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Best Tomato Transplanting Dates in Nigeria by Region: When to Transplant for Peak Market Prices
Tomato production in Nigeria works best when seedlings are first raised in a nursery and then transplanted into the field. What many farmers call “planting dates” are in fact transplanting dates—the time when 4–6 week old seedlings are moved from the nursery to the main field.
By aligning transplanting with rainfall patterns and aiming for harvest in May–August (when prices peak), farmers can increase both yields and profits.
🌱 Southern Nigeria (Humid Forest & Derived Savanna)
- States: Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Imo, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, etc.
- Rain starts: March–April
- Best Transplanting Dates: Late March – End of April
- Nursery Sowing: February – early March
- Harvest Window: June–July (peak price season)
🌱 Central/Middle Belt (Guinea Savanna)
- States: Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa
- Rain starts: April–May
- Best Transplanting Dates: Mid–April – Mid–May
- Nursery Sowing: March – early April
- Harvest Window: July–August
🌱 Northern Nigeria (Sudan Savanna & Sahel/Arid)
- States: Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe
, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Jigawa - Rain starts: May–June (latest in northwest)
- Best Transplanting Dates: Late May – Mid June (up to early July in arid areas)
- Nursery Sowing: April – early May
- Harvest Window: August – early September
📊 Quick Reference Table
| Zone / Climate | Example States | Nursery Sowing | Field Transplanting | Harvest (Peak Price) |
| Humid Forest / Derived Savanna | Lagos, Oyo, Delta, Rivers | Feb – Early Mar | Late Mar – Apr | June – July |
| Southern Guinea Savanna | Kwara, Benue, Niger | Mar – Early Apr | Mid – Apr – May | July |
| Northern Guinea Savanna | Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa | Apr | Late Apr – May | July – Aug |
| Sudan Savanna | Kano, Katsina, Bauchi | Apr – Early May | Late May – Mid Jun | Aug |
| Sahel / Arid | Sokoto, Yobe, Borno | May | Mid Jun – Early Jul | Late Aug – Sep |
✅ Tips for Successful Transplanting?
✅Wise Farmer’s Tips for Rain-fed Farmers
- Use onset of rains as a guide—ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- In the south, plant early to take advantage of longer growing seasons.
- In the north, later planting syncs with rainfall and ensures harvest when supply is limited.
- For maximum gains, plan planting so harvest falls in May–August, when prices are highest.
- Combine with low-cost storage and handling techniques to reduce losses after harvest.
Wise Farmer’s Note
Rain-fed tomato farmers across Nigeria can boost profits by adjusting planting dates to hit the peak price window. With careful timing and improved practices, every region can produce tomatoes when they are most valuable.
👉 For tailored crop calendars and production consulting, contact Wise Farmer today.
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