Growing Mint in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bungoma is moderately suited to Mint. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Mint a suitability score of 72/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bungoma County is a solid choice for Mint, with a soil-match score of 72/100. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Mint's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Mint, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Mint is the #50 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. At current prices (about KES 100/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Mint crop here can gross roughly KES 400,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Mint needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 700–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 500–2,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Bungoma
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) is 93% of the 1.2 g/kg Mint needs, so the standard 0.3 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag