The longer you experience gardening, the more you realize that soil temperatures are important for your plants. This is why every gardener out there has at least one soil thermometer for their daily and seasonal use. If you have visited us before, you probably have read a lot about the temperatures of the soil already. Too cold or too hot can both kill the plants or stunt their growth if things are not serious. With the best soil thermometers, you will be able to prevent this kind of problem from happening. So there are some high-quality soil thermometers that I highly recommend below, feel free to check them out.
Contents
The Best Soil Thermometers List
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#5. Soil Thermometer For Microbes & Worms
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Product’s Specs:
- By: Urban Worm
- Weight: 0.07lbs
- Length: 5.7 inches
- Usability: read suitable soil temperatures for microbes and worms
As you probably already know, microbes and worms are very beneficial to the soil in so many ways. Keeping the soil at a favorable temperature helps to make them happy and healthy. This is why this soil thermometer is here for you, to ensure the best temperatures in the soil. The nice thing about this thermometer is that it comes with bright and clear marks that you can easily read. The colorations let you know if the soil temperature is appropriate or ideal for them to thrive or not.
Microbes and worms enjoy temperatures between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can easily tell when using this thermometer. Another convenient thing is the stainless steel stem that is 5 inches long that allows for accurate measurement. Microbes and worms live in the depth of the soil, and you should be able to measure the temperature there. It is easy to use and clean, and keeping microbes and worms happy in the soil is a piece of cake.
The Pros
- 5-inch long stainless steel stem
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
- Bright and clear measurement markings
- Accurate readings in all types of temperature
The Cons
- The display gets foggy in cold temperatures
#4. Stainless Steel Thermometer For Compost Soil
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Product’s Specs:
- By: Greenco
- Weight: 1lbs
- Length: 20 inches
- Usability: soil temperature readings
The temperature of compost soil affects the growth and health of the plants, and that is why it is important. This compost soil thermometer right here comes with a clear design of bright color and a wide dial for easy reading. You can easily tell if the temperature is right at a simple glance, the colors say it all. Along with that, the stem of the thermometer is up to 20 inches which is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. A stem this long allows you to take the temperature of the soil down to the roots of the plants.
The performance is one great thing, but the design and quality of this soil thermometer are also amazing. It features the design from high-quality 304 stainless steel which is both durable and lightweight to use. More than that, it also comes with a hermetically sealed and PC-coated lens to prevent fogging and moisture. Not to mention that it is also water-resistant, this is definitely among the best soil thermometer to consider. From durability to performance and quality, this thermometer has them all for you so let’s see if you like it.
The Pros
- Durable stainless steel design
- Accurate readings and clear display
- Foggy, moisture, and water-resistant
- Reliable performance and long-lasting quality
- 20-inch long stem with reinforced welded bolt
The Cons
- The readings may take some time to show the results
#3. Multipurpose Soil Thermometer With Large Display
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Product’s Specs:
- By: Smart Choice
- Weight: 0.04lbs
- Length: 5 inches
- Usability: precise temperature measurement for indoor and outdoor use
For those who want a soil thermometer that can do it all, you are looking right at one now. The awesome thing about this thermometer is that you can use it with various soil types that you have. We are talking about compost soil, garden soil, and ground soil, and it is also very easy to read as well. This soil thermometer always delivers an accurate reading with high precision and high visibility. The dial and numbers are big and clear, and it does not become foggy at all. You can use it both indoor and outdoor under any temperature which is very convenient.
This soil thermometer is made from rugged stainless steel along with a high-quality glass cover. As for the probe, it is 5 inches long so that you can easily use it for any soil type. On top of that, it even comes with a cover so that you won’t accidentally scratch yourself with the probe. The whole device is not only durable but also easy to use in the garden or yard. A compact soil thermometer with a long-lasting performance like this is not easy to find. Many gardeners like how it works, and maybe you will too.
The Pros:
- Durable and sturdy build
- Stem cover included for safe storage
- Clear and large display without getting foggy
- High-quality and rugged stainless steel design
- Ideal for compost and soil readings both indoor and outdoor
The Cons
- The probe could be longer
#2. Digital Soil Thermometer For Plant Transplanting
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Product’s Specs:
- By: Rapitest
- Weight: 0.1lbs
- Length: 9 inches
- Usability: determine soil temperature, recommend soil temperature recommendations
In case you prefer a digital soil thermometer, I have a good model to recommend. The main purpose of this thermometer is to provide accurate readings for the transplanting of a variety of plants in your garden. It is among the best soil thermometers because it also provides soil temperature recommendations for various plant types. This smart thermometer simply lets you know the perfect temperature that your plant needs which is extremely helpful. With its help, you will be able to determine the right temperatures for seeding and transplanting with ease. A proper soil temperature also means healthy growth for the plants, and that is a total plus.
Since this thermometer is for the purpose of taking temperatures of the soil, its probe is rather compact and short. The stainless steel probe is easy to clean and use, and it does not rust at all. As for the display, it shows the temperature in Fahrenheit and it is also easy to read. With the help from it, early season and transplanting will not be a challenge anymore even if you are a beginner. This soil thermometer is powered by a battery, and it is portable enough to bring along with to places. It is so convenient and easy to use, and its quality lasts for years to come. Don’t forget to check it out, a digital soil thermometer like this is one of the must-have gardening gadgets.
The Pros
- Accurate and fast readings
- 3-inch stainless steel probe
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Clear display with soil temperature recommendations
The Cons
- The plastic shell is a little flimsy
- Temperature display is only in Fahrenheit
#1. 3-In-1 Soil Tester & Thermometer
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Product’s Specs:
- By: SONKIR
- Weight: 0.1lbs
- Length: 7.9 inches
- Usability: test pH value, soil moisture, and sunlight level
One tool is all you need to measure the soil moisture, pH value, and sunlight level, and it is that tool. This 3-in-1 soil tester allows you to accurately measure the basic needs that your plants need for their growth. The unique thing about this gadget is that it comes with a double-needle probe for the most accurate detection possible. At the same time, it also allows for a faster operation so that you won’t have to work long hours. The large display will let you know the status of the soil, whether or not it is proper for the plants.
On top of that, it is also very convenient and easy to use. All you need to do is inserting the probe into the soil for about 2 to 4 inches. Then it will test the moisture, pH, and sunlight of the soil for you right away. The sunlight level is important, and it is perfect if you prefer to know the amount of sunlight that your plants receive. One device that tells you all the important things that you need to know, isn’t it nice? You can use it both indoor and outdoor, for gardens, plantations, and many more. Not to mention that it is compact, easy to use, and inexpensive, you will not regret choosing it. Thousands of users highly recommend this one, so feel free to check it out.
The Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to use with accurate and reliable readings
- Measures pH value, soil moisture, and sunlight level
- 7.9-inch stainless steel probe with a double-needle design
The Cons
- pH reading is very tricky
Soil Thermometer Buying Guide
Not every soil thermometer is the same because there are different functions that each of them has to complete. This is why you should know what you look for in the soil thermometer that you want to purchase. The buying guide below will tell you just the important features that you should look for in the best soil thermometers. Once you know what to have in mind, picking the right soil thermometer will be a piece of cake.
Accuracy
Your main purpose in buying a soil thermometer is to take the temperatures of the soil. This is why you want to make sure that the result that it delivers is accurate and precise. Always read the label and find the guarantee of the accuracy of the temperature measurement. Even better, the warranty makes the products more reliable because you can always return if it does not work. If you shop online, always read the reviews of previous users regarding the accuracy that the thermometer provides.
Display
The display of the soil thermometer is very important, and there are more than one components to have in mind. When you buy a soil thermometer, there are a few things regarding the display to consider. Those include:
- A dial is a thing that points to the temperature status on the thermometer. You should choose a dial that is large so that you can see the temperature easily and fast.
- The number should be bright and clear so that you can easily read the temperature right away. If you are a beginner, choose a soil thermometer with color markings for each status of the soil. That way, you will be able to know if the temperatures are good or bad.
- Another important thing is the display itself, the glass should be durable and fog-resistant. It simply allows you to measure the soil temperature under any weather conditions conveniently and read the temperatures easily.
- If you choose a digital soil thermometer, then make sure that the display is large enough. Most compact digital thermometers have a small display, and that can be inconvenient to read sometimes. Pick the ones with a backlight may also help since it can get a little brighter for you.
Quality
No matter what you buy, quality is one of the important things that you should take into consideration. The best soil thermometers should feature the design from high-quality materials inside and out. Look for the ones that are built from stainless steel so that it is durable and long-lasting. The plastic ones will also do, but make sure that it is at least a tough plastic material. Don’t forget to make sure that your thermometer is waterproof so that you can use it in all weather conditions.
Probe
Length matters when it comes to the probe of the soil thermometer that you choose. As you may already know, different soil thermometers come with different probe designs and lengths. You want the probe to be long enough to penetrate the soil to take accurate temperatures in the ground. This part is also based on what type of soil or location that you use it with. If you use it for mini gardens or pots, the ones with a probe length of 2 to 4 inches will do. In case you want to measure the temperatures of the soil outdoor, then the longer the probe is the better. I recommend choosing a soil thermometer with a long probe because it can get precise temperatures deep in the soil.
Temperature Range
Normally, the common soil temperature range in a thermometer should be between 80 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you want your thermometer to have a temperature range from 0 up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit if possible. When measuring the temperature, knowing the best temperature alone is not enough. You also want to know how cold or how hot the soil gets sometimes. Another thing is to choose the soil thermometer with temperature ranges for the right purposes of use. Do you want the thermometer to take the temperature that is best for your plants, seeds, or worms? The right thermometer also provides the right temperature ranges for you so that using it is always accurate.
Analog Soil Thermometer vs Digital Thermometer
When you look for the best soil thermometers, you will come across 2 main types which are analog and digital thermometers. These two work great in their own ways, the key is to pick the one that is perfect for your tasks. Below is a brief description of each type that you can make a comparison of and decide which one is best.
Analog Soil Thermometer:
- This type of thermometer is waterproof, and you can use it under any weather conditions.
- It is heavy-duty, and it does well under moisture or extreme weather with a spot-on performance every time.
- Analog soil thermometers’ displays are always bright and large, and some even have markings for beginners to easily read.
Digital Soil Thermometer:
- A digital thermometer always provides accurate and precise temperature within seconds.
- Digital soil thermometers are very versatile and you can use them both indoor and outdoor. Most of them are ideal for not only gardens but also farms, potted plants, and many more.
- It often provides more than one readings so that you can use it for a few other purposes. Some digital soil thermometers can also measure the pH value, soil moisture, and sunlight intensity on top of the temperatures.
How To Use A Soil Thermometer
No, you can’t just stab the probe into the soil to take the temperature. It does not work like that, and the steps below will tell you how to use a soil thermometer properly. Just a few steps, so let’s check them out.
- First, use a stick to dig a hole so that you can place the stem into it. If you use the probe to dig the soil, it can either affect its performance or break it. To take the temperature for seeding, dig a hole at 1 or 2 inches deep. In case you want to check the overall temperatures of the soil, then dig as deep as 5 to 7 inches.
- Then place the stem inside the hole that you dig, and let it works for some seconds. A good soil thermometer will display the result in less than 30 seconds.
- Make sure to repeat this a few other times in nearby areas to ensure that the temperature is accurate.
Tips
- 40 degrees Fahrenheit and higher is ideal for kale, lettuce, pea, and spinach germination.
- 50 degrees Fahrenheit and higher is ideal for chard, leek, onion, and turnip germination.
- 60 degrees Fahrenheit and higher is ideal for bean, beet, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, and cauliflower germination.
- 70 degrees Fahrenheit and higher is ideal for corn, cucumber, melon, pepper, tomato, and squash germination.
Final Words
Knowing the temperature of your soil is very important because the life of your plants also depends on it. This is why you want to have the best soil thermometers to use so that you can always take accurate temperatures. Once things don’t go right, you are able to fix the problems on time to save your plants. Feel free to select one among the options that I recommended above. Or, look for the best soil thermometer in your definition using the tips that I shared.