It is soil temperature rather than air temperature that dictates the growth of our food, and a soil thermometer is the best way to know if your soil is suitable for the season's planting. 

To measure the temperature of your soil, press the thermometer into the soil to a depth of 5 –10cm. Wait 10 minutes for the temperature to stabilise and to get an accurate reading. 

Despite air temperature being the main determinant and something we can’t alter, there are ways you can cool or heat up your soil for planting. Removing mulch from the patch as the weather cools down will allow the soil to cool more quickly. You can then lay hessian cloth over the space that will further accelerate the process. Similarly, laying black plastic over a cool soil will help capture more rays and direct heat making it suitable for warmer season crops.

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