Growing Courgette (Zucchini) in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Kisumu County is well suited to Courgette (Zucchini), scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Courgette (Zucchini)'s preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Courgette (Zucchini) prefers loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 50/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Courgette (Zucchini) crop here can gross roughly KES 600,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Courgette (Zucchini) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag