A Gardening Tool: Seed Germination Temperature Chart

Soil temp chart

Soil Temperature plays a major role in whether seeds sprout quickly, slowly, or not at all. Every type of seed has an ideal soil temperature range for germination, and planting too early in cold soil can lead to poor germination rates or rotting seeds. In this guide, we’ll share a helpful seed germination temperature chart so you can determine the best planting time for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. You’ll also learn how to measure soil temperature accurately and use it as a simple gardening tool to improve seed starting success.

Soil thermometer in dirt with Sow Right Seeds pea seeds

Have you ever wondered exactly when you can plant your seeds outside? With varying weather every year, picking a set date can be hard, but an easy way to ensure successful germination is knowing the soil temperature that your seeds prefer!


Grab a soil thermometer and our seed germination temperature chart to see if your soil is ready for planting!

soil in hand deep rich soil measuring soil temperature

Essential Tools for Measuring Garden Soil Temperature

Here's what you'll need:

A soil temperature probe

Seed germination chart for easy viewing in the garden!

Free Printable Seed Germination Temperature Chart

soil temperature germination chart
Seed Germination Temperature Chart - Sow Right Seeds​​

How to Measure Soil Temperature

Soil temperature plays an important part in successful seed germination. Nutrient and water uptake cannot take place without the proper soil temperature. Each type of seed has different requirements when it comes to this, so it's a good idea to know a little bit about what the seeds you're planting might need!

The good news is that measuring your soil temperature is super easy! Once you get your soil temperature probe (which you can easily find online or at a local garden center), you'll just need to stick it into the soil in the area that you are planning to plant in. The end should be about 3 to 4 inches deep - an analog thermometer should give you a reading pretty quickly and a digital thermometer may take a few seconds before providing a reading.

  • Place the soil thermometer 3 to 4 inches into the soil. For a digital thermometer, turn it on first and then place it in the soil.
  • Allow time for the thermometer to register the soil temperature. It should just take a second or a minute.

Beyond Temperature: Optimizing Soil pH and Texture

Soil temperature is certainly an important factor in your garden - there are many more things to learn about the soil in your garden and how it plays a role in the success of your plants. Your soil type and soil pH are just two things you may also want to consider when assessing your garden soil. We've got you covered on all things soil, and how you can easily improve soil if your assessment calls for it.


3 comments


  • Alena Hoffman

    You can download this with canva, and change it’s color, font and size it . Hope that helps.


  • Beverly

    Sue – Thank you for pointing this out to us. We love hearing from our customers and appreciate your feedback. We’ve included a black-and-white version of the temperature chart that will use much less ink. We hope this helps.


  • sue

    Do you realize how much ink it takes to print a page like your white on green germination Temperature chart??? Looks nice, but, OH, my!


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