Soil temperatures

[LwnmwnMan2]

This post will only pertain to those of you around the Minnesota area.

Each week I'll post 1-2 times per week what the soil temperatures are in different areas that I maintain, to give people a general idea of when they need to get their pre-emergent crabgrass control spread.

Right now they're hovering around 35-40 degrees, and with the talk of snow again this weekend, yard work is just going to keep getting pushed back.

[Quetico]

Active root growth in most plants including your trees begins when the soil temp hits 33 degrees.

[charliepete2]

Where are we at? Is it time yet?

[marine_man]

I checked mine here in SE ND and got 38 degrees in a couple of spots...

marine_man

[hoggs222]

I'm guessing that with the warm weather this week (70) we will be ok for this weekend. Just a guess, not an educated one!

[Quetico]

Plants are popping thru so its time to get started with some of the spring stuff. Get the garden beds cleaned, and spread some mulch. If your putting in bare root trees and shrubs its go time. I'd hold off with the annuals and perennials.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Here is a map to use for a general idea of what the soil temperatures are.

It's going to be based on temps and precip, so not exact, but will give you an idea of what's going on.

As you can see, most of MN is still in 40 degree soil temps, wait with that crabgrass prevetative.

If you've got south facing slopes, or areas alongside blacktop, you might want to put down a minimal amount, or just wait, as there are also post emergent controls for crabgrass.

If you know you had some areas last year that had crabgrass you could also hit them as well, but it's going to be a week or two yet before you have to really worry about getting the whole yard applied.

http://www.greencastonline.com/SoilTempMaps.aspx

Do not use the drop down menu though. For some reason it shows soil temps from last September.

Also, for what it's worth, Channel 9 had a report from Dale K at Gertens to stay off the yard as well, for another week. Just trying to get everyone to be able to enjoy a cold one on the deck one more week.

[hoggs222]

Looks like it could be a go according to the recent map. 4/16. 55-60 degrees

[FishingIdiot]

Just finished taking temps. Most of my yard is a little over 40 and next to the driveway is 55+. I think I'll sprinkle a little along the driveway tomorrow.

[Fish Toys]

Checked the garden yesterday and it was 58. The garden was actually pretty dry considering I tilled it last fall. Normally it is soup in the spring with normal moisture. I planted a short row of Sweet Corn and some Alaska peas. I have to start planting the garden before field work incase wheat and soybean planting gets dragged out. If that happens the garden gets planted pretty late. Has anybody else planted anything?

[LwnmwnMan2]

For what it's worth, as far as crabgrass germination, you need to be checking the soil temps at sunrise or right after.

Also, crabgrass will start to germinate when ground temps have been 55+ for 3 consecutive days.

As far as garden planting, you'll have to worry about more cold snaps, seeds rotting in the ground, or getting an early sprout, just for it to be killed by a late season frost.

I know a guy in NC today was talking they got a heavy frost this morning.