Whats a good soil thermometer?

TomatoDon · May 4, 2008

I know there are lots of soil thermometers out there, and maybe a household one would work, but I'm wanting to see if any of you have found a good, yet inexpensive soil temp gauge that I can keep up with temps in natural soil, and different color containers to see how well container temps match with Mother Earth. And how much difference the color of the container makes.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Don

elkwc36 · May 4, 2008

Don,
I just use a long stem thermometer like I use at work. Usually like a 0-100 degree F. That should put you in the mid range. Have checked them against the digital test thermometer I have and they are close. I feel this is close enough for my use. We use them to check temperatures of gas and liquids. They are an industrial thermometer and a little heavier grade than some household ones. They are built for outdoor use. If you want real accurate the digital thermometers with a probe work well. But way more expensive and measure in tenths. The one I use at work costs 2-3 hundred I think and I have it calibrated every year. But for my garden use don't feel I need that accurate. JMO. JD

TomatoDon · May 4, 2008

Yes, I was wanting the $5 special!

I guess most any of them would do. Maybe I can find a digital in the bargain bin somewhere.

Thanks for the input.

Don

clspie · May 4, 2008

here's a digital thermometer I purchased. checked it against a thermometer @ work and it was within 1 degree f. works for me. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11694

May 4, 2008	#1
TomatoDon Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MS Posts: 1,523	Whats a good soil thermometer? I know there are lots of soil thermometers out there, and maybe a household one would work, but I'm wanting to see if any of you have found a good, yet inexpensive soil temp gauge that I can keep up with temps in natural soil, and different color containers to see how well container temps match with Mother Earth. And how much difference the color of the container makes. Any suggestions? Thanks! Don __________________ Zone 7B, N. MS

May 4, 2008	#3
TomatoDon Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MS Posts: 1,523	Yes, I was wanting the $5 special! I guess most any of them would do. Maybe I can find a digital in the bargain bin somewhere. Thanks for the input. Don __________________ Zone 7B, N. MS

May 4, 2008	#2
elkwc36 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: SW Kansas Posts: 339	Don, I just use a long stem thermometer like I use at work. Usually like a 0-100 degree F. That should put you in the mid range. Have checked them against the digital test thermometer I have and they are close. I feel this is close enough for my use. We use them to check temperatures of gas and liquids. They are an industrial thermometer and a little heavier grade than some household ones. They are built for outdoor use. If you want real accurate the digital thermometers with a probe work well. But way more expensive and measure in tenths. The one I use at work costs 2-3 hundred I think and I have it calibrated every year. But for my garden use don't feel I need that accurate. JMO. JD

May 4, 2008	#4
clspie Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Erie, PA Posts: 44	here's a digital thermometer I purchased. checked it against a thermometer @ work and it was within 1 degree f. works for me. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11694