Late-Summer Gardening

Reader Contribution by Vicki Mattern
article image

I’m planting my fall garden, but it’s so hot outside! What can I do to help seeds germinate when I plant them in hot summer soil?

Most annual vegetable seeds germinate readily in soil temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But in midsummer, soil temperatures can be at the high end of that range — or above it — making it tough to get good germination for some crops. That includes lettuce (ideal germination temperature is 75 degrees), spinach (70 degrees), peas (75 degrees) and beans (80 degrees).

To get an accurate read on how warm your soil is, try a soil thermometer (sold at garden supply centers). If your soil is too hot, cool it down with moisture and shade. Simply moisten the soil the day before you plan to plant. Also, sow larger seeds, such as peas and beans, a bit deeper than the recommended planting depth — the closer to the surface, the warmer the soil.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368