What is the current soil temperature in Ohio?
This page shows a statewide estimated 2–4 inch soil temperature for Ohio, recomputed daily from NOAA weather station records, plus per-ZIP estimates for representative Ohio locations. Enter your ZIP code for the reading nearest you.
At what soil temperature should I apply pre-emergent in Ohio?
Apply pre-emergent when Ohio soil temperatures approach 55°F at a 2–4 inch depth in spring — crabgrass germinates as soil holds 55°F and above. In Ohio that typically happens mid-april to early may.
What soil temperature does grass seed need in Ohio?
Soil temperature alone does not set a seeding date. Seeding timing for common Ohio lawns (Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue) follows published regional calendars for each grass type; the overseeding tool shows any calendar available for your ZIP, with this estimate as context.
How accurate is this Ohio soil temperature estimate?
It is modeled from air temperatures with a published lag model, not measured by in-ground sensors, and is typically within about ±5°F at 2–4 inch depth. Shade, moisture, and snow cover shift real readings; for precise numbers use a soil thermometer or Ohio State University Extension resources.
Why does soil warm up later near Lake Erie?
Lake Erie stays cold well into spring, and onshore winds carry that chill over Cleveland, Toledo, and the lakeshore counties. The cool air suppresses daytime soil heating, so soil within roughly 10-20 miles of the lake typically crosses 55°F one to two weeks after inland Ohio at the same latitude. The effect reverses in fall, when the warm lake delays soil cooling.
When does Ohio soil temperature reach 55 degrees in spring?
In a typical year, Cincinnati and southern Ohio reach a sustained 55°F at 2-4 inches in early-to-mid April, Columbus in mid-to-late April, and Cleveland and the northeast snowbelt in late April to early May. Cold, wet springs can push all of these back by a week or more, which is why checking the daily estimate beats relying on the calendar.
What soil temperature should Ohio gardeners wait for before planting?
Sweet corn and beans want soil at 50°F or warmer, cucumbers and squash around 60°F, and tomatoes and peppers transplant best once soil holds 60°F. In central Ohio that usually means mid-May for warm-season crops, which lines up with the traditional frost-safe planting date. Ohio State University Extension publishes crop-specific minimums if you want the full table.