Growing Cabbage in Kirinyaga
Soil suitability analysis based on Kirinyaga's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kirinyaga is moderately suited to Cabbage. Kirinyaga's soil (pH 5.31, strongly acidic) gives Cabbage a suitability score of 72/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kirinyaga County is a solid choice for Cabbage, with a soil-match score of 72/100. Local soils average pH 5.31 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7.5 band Cabbage prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.36 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 177 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Cabbage, which favours clay loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cabbage is the #35 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kirinyaga County. At current prices (about KES 18/kg) and a typical 15,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cabbage crop here can gross roughly KES 270,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kirinyaga soil | Cabbage needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.31 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.36 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 177 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 800–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kirinyaga
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kirinyaga's nitrogen (1.36 g/kg) already meets Cabbage's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Kirinyaga
Varieties suited to Kirinyaga's 1,500 m altitude and 1,300 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 cabbage varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag