Soil Temperature

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Salsadude Baldwin City, KS May 26, 2010

This year, I planted sweet corn and probably 5 plants came up (out of 7- 50 foot rows). I am beginning to wonder if the temperature of the soil is a very important ingredient. We certainly had plenty of moisture, but the corn just didn't germinate (or else the crows found the rows and ate all the seed).

Is there a resource that discusses soil temperature and the best soil temperatures to plant various vegetables?

Thanks,

Salsadude

Post #7828589
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locakelly Phoenix, AZ(Zone 9a) May 26, 2010

Hey Salsadude...

Try this link for some info.

http://tomclothier.hort.net/page11.html

Most seeds do have optimal temps at which the % of germination is higher. For example, bean seeds will rot if planted in cold wet soil. Most seeds though will just hang out until the temp is optimal for germination.

Some possibilities with your corn is either the seeds were planted too deeply or the birds got them. Birds are sneaky like that - lol.

It could be temps though. In the chart in the link, the optimal daytime soil temp for corn is 77°F. This will give you on average 98% germination with seedlings emerging in about 4 days. Hope this helps!

Kelly

Post #7829178
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Jim41 Delhi, LA May 26, 2010

The farmers in our area start planting corn the 1st of March. They would like for the soil temp to be 50 degrees. If the soil temp is not that warn it just takes a little longer to come up. I don't see where there would be any difference for sweet corn.

Post #7831643
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Salsadude Baldwin City, KS May 27, 2010

Thanks guys for the info. I will visit the referenced site.

Salsadude

Post #7832269
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