Growing Spinach in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Spinach. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Spinach a suitability score of 65/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Spinach, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Spinach's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Spinach, which favours loam. Spinach's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Homa Bay's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,500 kg/acre (~KES 162,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

65Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorHoma Bay soilSpinach needsStatus
pH5.2767.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.05 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus13.8 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm600–1,400 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m0–2,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 2-3 after transplanting
Instruction
Apply when plants are established. Spinach is a leafy crop and needs nitrogen for continuous harvest.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

ViroflayMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 40-50 days · 3–4 tons/acre
Large dark leaves; continuous harvest; heat tolerant.
Giant NobelMedium/Highland
East Africa Seeds · 45-55 days · 3.5–4.5 tons/acre
Vigorous growth; smooth leaves; good market demand.

Economics

Market priceKES 25/kg
Expected yield in Homa Bay6,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 162,500/acre
Adjusted for Homa Bay's 65/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Spinach can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/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