Soil thermometer query

[Ruud]

Since the price of a Soil thermometer is like £8 - £10 could i not use something like this

http://www.biglearning.org/photo-thermometer.jpg

try to get it out of the plastic, stick it into the soil and then match it back up to the plactic to see temp?

[Two_Sheds]

You could do it the old fashioned way, with your rump. Sit your bare backside on the soil, if it's uncomfortable, the soil's too cold for planting

[Ruud]

You could do it the old fashioned way, with your rump. Sit your bare backside on the soil, if it's uncomfortable, the soil's too cold for planting

thats not very helpful!

[pauco]

Since the price of a Soil thermometer is like £8 - £10 could i not use something like this

http://www.biglearning.org/photo-thermometer.jpg

try to get it out of the plastic, stick it into the soil and then match it back up to the plactic to see temp?

You could try Amazon, they have thermometers a lot cheaper than most.
It's not just books they sell.

paul.

[Aberdeenplotter]

thats not very helpful!

perhaps not but it was very amusing.

Soil thermometers are expensive because they have protection built in to prevent damage. By all means, use an ordinary thermometer but don't complain when it breaks.

[Two_Sheds]

thats not very helpful!

My point was more that you can tell by the soil and the weather, you don't really "need" to be so exact as to use a thermometer. But, it's your money ...

[Ruud]

My point was more that you can tell by the soil and the weather, you don't really "need" to be so exact as to use a thermometer. But, it's your money ...

you do when your seed sowing

[splatcat]

I've never used a thermometer... My seeds grow

[Aberdeenplotter]

you do when your seed sowing

Ruud,

why bother asking people for advice if you are just going to throw it back in their faces? I'd bet a pound to a penny that no-one on our allotment site uses a thermometer to guage whether the soil is warm enough to sow seeds in. As TS has said, it's a matter of being able to decide whether the conditions are suitable and that generally comes with experience.

Having said that, if you feel you need the reassurance of knowing the exact temperature before you sow, then that is what you need to do.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have been gardening for over 20 years can someone tell me just what is a soil thermometer?

When the weeds start growing the soils getting there is the method I use, saves me getting my bum dirty.

Colin

[Ruud]

I have been gardening for over 20 years can someone tell me just what is a soil thermometer?

When the weeds start growing the soils getting there is the method I use, saves me getting my bum dirty.

Colin

im using it for seed sowing on a heated mat, so i just want to know the compost is at the right temp as per packet in the tray before sowing

[binley100]

Gosh that all sounds very precise........what seeds are you sowing? (being a bit nosey here)

[Ruud]

begonia,busy lizzie.

[binley100]

Do you need to be that exact. put the seed tray on for a while before you sow your seeds. Stick your finger in it you'll feel whether its warm. They don't need it to be exact.

[rana]

As you have invested in a heated mat and are prepared to spend more on electricity and seeds, why worry about another 8 quid for a thermometer. Alternatively just buy what you need as little plants in about 6 weeks time with the comfort that the commercial growers will have germinated the seeds at exactly the right temperature.