Growing Cape Gooseberry in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Cape Gooseberry. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Cape Gooseberry a suitability score of 66/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Cape Gooseberry, with a soil-match score of 66/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cape Gooseberry's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cape Gooseberry, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cape Gooseberry is the #49 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Cape Gooseberry's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Homa Bay's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,125 kg/acre (~KES 495,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Cape Gooseberry needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 700–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,200–2,600 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Homa Bay
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Top dressing guide
Homa Bay's nitrogen (1.05 g/kg) already meets Cape Gooseberry's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag