What grows in Shurugwi
Midlands, Zimbabwe
The 2026/27 season in Shurugwi
| 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 686 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 | 2 kinds of ground. The season below is the largest that farms — about 93% of this area. |
| 93% | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it; warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season 160 growing days · about 680 mm · November to April |
|---|---|
| 6% | 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 |
last updated 17 September 2026
What grows in Shurugwi
93% lowland, semi-arid, warm — 49 crops
-
Finger milletFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.7–3.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.4–2.5 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 3 Nov 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
1.9–2.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
3.6–4.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 5.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
2.5–2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 7 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 -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 20.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CucumberFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.1 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 25 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 26 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 1 Feb 2027 – 11 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MaizeFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 5.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 7 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 — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 26 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
WheatFavourablePlant 16 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 11 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.1 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 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
RoselleFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 24.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 5 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 25.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in season -
SesameFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 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 -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MandarinFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 54.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MoringaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 26 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 14 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 20 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceModeratePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 3.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought
6% lowland, sub-humid, warm — 51 crops
-
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MangoFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
16.6–16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 25.0 t/ha
-
SoybeanFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 26 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 4.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
FonioFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 4 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 -
Green gramFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 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 -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 19 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 18 Sep 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 4 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 -
MaizeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OkraFavourablePlant 20 Nov 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 15.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 25 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 -
OnionFavourable
Plant 16 Nov 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 opens in 7 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 -
CucumberFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 14 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 16 Nov 2026 – 4 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 16 Nov 2026 – 4 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 -
CarrotFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 5 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 50.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 10 Dec 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 10 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 15 Jan 2027 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 15 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 21.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 27 Dec 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 30.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
GuavaFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
LemonFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PapayaFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 35.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 54.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
TomatoFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 31.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TeffFavourablePlant 8 Feb 2027 – 17 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LettuceFavourablePlant 29 Jan 2027 – 18 Feb 2027 opens in 17 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 17 Nov 2026 · about 1.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 11.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 31 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourablePlant 12 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027 opens in 19 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 22.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableNot enough water in seasonEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SesameFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 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 -
Sweet orangeFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 14.4 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 -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 10 Nov 2026 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 2.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LimeFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 2027 opens in 3 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 8.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 17.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourablePlant 21 Oct 2026 – 9 Jan 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 25.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 May 2027 – 10 Jun 2027 · about 12.4 t/ha
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 10 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 10.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 22.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
GarlicFavourablePlant 14 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026 opens in 11 weeks
based on the rains it usually gets
about 4.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Feb 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 16.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk
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 Shurugwi with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 33.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 16 weeks
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 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
EnsetFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 19.7 t/ha expected
Frost riskPest/disease risk — manageable -
CottonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.9 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Feb 2026 – 18 Sep 2026 closed for this season
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Frost riskSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier) -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 17.9 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 24.9 t/ha expected
Frost risk
What Divisi would not plant in Shurugwi
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
- Pigeon pea 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
- 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
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Temperature
- Yam Unsuitable — Temperature
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 22 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Shurugwi, 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 Gweru Depot
54 km · Maize, Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet
-
Kudzanai Market
54 km · Maize, Tomato, Cabbage, Groundnut
-
Mtapa Open Market
57 km · Tomato, Cabbage, Maize, 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 Shurugwi?
Finger millet, Soybean, Bambara groundnut, Fonio, Lablab all rate well in Shurugwi — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Finger millet in Shurugwi?
In Shurugwi the window for Finger millet runs 26 Oct 2026 to 25 Nov 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Shurugwi?
Divisi does. It reads Shurugwi'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 Shurugwi, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.