A plot near Nairobi, Kenya
An illustration of the format the first release is being built to produce. Place: Nairobi (subtropical highland climate with a dry winter, elevation around 1,800 m). Purpose: food for a household. Scale: hand tools. Water: rain only.
Illustrative sample Not for site-specific decisions
1. Site and soil
Choose the flattest, best-drained part of the plot, away from low spots where water pools. Check the soil by squeezing a moist handful: a ball that holds and then crumbles is a good sign; one that stays sticky or will not hold together needs different handling.
Typical for the region: highland soils are often well-drained but can be low in organic matter. Estimate; test your own soil.
2. What to grow here
This highland climate suits maize, beans, leafy greens such as kale, and potatoes. Mixing a cereal with a legume on the same plot is a long-standing way to spread risk and help soil fertility.
3. Calendar
Rainfall in this region is typically in two seasons: a longer one in roughly March to May and a shorter one in roughly October to December.
| Crop | Sow around | Harvest around |
|---|---|---|
| Maize and beans | Start of the long rains | Several months later, once dry |
| Kale | Either season | Pick leaves continuously |
Months are shown as seasons here to avoid false precision. The app gives hemisphere-aware months for your place.
4. Planting by hand
Spacing, depth, and a step-by-step method for sowing by hand and with simple tools.
Complete steps, spacing tables and troubleshooting are in the app.
5. Water
Making the most of rain only: mulching, planting basins and when to water if the rains fail.
6. Fertility and inputs
Compost, manure and the inputs typically available in your region, with a manual option first.
7. Pests and disease
Low-risk options first, with sources.
8. Harvest, storage and next steps
Harvest timing, drying, safe storage, and what to do next season.