Temperatures all around the landscape are important for a garden's well being, and
Gardening by the Yard host Paul James checks on his own landscape:
Soil temperature. Keeping track of it is as simple as stabbing a soil thermometer into the ground to a depth of about four inches, waiting a minute or so and reading the results.
Paul takes a stab at his own yard: 72 degrees. That's perfect for planting just about anything.
But what if it were 20 degrees cooler or warmer? Soil temperature greatly affects how plants grow. If it's too cool, seeds may not germinate and the growth of transplants may be stunted. If it's too warm, seeds and plants may cook rather than grow.
Generally speaking, it's best not to plant when soil temperatures are below 50 degrees or above 80 degrees.
Compost temperature. Unless sufficient heat is generated in the pile or bin, weed seeds that inevitably find their way into the compost won't be destroyed. So it's a good idea to periodically take the temperature of your pile.
A compost thermometer is nothing more than a regular thermometer with an extra-long probe. The ideal reading is about 160 degrees, which is hot enough to destroy weed seeds. To get that temperature, you'll likely have to turn the pile frequently so that the interior gets plenty of oxygen. You'll also want to monitor the moisture level of the pile, making sure it's the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
soil thermometer (#1618) - YardLover
compost thermometer - Gempler's
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