Growing Garden Peas in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Possible but challenging — Homa Bay is only marginally suited to Garden Peas. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Garden Peas a suitability score of 50/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Garden Peas can be grown in Homa Bay County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Garden Peas's preferred 5.5–7 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 low/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Garden Peas prefers sandy loam soils, while Homa Bay is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Garden Peas is the #86 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Garden Peas's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 362,500/acre at KES 145/kg), but at Homa Bay's 50/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,563 kg/acre (~KES 226,635/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Homa Bay's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.

50Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorHoma Bay soilGarden Peas needsStatus
pH5.275.57Adjust
Nitrogen1.05 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus13.8 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm800–2,100 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m1,500–2,600 mLow

Recommended seed varieties

Njabini (PI Moto super)Highland 1500-2600m
Simlaw Seeds · 60-90 days · 8-9 bags/acre
Dual purpose (fresh & dry); drought tolerant; requires vertical trailing.
GreenwichHighland 1600-2600m
Agventure Limited / RAGT · 90-120 days · 5-19 bags/acre
Large green grain; dual purpose; good soakability & rapid cookability.
KWS KariokaHighland 1600-2600m
Agventure Limited / KWS · 90-120 days · 5-17 bags/acre
Medium green grain; dual purpose; good color retention.
Blue MoonHighland 1200-2400m
Maribo DK · 120 days · 13-18 bags/acre
Good lodging resistance; strong straw; French-bred (2016).

Economics

Market priceKES 145/kg
Expected yield in Homa Bay1,563 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 226,635/acre
Adjusted for Homa Bay's 50/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Garden Peas can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 362,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
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