Growing Watermelon in Mombasa
Soil suitability analysis based on Mombasa's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Mombasa is moderately suited to Watermelon. Mombasa's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Watermelon a suitability score of 65/100. Match fertilizer to Mombasa's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mombasa County is a solid choice for Watermelon, with a soil-match score of 65/100. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Watermelon 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Watermelon, which favours sandy. Watermelon's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 150,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Mombasa's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 12,188 kg/acre (~KES 121,880/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mombasa soil | Watermelon needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.95 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 8.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 136 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 300–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 50 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag