Growing Garlic in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Garlic. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Garlic a suitability score of 54/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Garlic can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, 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 potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Garlic prefers sandy loam soils, while Siaya is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Garlic's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 825,000/acre at KES 275/kg), but at Siaya's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,025 kg/acre (~KES 556,875/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Garlic needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag