If you’re waiting, put those beans or zucchini seeds in the ground.
If you’ve been waiting to plant those tomato plants.
Your wait is over.
Today is.
We are now on the cusp of a major warm-up in the region, and even when it ends, temperatures will still be significantly warmer than normal.
From my discussions with master gardeners and research online, soil temperatures must reach at least 50F for tomato plants to thrive. Many vegetable seeds require soil temperatures above the mid-50s to have much of a chance.
Air temperatures below 40F are not good for the crop business.
Current soil temperature
In Seattle, current soil temperatures at a depth of 2 inches (orange line below) have risen to near 60F in the late afternoon on several days over the past week and only dropped to the low 50s at night.
I expect soil temperatures to warm up a few degrees over the next few days, creating favorable conditions for tomatoes, beans, and other warmer soil seeds/plants to grow.
Temperature forecast
The latest forecasts are in line with previous forecasts: highs near 80F on Friday and Saturday, with lows in the lower to mid 50s. Classic midsummer weather.
Cool down a few degrees on Sunday, followed by a week of temperatures above 60 degrees.
Keep in mind that such temperatures are above normal for Seattle, where highs are typically around 65F this time of year. Plants and seeds will be happy!
But maybe you’re a gardener who really plans ahead. What is the long-term outlook regarding temperature?
Below is the European Central’s latest extended temperature forecast for the next 46 days, net of the predicted deviation from normal. Most of the region will be near normal, slightly warmer than normal conditions in Northwest Washington and the eastern Cascades.
Your plants will remain happy.
Notification
By popular demand, I’m bringing back my podcast starting Friday!
