Growing French Beans in Mombasa
Soil suitability analysis based on Mombasa's nutrient profile
Mombasa County is a challenging environment for French Beans (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band French Beans prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.95 g/kg, P 8.4 mg/kg, K 136 mg/kg against this crop's low/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. French Beans prefers loam soils, while Mombasa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 50 m, the county sits below French Beans's preferred altitude range (1000–2100 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 3,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed French Beans crop here can gross roughly KES 240,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Mombasa soil | French Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5.8–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.95 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 8.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 136 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag