Growing Cabbage in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Vihiga County is a solid choice for Cabbage, with a soil-match score of 71/100. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Cabbage prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cabbage, which favours clay loam. Cabbage's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 270,000/acre at KES 18/kg), but at Vihiga's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 13,313 kg/acre (~KES 239,634/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Cabbage needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 700–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 800–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag