Kenya experiences two rainy seasons, long rains (early March to May) and short rains (late October to December). Most seasoned farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture than irrigation, so they mostly grow crops during the long rain period. Still, there are several 3 months crops in Kenya to grow during short rains, and they are all highly profitable.
Despite the changing weather patterns, October to December is considered a short rain period. During this period, you can plant early maturing or drought-resistant crops. But first, consult an agricultural expert for the best seeds to plant, depending on your ecological zone.
Crops that take 3 months to mature
Kenya's agriculture is primarily rain-fed, and it witnesses two rain periods (long and short rains). However, most farmers find it hard utilizing the short rains because of crop selection, but there are options. Here are some of the best three months crops in Kenya.
1. Bean crop
Bean crop is among the most essential legumes worldwide because of its nutritional value. In Kenya, it is the second staple food crop after maize.
Bean is one of the short-maturity crops in Kenya that can thrive in almost all regions. But the major areas where it is grown are Western, Rift Valley, Nyanza, Eastern and Central. It grows with minimum care and is usually ready for harvest 70 to 120 days after sowing.
2. Sweet potato
Sweet potato is a drought-tolerant perennial crop mostly grown on a small scale. It is one of the 90-day crops that can grow in nearly every region of the country.
3. Spinach
Spinach is a green leafy vegetable rich in nutrients and vitamins. Spinach protects humans against heart diseases, lowers blood pressure, improves health, and helps prevent cancer. Spinach matures within six to eight weeks, and Kenya's average yield per acre is about 8-10 tons.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce farming in Kenya is becoming popular due to its short growing period, versatile culinary use and nutritional value. It can be cultivated in both open and controlled environments. There are different lettuce varieties, and each has a different growing season length, but most mature within 30 to 70 days.
5. Mint
Mint grows best in partial shade to full sun. It is generally hardy and can tolerate high temperatures. Mint adapts to different soil types but develops the best foliage in moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
This plant takes about two months to mature if you're growing it from seed. You should harvest the mint leaves once the plant has multiple 6 to 8 inches long stems.
6. Carrot
Carrot is one of Kenya's most widely enjoyed vegetables partly because they are versatile in many dishes and one of the quickest crops to grow.
The carrot plant matures in 3-4 months. To get the best carrots, you'll have to provide well-drained, fertile and soft soil for them to stretch their roots downwards. Plus, ensure you thin carrot seedlings to ideal spacing because overcrowding deforms them.
7. Maize
Maize is one of the most profitable crops to grow in Kenya. It is usually planted in Kenya during the rainy season to ensure enough moisture in the soil.
Farmers grow them thrice yearly in some regions to exploit the rain. Certain maize varieties (hybrid varieties) do well in the short rains. They take 3-4 months to mature and are drought-tolerant and resistant to diseases and pests.
8. Cucumber
The cucumber is a warm-season crop that's grown for its immature fruits. They are great in dips, soups, and salads. If harvested while young, cucumbers can add an excellent and rich taste to different foods and are a good source of vitamin C.
Cucumbers are usually ready for harvesting within 50 to 60 days after planting. But this depends on the cultivar and ecological conditions, particularly temperature.
9. Cowpea (Kunde)
Cowpea is commonly grown as a green leafy vegetable in western parts of Kenya and for grain in dry lands of the Coast, Eastern regions and more. As a vegetable, it needs high rainfall and rich soils but requires high temperature and low rainfall if grown for grain.
Generally, cowpea is a drought-resistant crop that takes 60-120 days to mature. But if grown for its leafy vegetable, it's harvested while young and tender, 2-3 weeks after planting.
10. Coriander (Dhania)
In Kenya, coriander is mainly grown in the Eastern, Central and Rift Valley regions. Most of its production comes from smallholder farmers, and the main buyers are usually local markets, spice companies and supermarkets.
After 4-6 weeks of planting, coriander should be ready for harvesting. Start by harvesting the largest ones to give the smaller ones enough space to grow. In addition, make sure you harvest your coriander when the leaves are ripe and green.
11. Tomato
Do you want to make money from 1 acre plot? Then you should do tomato farming; it can earn you a profit of up to 1 million. Tomatoes are among the fruits that grow in 3 months.
It is an essential vegetable widely eaten due to its rich nutrients and delightful flavour. Most farmers cultivate the tomato plant primarily for their economic value; it provides income for both small and large-scale farmers.
Final word on 3 months crops in Kenya
There are many 3 months crops in Kenya for the short rainy season. You should carefully select these crops depending on your ecological zone and use modern agricultural practices for bountiful harvests and greater profits.
Tuko.co.ke has shared an article on how many cabbages per acre and the cost of farming. Cabbage, a versatile vegetable known for its nutritional value and economic potential, has become a staple in diets across the globe.
In Kenya, cabbage farming is a lucrative venture that offers both small-scale growers and large-scale producers a chance to make good money.
