Growing Mint in Embu

Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile

Embu County is a solid choice for Mint, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.1 the soil is moderately acidic, 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 1.04 g/kg, P 12.6 mg/kg, K 194 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. Mint's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 400,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Embu's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,100 kg/acre (~KES 310,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

62Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorEmbu soilMint needsStatus
pH5.167.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.04 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus12.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium194 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,300 mm700–1,400 mmOK
Altitude1,400 m500–2,200 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Runner Planting & Basal
Month 2
Weeding & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Runner Planting & Basal
Month 2
Weeding & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and after each cutting
Instruction
Top-dress after each cut for vigorous regrowth. Keep soil consistently moist.
Bags per Acre
0.3

Economics

Market priceKES 100/kg
Expected yield in Embu3,100 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 310,000/acre
Adjusted for Embu's 62/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Mint can reach 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 400,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag