SAK

In western PA is it true that the soil temperature should be at least 50 degrees in order for corn and soy bean to germinate? Would it be safe to assume that soil temperature is equal to the night time low? If so, if the extended forecast calls for most nights in the 50' s but a few in the 40' s would it be safe to plant or just wait?

Russ otten

We have already planted our sweet corn and it is up, except for what the crows pulled up. We are in Northern Miss. and our temps are in the range that you have stated. In fact we just went through a cool spell that we call blackberry Winter. Highs are close to 80, but we still have some low 40' s at night.
Russ

Dan O.

If the corn is fungicide coated (usually pink) it gives you a bit more insurance of a crop if the temperatures turn colder or the weather turns wet.

Dan O.

farm hunter

Hi SAK,

Yes, soil temp should be at least 50 - and 55-60 better if possible. Night time lows are a good " worst case" scenario. Temperatures of soil less that 50, encourage mold growth, and delay germination by several weeks, but the real kicker is " last frost date" for your area.

Even if you temps are OK now, if your area gets a frost in MAY on average, you a playing russian roulette planting now. This is the kind of link you are needing - you need to search for the closest to you http://205.156.54.206/er/bgm/cli/avp/curavp. In central NY, June 1 is my plant date, I' d guess yours is like May 15 - but again - its a guess.

If you cannot find any better info, plant when the dogwoods bloom.

Good luck