Growing Spinach in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Spinach. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Spinach a suitability score of 59/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Spinach can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 1.01 g/kg, P 14 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 Kakamega's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,900 kg/acre (~KES 147,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Spinach needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 600–1,400 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag