Crops you can grow and harvest within a year

Nigeria has a tropical climate, so the crops that can be planted and harvested within a year will depend on the specific region and season. Commercial farmers should know all the agronomy conditions for the crops they are interested in. Some of these crops can be grown twice a year. Some of the crops you can grow and harvest within a year are mentioned below.

Crops you can cultivate and harvest within a year

•  Maize: Maize is a popular cereal crop in Nigeria that can be harvested within 3-4 months from planting. It is usually planted between March and July and harvested between July and October.
• Beans: Beans are another popular crop in Nigeria that can be harvested within 3-4 months from planting. They can be planted between March and August and harvested between June and November.
• Okra: Okra is a fast-growing vegetable crop that can be harvested within 2-3 months from planting. It is usually planted between March and July and harvested between June and October.
• Pepper: Pepper is a warm-season crop that can be harvested within 3-4 months from planting. It can be planted between March and June and harvested between June and October.
• Watermelon: Watermelon is a popular fruit in Nigeria that can be harvested within 3-4 months from planting. It is usually planted between March and June and harvested between June and October.
• Cassava: Cassava is a staple food crop in Nigeria that can be harvested within 6-12 months from planting, depending on the variety. It is usually planted between March and June and harvested between September and December.
• Tomato: Tomato is a warm-season crop that can be harvested within 3-4 months from planting. It can be planted between March and June and harvested between June and October.
  These are just a few examples of crops that can be planted and harvested within a year in Nigeria. It's important to note that the actual harvesting time may vary depending on the specific location and growing conditions.

1. MAIZE

Maize, also known as corn, is a cereal crop that is widely grown in many countries including Nigeria. It is an important staple food crop and is used for a variety of purposes; human consumption, animal feed, and industrial use. Maize can be planted in Nigeria between March and July, depending on the region and climate. It is typically harvested between July and October. Maize is a warm-
season crop and requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow.

It is mostly planted through irrigation in the Northern parts of Nigeria. Traders troop down to the north to buy corn in large quantities.

Maize is a versatile crop that can be grown in a wide range of soils, although it grows best in a well-drained sandy-loam soils with good organic matter content. and can be relatively low-maintenance crop, requiring moderate amounts of water and fertilizer.

Corn is used for a variety of purposes in Nigeria, including making cornmeal, flour,, ogidi, pap, semovita and other food products. It is also used as animal feed, and is an important source of income for many farmers in Nigeria. It plays important role in food security and the economy of Nigeria.

I have written a detailed post on maize farming, you can read to know its agronomy practices.

2. BEANS

Beans is one of the crops in Nigeria that is very popular after rice. It is an important source of protein in the in our local diet. They are typically grown as a food crop, although they are also used for other purposes such as animal feed and as a source of income for farmers. Beans can be planted in Nigeria between July and August, depending on the region and climate. They are typically harvested between October and November. Beans are a warm-season crop and require warm temperatures to germinate and grow. It is one of the crops you can grow and harvest within a year

This is one of the cowpeas that can be grown in a variety of soils, although they grow best in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. They require moderate amounts of water and
fertilizer.

There are many different varieties of beans that are grown in Nigeria, including; cowpeas beans, soybeans, and kidney beans. Cowpeas are the most commonly grown variety of beans in Nigeria and are used in a variety of traditional dishes. Beans are an important source of protein in the Nigerian diet, and they are used in many traditional dishes such as moimoi, akara, and ewa agoyin. In addition to their nutritional value, beans are also an important source of income for many farmers in Nigeria. I like beans farming it is easy to grow and manage.

3. OKRA is one of the crops you can grow and harvest within a year

Okra, also known as lady’s finger or gumbo, is a fast-growing vegetable crop that is widely grown in all parts of Nigeria . It is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes and is known for its nutritional value and health benefits. Okra can be planted in Nigeria between March and July, depending on the region and
climate. It is typically harvested between June and October. Okra is a warm-season crop and requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow.

You can go into dry season okra farming, it’s more profitable. But you must have irrigation materials to succeed. Okra grows well in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. It requires moderate amounts of water and fertilizer. Okra plants produce small yellow flowers, which are followed by elongated green pods that are harvested when they are tender and about 2-3 inches long.

Okra benefits

Okra is a versatile vegetable that is used in a variety of dishes in Nigeria. It is often used in soups, stews, and sauces, and is also used in fried and grilled dishes. Okra is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients, and is known for its potential health benefits, such as promoting digestive health and reducing cholesterol levels.

Read more about okra farming to have a detailed guide on how to start.

4. PEPPER

Pepper is a warm-season crop that is widely grown in commercial quantities in the Northern Nigeria and is an important ingredient in many traditional dishes. It is known for its spicy flavor and is used in a variety of cuisines around the world. Pepper can be planted in Nigeria between March and June, depending on the region and climate. While the dry season pepper farming is in August to November.

It is typically harvested between June and October. Pepper is a warm-season crop and requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow. Pepper grows well in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. It requires moderate amounts of water and fertilizer. Pepper plants produce small white flowers, which are followed by green or red fruits that are harvested when they are fully mature.

There are many different varieties of pepper that are grown in Nigeria, including bell pepper, chili pepper, and habanero pepper. Chili pepper is the most commonly grown variety of pepper in Nigeria and is known for its heat and spiciness. Pepper is an important ingredient in many traditional Nigerian dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces. It is also used in a variety of other dishes, such as grilled meats, pepper fish, kilishi and vegetables. In addition to its culinary uses, pepper is also used for medicinal
purposes in some cultures, and is believed to have anti inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

5. WATERMELON is one crops you can grow and harvest within a year

Watermelon is a popular fruit crop in Nigeria that is known for its refreshing and sweet taste. It is widely grown in many regions of the country and is consumed as a dessert fruit, as well as in juices and smoothies. Watermelon can be planted in Nigeria between March and May, depending on the region and climate. It is typically harvested between July and October. Watermelon is a warm-season crop and requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow. You can make 1 million naira from an acre in dry season watermelon farming.

It grows well in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. And requires moderate amounts of water and fertilizer. Watermelon plants produce large green fruits with a hard outer rind and a sweet, juicy interior.

Watermelon is an important source of nutrients and is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and other minerals. It is also a good source of hydration, making it a popular choice for refreshing drinks during hot weather.

6. TOMATO

Tomatoes are an important vegetable crop in Nigeria and are widely used in many traditional dishes. They are known for their nutritional value and are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Tomatoes can be planted in Nigeria between February and August, depending on the region and climate. They are typically harvested between May and December. Tomatoes are a warm-season crop and require warm temperatures to germinate and grow. It has become one of the crops that is very profitable and can make a farmer a millionaire within 3 months.

It grows well in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. They require moderate amounts of water and fertilizer. Nitrogen can be applied when planting but shop when fruiting so it can produce fruits. Tomato plants produce small yellow flowers, which are followed by round or oblong fruits that are harvested when they are fully mature and have developed their characteristic red color.

There are many different varieties of tomatoes that are grown in Nigeria, including cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, and beefsteak tomatoes. The variety that is grown depends on the region and the preferences of local farmers and consumers. Tomatoes are an important ingredient in many traditional Nigerian dishes, such as
stews, soups, and sauces. They are also used in salads and sandwiches. In addition to their culinary uses, tomatoes are also used for medicinal purposes in some cultures, and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

There are many other crops you can grow and harvest within a year