Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Home Maintenance

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best soil thermometers to keep your garden lush

21Oak Contributor
By

For greatest accuracy, experts recommend taking multiple soil temperature measurements. Use your soil-temperature thermometer to take a reading in the morning and another late in the afternoon. The average of these two numbers lets you know the real temperature of your soil.

Gardening isn’t just about having a green thumb. Experienced gardeners know that every plant has different temperature requirements. This is why the soil thermometers on our list are key to the success of your crops. Our top picks take the guessing game out of planting your bulbs, veggies, or shrubs to help you garden with confidence. Let’s take a look at our favorites.

SmartChoice Soil Thermometer

Best Overall

Made of stainless steel and featuring a 127 mm stem, the SmartChoice Soil Thermometer provides accurate readings from 0 to 220 F. With high visibility and no fogging up, this high-precision device is easier to read than digital soil thermometers. It requires no batteries to let you know when is the right time to start planting your soil.

Greenco Gardening Soil Thermometer

Best for Compost

With a durable construction and a solid 20-inch stem, the Greenco Gardening Soil Thermometer is ideal to measure compost temperature. Its color-coded temperature ranges from 40 to 180 F with a high-quality lens that seals out moisture and won’t fog. Knowing the temperature of your compost helps you figure out the right moisture levels and activators, for the healthiest compost piles to nourish your plants.

Vee Gee Scientific Soil Thermometer

Best Durable

The Vee Gee Scientific Soil Thermometer features a sturdy gauge and strong stem made of stainless steel. The 6-inch stem and 3-inch display make it easy to take your soil temperature with reliability and durability. Its wide temperature range takes measurements from minus 40 to 160 F, to work accurately year-round.

Gardening and composting are always more successful with the right instruments. If you want to grow a healthy garden, the soil thermometers on our list help you test your garden for the perfect temperature to grow your plants and crops. From professional landscapers to planting enthusiasts, these tools give you the insight to grow a successful garden.

21Oak Contributor
21Oak Contributor
21Oak Contributor
Is regrouting your bathroom a wise choice? Here’s what to consider
Regrout, reglaze, or replace? What you need to know
Small bathroom with blue tiles and floating sink

If your bathroom tile grout is stained, dirty, or otherwise looking old, it's not only unsightly, but it can make it difficult to sell your home. Sometimes grout staining occurs no matter how much you clean it, and the result is tile that looks dirty even though it isn't.

Luckily, there are a few different ways you can upgrade it without remodeling your bathroom, and they include some affordable, do-it-yourself options.

Read more
What colors go with purple? 9 captivating shades for your home
Here's how to decorate with purple and find colors that complement it
Living room with purple couch and walls

Purple represents royalty, mystery, peace, and much more, depending on who you ask. So, why can’t you decorate with purple? There are many ways to work it in if purple is your thing, from purple color combinations to purple accents.

Research shows that people who decorate with purple are most likely to say their home makes them happy, and Pantone's color of the year in 2022 certainly celebrated the shade. If you already love purple, this is definitely the read for you, but if you need some convincing, this just may be the thing that convinces you that purple is the right choice for remodeling your space.

Read more
The best padlocks of 2024
best padlocks 2024

In an ideal world, you would be able to leave your belongings unattended without any worries. Unfortunately, theft is almost always a risk, no matter if it's items in your home, luggage at an airport, or your bike parked outside a supermarket. With the need to keep things secure, nothing performs better than the best padlocks of 2024.

These devices are simple, yet surprisingly versatile, offering reliable durability and peace of mind. The heavy-duty Kurtzy padlock stood out to us for its hardened steel construction and unique D-shape. Read through our reviews and buying guide to narrow down your search for the ideal padlock.
The best padlocks

Read more