Soil thermometers have been a wonderful addition to the farming essentials because of their super convenient nature. They provide you with an unprecedented level of accuracy when it comes to measuring the soil temperature without having you compromise on your budget limit. They are user-friendly, portable, and easy to operate so that laymen to this can become a pro in no time. For all the right reasons, we have come up with some of the best soil thermometers that you might want to check out in this farming season. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Best Soil Thermometers
1. [amazon link=”B00JE5GI3U” title=”Vee Gee Scientific Dial Thermometer”/] – Best overall
Rating: 5/5
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- 8 by 3.6 inches body
- Easy calibration
Vee Gee scientific 82160 6 tends to stand out among the rest of the options available out there. Primarily, this soil thermometer has a stainless steel composition that casts a positive impression on the longevity of the product. This one works with the soil temperature ranging from -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, so this thermometer caters to a larger percentage. Although it has a higher degree of precision the design has been kept user-friendly especially for the farming sector. Lastly, what makes it rank among the best soil thermometers is its waterproof body that is capable of keeping corrosion at bay.
2. [amazon link=”B006MDEKIW” title=”Luster leaf digital soil thermometer” /] – Best digital functions
Rating: 4.6/5
- Wide display
- Digital thermometer
- Long probe
- User-friendly
Let us introduce you to the luster leaf digital soil thermometer that has taken the market by storm. It has a clear and wide dial display that is easy to read along with the guidelines for germinating and transplanting temperatures. This soil testing thermometer has a long probe length that works by improving the accuracy and makes it an easy to use farming essential for beginners. Since it has a convenient configuration setup, you may use it only to measure soil temperature unlike the more professional ones available in the market.
3. [amazon link=”B0030JWAVA” title=”Taylor soil testing thermometer” /] – Best budget-friendly choice
Rating: 4.5/5
- 5 inches length
- Better accuracy
- Water-resistant coating
- Best for soil temperature up to 180 degrees F
This is probably the best soil thermometer for you if you are looking for a high-quality thermometer that measures under 6 inches. In the rainy season, the garden soil becomes more vulnerable to changes and the long stem of a soil thermometer is the only thing that can help you the most in this scenario. The inch stem of the Taylor soil testing thermometer can check up to 2 inches below the upper soil layer. It has a water-resistant elongated body that keeps an eye on the temperature ranging from -20 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. [amazon link=”B000FDBBG4″ title=”Acurite soil thermometer” /] – Best value
Rating: 4.3/5
- Best for hot weather
- Protective sheath
- Corrosion-resistant
- High accuracy
This soil thermometer is an excellent choice if you don’t want to miss out on high precision thermometers. It works with a temperature range of as much as 0 to 220 degrees so that you don’t have to compromise on your plants even in the stifling weather. Since soil thermometers have to come across hard particles residing in the soil, this one has a protective sheath to preserve the product’s longevity. If you take planting as a habitual activity, this thermometer has an easy to use configuration, to make it user-friendly for beginners.
5. [amazon link=”B06XPCSCBW” title=”Smart choice soil thermometer” /] – Best extra features
Rating: 4/5
- Glass display
- High visibility
- Fog proof coating
- Easy to use
This soil thermometer has 2 inches glass-covered display that never fails to update you with each minor change in soil’s temperature. For the people who live in the colder regions, let us tell you that this display has a fog-proof layering that depicts its high visibility. This one is the epitome of all the compost and soil thermometers that provide you with the best without having you spend a fortune on them. The 3 inches outer surface also increases the display area so that apart from the temperature reading, you can keep an eye on the factors like moisture and humidity checkers.
How to choose the best soil thermometer?
Let us share with you some factors that you can count on while shopping for your new soil thermometer.
Probe length
We know this might sound obvious but probe length is that one factor you wouldn’t want to overlook. Primarily, it decides the extent to which the tip of the thermometer can be inserted into the soil. For instance, if your soil thermometer has a smaller probe length, it’d not be able to measure the soil’s temperature and this affects the precision to the maximum. These days you can find thermometers that have at least 2 inches tip and a more elongated body so that you can know what’s going on down there.
Let us tell you that this one feature becomes more important when we talk about farming on a higher level. On the other hand, if you want one for your daily planting session, any regular probe length would work well.
Temperature range
We’d strongly suggest you first examine the temperature range of your soil thermometer before purchasing it. This is substantial since you don’t want any regular 0 to 180-degree temperature range when you are into professional farming and planting. In such cases, thermometers like Acurite soil thermometer work better since they can reach up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit which is an ideal value. On top of everything, let us tell you what matters the most is that you should know the right usage and the optimum timing that is required for the perfect germination of the seeds.
For instance, 40 degrees F that works for the radishes and spinach seeds might not work for the vegetables like onion and turnip. This is how basic information like this which has been derived by innumerable botanist associates program after years of hard work manages to go a long way.
Type of soil thermometer
Now, this is an interesting factor and depends mostly on one’s personal preference. You can go with either a digital or analog soil thermometer, both work fine under relevant circumstances. If we talk about digital thermometers, they might tell the exact temperature of soil without having you strain your eyes, but they are less resistant. This is why they are a better choice, especially for indoor planting sessions. However, the analog thermometers might seem confusing for their old scale designing but they are more resistant and can fight corrosion for a longer time. This makes them more suitable for higher grade farming and extreme weather conditions as well.
Coming to the composition material, you can find plastic soil thermometers as well, they cost less and go a long way under normal weather. Likewise, stainless steel thermometers tend to be more weather-friendly as they have greater longevity.
Temperature guidelines for the germination of different seeds
Apart from the reviews of the chart-topping products, we have come up with some of the essential temperature guidelines that might come in handy for the germination periods. Let’s start with the lowest i.e. 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At such a low temperature, you can go for the vegetables like peas, lettuce, and spinach.
Similarly, increasing the temperature by 10 degrees i.e., 50 degrees Fahrenheit would make a perfect home for onion, orchards, and turnips. For the bean lovers, you might have to take it a little higher and make it 60 degrees Fahrenheit to plant one of your favorite beans and vegetables like beet, cabbage, and carrots.
Lastly, with a temperature as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you can opt for tomatoes, melons, and cucumbers, etc. Hence, all this basic know-how can help you a lot on your journey to a more fruitful planting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a meat thermometer for soil?
Yes. A meat thermometer can be used to check the soil’s temperature. But it should have a capacity for the temperature range lower than 40 degrees F.
Where can I buy a soil thermometer?
You might find it in the botany section of your nearest store or you may go for online platforms like www.amazon.com.
What should (time of day) you measure soil temperature?
In the morning i.e., 9 to 11 am, is an ideal time to measure soil temperature.
How is the soil temperature maintained?
The soil temperature is maintained through a cyclic loss. And the gain of heat is directly controlled by the factors like weather change and humidity.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our discussion. The crux of all this debate is that if you are a professional farmer, analog soil thermometers like the [amazon link=”B00JE5GI3U” title=”Vee Gee”/] one is the best choice for you. It has all the primary features like a resilient body and rust coating that you might need under extreme weather. Otherwise, thermometers like smart choice thermometers are ideal if you are looking forward to an indoor planting session at home. It’s because it has a regular probe length that would do fine for home plants. Hence, irrespective of your proficiency at farming and planting, a soil thermometer is that one tool you won’t want to miss out on.
