But when it comes to spring planting, youll need to consider more than just the weather.
Experts in This Article
horticulturalist forEarths Ally.
This is one of the most accurate ways to determine when it is safe to plant.
If soil temperature is too cold, seedling may not germinate.
Low temperatures reduce moisture and nutrient uptake.
And different plants will require different soil temperatures for seedling germination and plant growth.
horticulturalist forEarth’s Ally.
As soil temperatures warm, your germination rate will increase.
Purchase aSoil Thermometer($23) and simply follow the instructions.
Early morning is the best time to test because that is when the soil is coldest, says Randaci.
you could use a meat thermometer to measure soil temperatures.
check that it can test the temperatures up to 40 degrees and lower.
Place it in the ground three or four inches deep.
Leave it in the ground for five minutes or so.
Temperatures should be at least 45 degrees to be safe to plant.
Need some additional tips on how to handle soil temperature?
Here are three other important things to keep in mind.
Cuttings root best also at soil temperatures of 70 degrees or so.
Another way to know the assignment?
double-check to read the instructions!
If you have seed packets, check to see what they say about best germination temperatures.
you’re able to also research online and read information in seed catalogs.
Blanketing your soil can warm them up
Sounds pretty intuitive, right?
Randaci recommends covering the soil with mulch or a plastic sheet to raise temperatures.
Soil in raised beds, in particular, warm up sooner than in-ground beds.
And if youre planting during a Springtime with unpredictable weather, no reason to rush them outside.
Start plants indoors and plant them when soil temperatures warm, Randaci says.
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