Growing Cucumber in Kitui
Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile
Kitui County is well suited to Cucumber, scoring 78/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Cucumber's preferred 5.8–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 30.5 mg/kg, K 339 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Cucumber, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cucumber crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kitui soil | Cucumber needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 30.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 339 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Trellising & Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Fruit Development & Harvest
Short Rains
Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Trellising & Top Dressing
Month 3
Harvest
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and 5 then at flowering
Instruction
Add foliar potassium at fruiting for fruit size and quality.
Bags per Acre
0.4
Economics
Market priceKES 40/kg
Expected yield in Kitui11,700 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 468,000/acre
Adjusted for Kitui's 78/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Cucumber can reach 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag