Growing Garlic in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Garlic can be grown in Kiambu County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Garlic'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 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Garlic prefers sandy loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 275/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Garlic crop here can gross roughly KES 495,000 per acre.