This table uses soil temperature ranges (not air). For best accuracy, measure soil at about 5 cm (2 in) depth in the early morning. Use the first row you meet in spring, then move down the table as the soil warms.
| Soil temperature at 5 cm / 2 in | Vegetables (plant out/sow) | Berries (plant/can go out) | Fruit trees (plant) | Herbs (plant out/sow) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5–7 °C (41–45 °F) | Asparagus (crowns), peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, parsnips, garlic, rhubarb (crowns) | Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, white currants, gooseberries | Apples, pears, plums, cherries | — |
| 7–10 °C (45–50 °F) | Carrots, beetroot, turnips, swedes (rutabaga), kale, pak choi, onions (sets), shallots, leeks (transplants) | — | — | Chives, parsley, coriander (cilantro), dill, mint, oregano, sage, thyme, tarragon |
| 10–13 °C (50–55 °F) | Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery (transplants), potatoes | — | — | Rosemary, fennel |
| >13–16+ °C (>55–60+ °F) | Beans, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons, sweetcorn, tomatoes, peppers | — | — | Basil, marjoram |
Helpful Temperature Notes for Cold Regions
- Row covers or garden fleece add roughly 2–4 °C (3–7 °F) near the soil. Use for 1–2 weeks after planting to speed growth and guard against cold snaps.
- Harden off seedlings for 5–7 days before planting. Sudden wind and chill can stall even hardy crops.
- If a late frost threatens, cover plants overnight with fabric or cloches and remove covers in the morning.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil, cucurbits) do best when night air stays above 10 °C (50 °F) and soil holds above 13–16 °C (55–60 °F).
- To warm soil faster, use raised beds and pre-heat with dark mulch or clear plastic for a few days before planting.
- Check several spots in your garden; plant earliest in sunny, south-facing, wind-sheltered microclimates.