Preparing for the 2025/26 Planting Season
The preliminary forecast from Lesotho Meteorological Services for the 2025/26 season carries some encouraging news. Rainfall between October and February is expected to be normal to above normal, with the heaviest rains most likely during the peak summer months of December, January and February. Temperatures, meanwhile, are projected to remain close to their long-term averages.
For farmers, this outlook is more than just a weather note. It is a signal to begin planning carefully, taking advantage of expected rains while also guarding against the risks that come with wetter conditions.
Field preparation
This is the time to make sure soils are ready. Deep ploughing, timely ridging, and applying organic matter or compost will improve moisture retention and fertility. In areas prone to waterlogging, drainage must be addressed early to prevent crop losses once heavy rains arrive.
Timing the planting
With rainfall expected to start within the normal range in October, farmers can begin sowing early maturing crops in the OND period. Leafy greens, beans, and short-season maize varieties will benefit from this window. The expected increase in rainfall from December onwards favours planting of main-season maize, sorghum, and root crops that need steady moisture to thrive. Staggering planting dates remains a wise practice, ensuring that not all crops face the same weather risks.
Managing risks in wetter conditions
Above-normal rainfall during mid-summer can also mean higher chances of fungal diseases and pests. Farmers are encouraged to monitor crops closely, remove diseased plants quickly, and use preventative sprays where possible. Proper spacing between plants will help with air circulation, reducing the spread of disease.
Horticultural opportunities
For those in horticulture, this season presents an opening for expanding vegetable production. Tomatoes, cabbages, carrots, and beetroot can all perform well under these rainfall conditions if supported by mulching and timely weeding. Farmers with access to irrigation should use it to even out dry spells in early summer, ensuring steady growth.
A word to farmers
The forecast is not a guarantee, but it is a strong guide. As you prepare your fields, remember that agriculture has always been about working with the possible, not the perfect. This season, nature seems prepared to meet us halfway. The rest depends on careful choices, patient observation, and a willingness to adapt. The soil is waiting, and with it, the promise of another harvest.
(Meteorological information from Lesotho Meteorological Services.)
