As we know, the soil temperature is a crucial factor for plants growth.
A decrease temperature results in decreased uptake of water as well as nutrition.
In the end:
The growth of the root is hampered so that the plants die or decrease production.
So, let’s talk about how hot or cold the ground should be for new plantation.
Also:
What are the best soil thermometers available in the market and how to use them properly for optimal growth of your garden?
A soil thermometer is a very simple tool to measure the of the warmth in the soil of your garden to make it won’t hurt your plant.
The ideal soil temperature is 18° – 24° C (65° to 75° F) for growing most of the plants. In winter, vegetable grows maximum in between 40° F and 75° F.
But make sure, before planting, the soil is dry. If it is moist enough, give it a few days to dry out.
Now:
Take a look at the most popular soil thermometers available in the market.
The Best Soil Thermometers
1. Vee Gee Scientific 82160-6 Dial Soil Thermometer
This is a commercial grade high-quality soil thermometer. The design is simple but the readings are accurate.
Vee Gee Scientific 82160-6 is a waterproof thermometer. So, you can keep it in the ground as many time as you wish.
It comes with 3 inches dial display which is covered by clear glass. It can measure from -40 to 160 degree F with each subdivision is 2 degrees F.
For calibration, it has an adjustable nut on its back.
The stem is made of stainless steel which is durable and 6 inches long to reach deep enough. So, it is beneficial for both seeds and aged plants to plant.
2. Smart Choice Stainless Steel Soil Thermometer
Another great quality thermometer for both indoor and outdoor potting or gardening and also for compost.
SmartChoice builts it with stainless steel for durability and lasting longer.
It comes with 1.5 inches dial display which is covered by clear glass for higher visibility. It ranges from 0-220 degrees F and each subdivision is 4 degrees F.
This analog thermometer ensures an accurate temperature reading by its 5″ long stem.
It has a hexagonal screw at the back for calibration.
3. LYCSIX66 5-in-1 Soil Test Kit
From the name, you can easily assume that it has multiple features packed in one tool.
Its digital display shows five results such as soil’s pH, temperature (°C/°F) & moisture, detects sunlight, and humidity surrounding.
The display shows pH range of 3.5-9.0, temp range of 16 to 122°F, 5 moisture levels (DRY+, DRY, NOR, WET, WET+) & 9 sunlight levels (LOW-, LOW, LOW+, NOR-, NOR, NOR+, HGH-, HGH, HGH+).
This thermometer will help you to decide when you should provide water to the plant, and adjust pH.
You will also know whether your plants get adequate light or not, also about the environment surrounds them.
4. AcuRite 00661 Stainless Steel Soil Thermometer
AcuRite 00661 builts with little longer stem which is 7 inches long. So, you can check deeper temperature easily.
This dial thermometer is perfect for healthy seeding, planting and gardening both indoor or outdoor.
The dial display is marked from 0 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit with each subdivision 2 degrees F.
It is durable, easy to use but the temperature readings are accurate. You can calibrate it as other thermometers do.
5. Luster Leaf 1625 Digital Soil Thermometer
Rapitest comes with their Luster Leaf 1625 which is a great digital soil thermometer.
You can easily measure your house or garden soil temperature for early season and transplanting.
The modern digital screen will help you by providing germination and transplant temperatures.
It is designed only for soil. As it is battery powered, it can’t run continuously.
Soil Thermometer Buying Guide
Several things you have to consider before buying soil thermometer. If you don’t count them before picking up, you will get in trouble after purchasing.
Built: First thing you have to look at is whether it is digital or analog. Though the digital thermometer provides exact temperature, the analog is much better.
You can use analog continuously and put it outside even in the rain. Also, the battery changing hazard.
The second thing you have to consider is the material whether it is built with stainless steel or plastic or combination. For rough use, I prefer stainless steel made soil thermometer.
Also, make sure the thermometer is waterproof and built with calibration.
Temp Range: The most important thing to look during purchase. Make the temperature range has the mark 35° to 75° F inside it.
Stem: The stem size depends on what you are trying to do. If the purpose is seeding, then the short stem is okay with that. But for the root, you may dig deeper 5-7 inches.
How to use a soil thermometer?
You already know which soil thermometer is good for you. So buy a good one suitable for you.
Now, how to use?
- Dig a hole by a stick, not by the stem it will break. If you’re seeding, then it should be 1-2 inches. But for the new plant, dig up 5-7 inches.
- Now place the step inside and read the readings. Make sure sunlight doesn’t bother you. If so, cover it by your hand.
- Do the same in multiple places and also measure the temperature several times.
Seed Germination Temperatures
- 70 or Higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit: cucumbers, corn, melons, peppers, tomatoes, squash, etc are the best option.
- 60 or Higher than 60 degrees Fahrenheit: cabbage, beans, beets, broccoli, carrot or cauliflowers are good to go.
- 50 or Higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit: you can plant onions, leeks, chard, Swiss chard, turnips, etc.
- 40 or Higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit: spinach, lettuce, kale, and peas grow best.
Conclusion
We can’t deny the importance of measurement of soil temperature for growing plants or crops.
Good reading before planting or seeding makes a huge difference in cultivation.
So, it is wise to choose the right soil thermometer to ensure a better end result.
All the above-mentioned soil thermometer are the top rated tools. I missed one, don’t forget to mention below.
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