To plant or not to plant? A soil temperature climatology for the Northern and Central Plains | CU Experts

Sufficient soil temperatures at the time of planting are essential for a well-established stand in both large-scale agriculture and recreational home gardening. Planting too early in the season increases the risk for frost damage and slow seedling growth while planting too late risks not reaching the required growing degree days (GDD) for plant maturity. In this study, a climatology of the date in which soils reach critical temperature thresholds for crops was developed for the Northern and Central Plains. At least 15 years of soil temperature data from 155 automated stations from six different networks were utilized in this study. Results showed that Minnesota consistently reached each soil temperature threshold last, while south-central Colorado reached each threshold first, with differences in air temperature and soil moisture likely playing a role. These results were incorporated into an online tool that both professional and recreational agriculturists can use to determine when soil temperatures are best for planting. It will also help put soil temperatures into context based on a climatological average.

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