaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 56.5 t/ha expected
-
MoringaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.9 t/ha expected
Late-maturing — drought risk -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.6 t/ha expected
Frost riskEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.8 t/ha expected
Frost risk -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
Pigeon peaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Gwanda Urban
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.
- Moringa Moderate — Water
- Papaya Moderate — Water
- Passion fruit Moderate — Frost & pests
- Pigeon pea Moderate — Frost & pests
- Avocado Unsuitable — 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
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Grapefruit Unsuitable — Water
- Guava Unsuitable — Water
- Lemon Unsuitable — Water
- Lime Unsuitable — Water
- Mandarin Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Sweet orange Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable
- Wheat Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 33 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Gwanda Urban, 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 Gwanda Urban
- 31 August 2026 Cashew — 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
-
Nkulumane Market
94 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Onion, Irish potato
-
GMB Bulawayo Depot
96 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Renkini Market
97 km · Maize, Groundnut, Cowpea, Sorghum
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 Gwanda Urban?
Jute mallow, Sweet potato, Finger millet, Lablab, Niger seed all rate well in Gwanda Urban — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Jute mallow in Gwanda Urban?
In Gwanda Urban the window for Jute mallow runs 14 Jan 2027 to 3 Feb 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Gwanda Urban?
Divisi does. It reads Gwanda Urban'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 Gwanda Urban, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.