Growing Butternut Squash in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Kiambu County is a solid choice for Butternut Squash, with a soil-match score of 72/100. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Butternut Squash's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Butternut Squash prefers sandy loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Butternut Squash crop here can gross roughly KES 320,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Kiambu soil | Butternut Squash needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag