Growing Garlic in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Garlic can be grown in Kisumu County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 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. Garlic prefers sandy loam soils, while Kisumu 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.