Growing Okra in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Bomet is poorly suited to Okra. Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Okra a suitability score of 35/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bomet County is a challenging environment for Okra (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Okra prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. At 1900 m, the county sits above Okra's preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Okra is the #100 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Bomet's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,188 kg/acre (~KES 131,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Okra needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Planting calendar for Bomet
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen (1.38 g/kg) already meets Okra's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag