Soil Temperatures for Seed Germination and Transplanting Vegetables
You've waited all winter to begin your new vegetable garden. According to
the calendar, it's just about the right time. But, wait!!!!!
If the soil temperature is not right, your seeds may fail to germinate. Both
the seedlings that do sprout, and your garden transplants, can become
stunted, or even die.
For the absolutely best start to your garden season, plant your vegetables,
both seeds and seedlings, when the soil temperatures are optimum to do so.
This will help to avoid transplanting shock for your seedlings.
Most seeds require warm soil temperatures down to 3 inches deep, to encourage
germination.
Use a garden soil thermometer, to check the soil temperature. Simply insert
the thermometer to a depth of 2-3 inches. Wait three minutes, then take the
reading.
Use the chart below to identify the ideal soi temperatures for your vegetables.
Gardening Tip: It is also important not to plant seeds above the maximum
range. Seeds can literally bake in hot soils.
Ideal Soil Temperature Range for Vegetables:
Ideal Temperatures, Degrees in Farenheit:
| Vegetable: |
Will Germinate at: |
Ideal Germination at: |
Transplant Seeds at: |
| Asparagus |
50F-90F |
70F |
|
| Beans |
60F-90F |
80F |
|
| Beets |
40F-90F |
80F |
|
| Broccoli |
40F-90F |
80F |
50F |
| Cabbage |
40F-90F |
80F |
45F |
| Cantaloupe |
60F-100F |
90F |
65F |
| Carrot |
40F-90F |
80F |
|
| Cauliflower |
40F-90F |
80F |
45F |
| Celery |
40F-80F |
70F |
45F |
| Chard |
40F-90F |
80F |
|
| Corn |
50F-100F |
80F |
60F |
| Cucumber |
60F-100F |
90F |
65F |
| Endive |
40F-75F |
75F |
|
| Lettuce |
40F-75F |
75F |
|
| Okra |
60F-100F |
90F |
70F |
| Onion |
40F-100F |
90F |
45F |
| Parsley |
40F-90F |
80F |
|
| Parsnip |
40F-90F |
70F |
|
| Pepper |
60F-90F |
80F |
65F |
| Pumpkin |
60F-100F |
90F |
65F |
| Radish |
40F-90F |
80F |
|
| Spinach |
40F-80F |
75F |
|
| Squash |
60F-100F |
90F |
65F |
| Tomato |
50F-100F |
80F |
60F |
| Watermelon |
60F-110F |
90F |
65F |
More on Soil Thermometers
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