Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00
Saturday 08:00 - 16:00
Sunday 08:00 - 15:00
Soil Types, Climate, and Plant Recommendations for Local Suburbs
Nelspruit (officially Mbombela) is located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa and features a subtropical climate with warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The region's soil types vary across its undulating terrain, affecting which plants thrive in different suburbs.
Temperature: Annual average of approximately 18.3°C (64.9°F)
Rainfall: Annual precipitation of about 934mm (36.8 inches), with most occurring between October and March
Frost: Extremely rare
Growing Season: Primarily summer months (October to March) when 83% of annual rainfall occurs
Nelspruit's soils can be classified into several main types:
Soil pH in the region tends to be slightly to moderately acidic, which affects nutrient availability for plants.
Red, well-drained, higher fertility
Grey, sandy, moderate drainage
Shallow, rocky, poor drainage
West Acres predominantly features Hutton soil types with pockets of Fernwood soils in lower-lying areas.
Reddish-brown, loamy sand to clay loam
Depth: 750-1200mm+
Greyish, loamy sand
Depth: 750-1200mm
Annual rainfall: ~934mm
Wet season: October to March (83% of annual rainfall)
Dry season: April to September
Wettest months: December to February
Sonheuwel features a mix of Hutton and Mispah/Glenrosa soils due to its hillside location.
Reddish-brown, loamy sand to clay loam
Depth: 750-1000mm
Greyish to reddish brown, loamy sand
Depth: 100-300mm
Annual rainfall: ~900mm
Wet season: October to March (80% of annual rainfall)
Dry season: April to September
Wettest months: December to February
Note: Slightly less rainfall than lower-lying areas due to elevated position.
Riverside features predominantly Fernwood soils with pockets of Hutton soils on elevated areas. Wetland soils occur near the Crocodile River.
Greyish to brown, loamy sand
Depth: 750-1200mm+
Reddish-brown, loamy sand to clay loam
Depth: 750-1000mm
Areas near the Crocodile River feature wetland soils with prolonged waterlogging. These areas are environmentally sensitive but not suitable for most garden plants.
Annual rainfall: ~950mm
Wet season: October to March (85% of annual rainfall)
Dry season: April to September
Wettest months: December to February
Note: Slightly higher humidity due to proximity to the Crocodile River.
Nelspruit Central has a mix of soil types, predominantly Hutton soils with areas of Fernwood and disturbed soils due to urban development.
Reddish-brown, loamy sand to clay loam
Depth: 600-1000mm
Greyish to brown, loamy sand
Depth: 600-1000mm
Some areas have heavily disturbed soils due to construction and urban development. These soils often have a mix of characteristics and may contain construction debris.
Annual rainfall: ~900mm
Wet season: October to March (80% of annual rainfall)
Dry season: April to September
Wettest months: December to February
Note: Urban heat island effect may increase temperatures by 1-2°C compared to surrounding areas.
Steiltes, situated on elevated terrain, features predominantly Mispah/Glenrosa soils with areas of Hutton soils in flatter sections.
Greyish to reddish brown, loamy sand
Depth: 100-300mm
Reddish-brown, loamy sand to clay loam
Depth: 500-900mm
Annual rainfall: ~880mm
Wet season: October to March (80% of annual rainfall)
Dry season: April to September
Wettest months: December to February
Note: Slightly cooler and windier than lower-lying areas due to elevated position.
Drum Rock features predominantly Hutton soils with some areas of Mispah/Glenrosa on higher elevations and rock outcrops.
Reddish-brown, loamy sand to clay loam
Depth: 750-1200mm+
Greyish to reddish brown, loamy sand
Depth: 100-300mm
Areas with exposed rock surfaces, particularly on higher elevations. No agricultural potential but provides unique ecological niches.
Annual rainfall: ~920mm
Wet season: October to March (82% of annual rainfall)
Dry season: April to September
Wettest months: December to February
Note: Stunning mountain views and occasional wildlife sightings in this area.
This planting calendar will help you determine the best times to plant various vegetables and crops in the Nelspruit area.
Crop | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beans | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | |||||
Beets | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | |||
Cabbage | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | |||||||
Carrots | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | ||||
Cucumber | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | |||
Eggplant | P | P | S/P | S/P | ||||||||
Lettuce | S/D | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
Peppers | D/S/P | D/S/P | D/S/P | D/S/P | P | P | P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P |
Swiss Chard | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | S/P | P | ||||
Squash | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | |||||
Sweet Corn | D/S/P | D/S/P | D/S/P | D/S/P | D/S/P | P | P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | ||
Sweet Potato | D/P | D/P | D/P | D/P | P | |||||||
Tomatoes | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | S/D/P | P | P | P | P | P |