Soil Temps: What's too hot?

AZRuss · May 27, 2009

I want to plant out some seedlings (determinate varieties mostly) for a mid to late November fall harvest. I have calculated that I need to do this at least by mid August for any chance of success. Air temps here August through mid September are 95+ day and 75+ night.

I use SWC's primarily. Yesterday I checked the soil temperatures in SWC's that contain fully mature tomato plants, and the temps ranged from 85 to 95 degrees. It's only May. I can expect that the soil temps will be at least that at plant-out time. (This is in white SWC's with white plastic mulch.)

Will seedlings grow in soil that warm?

May 27, 2009	#1
AZRuss Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 171	Soil Temps: What's too hot? I want to plant out some seedlings (determinate varieties mostly) for a mid to late November fall harvest. I have calculated that I need to do this at least by mid August for any chance of success. Air temps here August through mid September are 95+ day and 75+ night. I use SWC's primarily. Yesterday I checked the soil temperatures in SWC's that contain fully mature tomato plants, and the temps ranged from 85 to 95 degrees. It's only May. I can expect that the soil temps will be at least that at plant-out time. (This is in white SWC's with white plastic mulch.) Will seedlings grow in soil that warm?