Soil temperature for plantings

What and When can I plant?

As the winter storms lead to a few brighter days in January, I start seeing the sun again, if only briefly. But it's enough to make me start thinking of gardening. The temperature today is 25 degrees F outside. Winter flowers are blooming, bulbs are poking up, and my kale is still growing.  ​

Can I still plant garlic?

I would definitely plant garlic!!  In fact, I have garlic going all year long!  The "customary" timing is to plant around the beginning of October and harvest on the 4th of July. . . . . or there about.  The goal is to get the garlic roots established before the freeze comes, which gives the bulbs a jump start for spring growth when the weather warms.  But, you can adjust. I say plant it when you remember.  Just know that garlic takes about 9 months to maturity.   Easy to remember, haha
It's very easy to plant.   Root side down about 2-3 inches apart in a 4 inch deep trench in well draining soil.  If it's the hard-neck variety, you'll have long twirly garlic scapes before harvest time that you can cut and use in a stir fry.  Bonus!!!

Is it time to start seedlings?

For years and years I joined the tribe of "early planters." Some of my seedlings occasionally did well enough to grow in the garden, but they struggled and didn't produce much.  I didn't know how "they" did it.  Then, when I started asking the plants what THEY wanted, I started doing better.

THIS is the importance of soil temperature:

Cloche, cold frame or hoop house?
I really like this model for quick and effective early planting. You can help your seeds get a jump start by using a "row cover" or a "frost cloth" over hoop framing. This can warm the enclosed growing area and soil by up to 10 degrees F.  I have learned many variations of this by watching my father. Here's this year's style from recycled materials! 

When the outside temperature is 28 degrees F, the temp 3-5 inches below ground is.....

We are successful gardeners when we can adapt to the ever-changing climate of the Pacific Northwest! 
Seeds germinate when the conditions are right - not when we are ready! When seeds or seedlings are planted too early they can do okay. But, if we get a cold snap or a weekend of torrential rain, the tiny plants become stressed. If this happens, it can take the small plant the ENTIRE SEASON just for it to catch up.  
When seeds are planted at the right temperature they have less stress, grow faster and produce more. 
Growing perennial flowers for pollinators and growing vegetables at the right temperature builds resiliency in my garden. 

We are successful gardeners when we can adapt to
​the ever-changing climate of the Pacific Northwest! ​