Thermometer - Ask Extension
How long do I leave the thermometer in the ground to check the temperature and how deep?
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Thermometer #897951
Asked April 20, 2025, 2:15 PM EDT
How long do I leave the thermometer in the ground to check the temperature and how deep?
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Cindy:
To determine the soil temperature, simply push the thermometer into the soil to the depth of planting. For transplants it is best to determine the soil temperature at 4 inches. If the soil is very dense, you can use a screwdriver to make an initial hole to the right depth so that the thermometer doesn't get bent when pushing it into the soil. Because soil temperatures are influenced by air temperatures and sunshine, take soil temperatures for several days and average the temperatures. Soil temperatures tend to be coolest between 6 and 8 am in the morning and should be used as a guide as to when to plant. Leave the thermometer in for several hours.
Thank you for your question,
To determine the soil temperature, simply push the thermometer into the soil to the depth of planting. For transplants it is best to determine the soil temperature at 4 inches. If the soil is very dense, you can use a screwdriver to make an initial hole to the right depth so that the thermometer doesn't get bent when pushing it into the soil. Because soil temperatures are influenced by air temperatures and sunshine, take soil temperatures for several days and average the temperatures. Soil temperatures tend to be coolest between 6 and 8 am in the morning and should be used as a guide as to when to plant. Leave the thermometer in for several hours.
Thank you for your question,
You're welcome :)
