What grows in Mberengwa
Midlands, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Mberengwa
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 630 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 +2.2 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Mberengwa
-
Niger seedFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
0.8–0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.2–1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 30 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.2–2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 9 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
29.5–33.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 28 Dec 2026 – 6 Feb 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
9.0–9.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 8.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 29 Dec 2026 – 18 Jan 2027 opens in 13 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.1–2.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
11.0–12.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 22.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–2.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 1.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.5–1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 19 Nov 2026 – 29 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 5.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 14 Nov 2026 – 24 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 20.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 29 Nov 2026 – 8 Jan 2027 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 16.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
CarrotFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 18 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
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 24 Nov 2026 – 23 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
21.2–26.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 24.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 27 Nov 2026 – 26 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
17.0–19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 1 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 9 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 8 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 28 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 7.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 8.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 19 Dec 2026 – 7 Feb 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 8.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 22 Dec 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 Jan 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 24.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 6 Jan 2027 – 15 Feb 2027 opens in 14 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 27 Feb 2027 – 8 Mar 2027 opens in 21 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.0 t/ha expected
· about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 28 Nov 2026 – 8 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 21.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 9 Nov 2026 – 19 Nov 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 16 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 28.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
PapayaFavourablePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 49.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 21 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 17 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 3.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LettuceFavourablePlant 6 Feb 2027 – 26 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 12.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 18.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EggplantFavourablePlant 12 Nov 2026 – 2 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 11 Nov 2026 – 1 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 13.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2025 – 18 Sep 2026 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonSteep slope -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 20.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 26.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonLate-maturing — drought risk -
RiceModeratePlant 17 Nov 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 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 Mberengwa 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 31.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.9 t/ha expected
Steep slope -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.3 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 45.5 t/ha expected
Steep slope -
Pigeon peaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
Passion fruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 51.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slope -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 11 Apr 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slope -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 28 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 20 Jul 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.4 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerModerate Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSteep slopeLate-maturing — drought risk
What Divisi would not plant in Mberengwa
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.
- Passion fruit Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Cotton Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Sweet orange Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Guava Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Lemon Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Lime Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Mandarin Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pigeon pea Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Avocado Moderate — Water
- Grapefruit Moderate — Water
- Teff Only in patches — clears in part of this area, not across any one zone
- Pineapple Moderate — Frost & pests
- Sugarcane Moderate — Water
- Turmeric 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 — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Yam Unsuitable
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 30 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Mberengwa, 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 Mberengwa
- 31 August 2026 Cashew — Crop became 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
-
Mucheke Market
92 km · Maize, Groundnut, Tomato, Sweet potato
-
GMB Masvingo Depot
94 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
GMB Gweru Depot
112 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
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 Mberengwa?
Niger seed, Green gram, Pearl millet, Cowpea, Watermelon all rate well in Mberengwa — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Niger seed in Mberengwa?
In Mberengwa the window for Niger seed runs 25 Nov 2026 to 4 Jan 2027.
Is there a farming app that works in Mberengwa?
Divisi does. It reads Mberengwa'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 Mberengwa, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.