Growing Courgette (Zucchini) in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Kwale County is well suited to Courgette (Zucchini), scoring 81/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band Courgette (Zucchini) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Courgette (Zucchini), which favours loam. 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 | Kwale soil | Courgette (Zucchini) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.8–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag