What soil temperature is best for tomatoes when they are planted outside?
The critical temperature for survival of tomatoes is air temperature, not soil temperature. However, soil temperature is very important for quick establishment, early production and increased production of tomatoes over the season. Tomatoes are tropical, perennial plants grown in places like Las Vegas as an annual. It cannot take temperatures below freezing (32 degrees). Commercial devices like Wall-o-water, a trademarked product, and hot caps allow tomatoes to survive at temperatures below freezing and encourage early production. Warming the soil by applying clear plastic on the soil surface is a technique used commercially to encourage early production. About a week before planting, clear plastic is laid on the soil surface to warm the soil. During planting, a slit is cut through the plastic and the tomato transplant is planted directly into the prepared soil through the slit. Root growth is rapid. If air temperatures are warm, top growth is rapid as well. If the fertilizer applicati
