Growing Spinach in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kiambu is moderately suited to Spinach. Kiambu's soil (pH 5.28, strongly acidic) gives Spinach a suitability score of 65/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kiambu County is a solid choice for Spinach, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.28 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 — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Spinach prefers loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Spinach's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Kiambu'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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kiambu soil | Spinach needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 600–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag