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Crops to Plant in October in Nigeria | Geopolitical Zones
Crops to Plant in October in Nigeria (Guide by Geopolitical Zones). October marks a transitional month in Nigeria’s agricultural calendar – when the rainy season ends in most regions, and farmers begin preparing for dry-season cultivation.
While many crops planted earlier in the year are now being harvested, savvy farmers use October to plan the next planting cycle, especially for short-season vegetables and irrigated crops.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- The best crops to plant in October in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
- The climatic patterns that shape October farming.
- Practical planting tips to help you make the most of this month’s weather.
- Expert product recommendations from Farmsquare.ng – your trusted agricultural supply partner.
Understanding October Weather Across Nigeria
- Northern Nigeria (North West, North East, North Central):
Rainfall starts to decline, and the dry season begins to set in. Temperatures rise during the day but remain cool at night — ideal for irrigated farming and vegetable cultivation. - Southern Nigeria (South West, South East, South South):
Still experiences residual rains with plenty of soil moisture. Farmers can plant late maize, vegetables, and short-duration crops before the full dry season sets in by November.
Best Crops to Plant in October by Geopolitical Zones
1. North Central (Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, FCT)
Ideal October Crops:
- Vegetables: Tomato, pepper, okra, spinach, garden egg, lettuce
- Grains: Late maize (for those with access to irrigation)
- Roots & Tubers: Sweet potato, yam sett storage/preparation
- Legumes: Cowpea, groundnut (for irrigation-ready fields)
Use a drip irrigation system to maintain soil moisture during the transition to the dry season. Apply NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer two weeks after planting for optimal root and leaf growth.
2. North West (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi)
Ideal October Crops:
- Vegetables: Onion, tomato, pepper, carrot, cabbage, lettuce
- Cereals: Wheat (planting begins in irrigated areas)
- Legumes: Cowpea for short maturing cycles
- Fodder crops: For livestock feed preparation before the full dry season
Onion and tomato perform best under controlled irrigation using drip or sprinkler systems. Use Saaf Fungicide or Z-Force to prevent fungal diseases during early establishment.
Recommended Products:
- Onion Seeds
- Drip Irrigation Kits
- Z-Force Fungicide
3. North East (Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba)
Ideal October Crops:
- Vegetables: Tomato, pepper, onion (under irrigation)
- Cereals: Wheat, sorghum, millet (early dry season planting)
- Legumes: Groundnut, cowpea
- Fodder: Guinea grass and lablab for livestock
- Wheat planting season starts late October through November. Prepare fields early and use improved, heat-tolerant wheat varieties.
4. South West (Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos)
Ideal October Crops:
- Vegetables: Ugu (fluted pumpkin), amaranthus, okra, cucumber, pepper
- Tuber crops: Cassava, cocoyam (for those with moisture-rich soils)
- Legumes: Soybean, groundnut
- Short-cycle crops: Maize (in irrigated areas)
October is perfect for vegetable gardening using simple irrigation methods. Use organic manure or urea to enhance leafy growth.
Farmsquare Suggests:
- Ugu Seeds & Fertilizers
- Cucumber Hybrid Seeds
- Organic Compost
5. South East (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo)
Ideal October Crops:
- Vegetables: Pumpkin (ugu), waterleaf, pepper, okra, spinach
- Root crops: Cassava, yam (setts for next year’s planting)
- Legumes: Groundnut, soybean
- Fruits: Pineapple, plantain sucker establishment
Use mulching techniques to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds during the drier days of October.
Farmsquare Recommends:
- Mulching Sheets
- Plantain Suckers
- Fertilizer Blends for Vegetables
6. South South (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers)
Ideal October Crops:
- Vegetables: Okra, ugu, cucumber, pepper, waterleaf
- Root crops: Cassava, yam
- Fruits: Oil palm nursery setup, banana, and pineapple
- Spices: Ginger, turmeric
Rainfall is still present in the South South zone. Farmers can plant short-cycle vegetables and root crops before transitioning to dry-season vegetable irrigation by November.
Farmsquare Suggests:
- Cassava Stem Cuttings
- Vegetable Seeds
- Greenhouse Kits for Controlled Production
October Farming Opportunities in Nigeria
October is not just a planting month – it’s also a planning month. Farmers can use this time to:
- Repair and prepare irrigation systems.
- Buy improved seed varieties for dry-season planting.
- Enrich the soil with organic compost or animal manure.
- Invest in greenhouses for vegetable farming during the dry season.
By preparing now, you set yourself up for profitable harvests between January and March.
To Maximize Your October Planting Success
Invest in Soil Testing:
Know your soil’s nutrient level before planting. Farmsquare can connect you to soil testing kits and services.
Use Certified Seeds:
Avoid low-yielding local seeds. Choose high-yield hybrid seeds available on Farmsquare.ng
Prepare for Dry Season Farming:
Start installing irrigation systems and storing water in tanks.
Adopt Greenhouse Farming:
If you want all-year production, greenhouse farming is a game changer. Farmsquare builds greenhouses across Nigeria.
Conclusion
Farming in Nigeria doesn’t have to stop after the rainy season. October is a golden opportunity to prepare and plant for high-value dry-season crops. Whether you’re in the North preparing wheat and onions, or in the South cultivating vegetables and cassava, the key is early preparation, proper input use, and trusted suppliers. Crops to Plant in October in Nigeria.
