Soil Temperature Influences When to Plant
As gardeners we are always watching the weather and checking the calendar to estimate the best time to plant. We often overlook a critical factor, soil temperature, when making our plans.
Invest in a soil thermometer and start tracking soil temperatures before planting seeds, transplants and bulbs. Measure the soil temperature at about 4 to 6 inches deep.
Cool season crops like lettuce, kale, spinach, radishes, beets and peas can be planted when the soil is in the 40’s or warmer. Warm season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash do best when the soil is warmer, from 55 to 60 degrees or more, depending on the plant.
Colorado State University’s Vegetable Planting Guide lists the minimum, maximum and optimum planting temperatures for most of the commonly grown vegetables.
A bit more information: Planting when the soil temperatures are optimum will speed seed germination and reduce transplant shock. Plants placed in the garden when the temperatures are ideal can reduce the time between planting and harvest.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Appearances
April 11, 2021
Improve Soil for
Better Gardening Results
Webinar
April 15, 2021
Helpful Ideas for New Plant Parents
Webinar
April 21, 2021
Plant a Landscape that
Makes a Difference
Webinar
May 12, 2021
Top Plants for Rain Gardens, Water Gardens & Shoreline Gardens
+ Those to Avoid
Webinar
May 13, 2021
Planting Your Rain Garden
Webinar
Register today! Plus, watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
for a limited time.
Learn More