Growing Cucumber in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Vihiga is moderately suited to Cucumber. Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Cucumber a suitability score of 59/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Cucumber can be grown in Vihiga County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Cucumber's preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cucumber, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cucumber is the #53 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. Cucumber's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Vihiga's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8,850 kg/acre (~KES 354,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Vihiga's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Coffee (Arabica) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Cucumber needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Vihiga
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Vihiga's nitrogen (1.02 g/kg) is 85% of the 1.2 g/kg Cucumber needs, so the standard 0.4 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag