Soil thermometer

A soil thermometer is a must-have tool for spring vegetable gardening in Central Oregon.

Once your soil temperature reaches a consistent 45 degrees (typically in mid-April in a mini hoophouse covered bed) and in May in uncovered beds, sowing and transplanting of cold hardy crops can begin! With so many local microclimates, though, using a soil thermometer will help you know when the time is right to start planting in your garden.