--- title: When Does Grass Seed Germinate?  [Air Temp Vs Soil Temp] description: Spring seeding and dormant seedings need soil temperatures of 50-65 degrees F to germinate. Soil temperature should not be confused with air temperatures. image: https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/soilTemp.png --- [![GreenMeadow](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Green_Meadow_LawnCare_January2019%20Theme/Image/download.png)](http://www.greenmeadowlawncare.com/) ## Learning Center # When Does Grass Seed Germinate?  \[Air Temp Vs Soil Temp\] Posted by [Nate Bahler](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/author/nate-bahler) on May 24, 2021 11:20:00 AM ![Nate Bahler](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Nate%20pic%201-1.jpg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Coming into Spring, soil temperature dictates just about everything we do in lawn care - especially in the Northeast where we have a lot of cool season grasses.   ## What temperature does my soil need to be for seeds to germinate? ### Spring seeding and dormant seedings won't germinate until soil temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  A range of 50-65 degrees is optimal (measured at a depth of 2 inches).  Once we reach this soil temperature, the process of germination will begin.  ![soilTemp](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/soilTemp.png?width=355&name=soilTemp.png) What most people don’t realize is that just because the *air* is 75 degrees, it doesn’t mean the *soil* is 75 degrees. What we need is for air temps to be sustained at about 10 degrees warmer than what we need our soil temp to be.  So, for example, if we need *soil* to reach 50-65, we need consistent *air* temperatures of about 60-75 degrees for an extended period of time.  ## Why are soil temperatures and air temperatures so different? Soil acts as an **insulator**.  Soil’s pore space is made up of either air or water which are both great insulators.  These pore spaces either keep temps very cold when they reach a cold level or keep temps very hot when they reach a high level. Because of these insulating qualities, it can take a long time for soil to make this shift from warm to cold or cold to warm. ## **Soil Temperature can be affected by:** - Frost - Water levels - The amount of pore space (water and air that acts as insulation) in your soil  - Plant cover - Soil depth **For Cool Season Grass Seed Germination:** - Need Soil temps between 50-65 F - Need sustained air temps about 10 degrees above desired soil temp. (65 F-75 F).  - Seeds need adequate moisture.  - Soil needs adequate oxygen.  A seed will have a hard time establishing itself in compacted soil.  If your soil is compacted and you have a thick thatch layer, consideration Core Aeration.  - Seed to soil contact. Related Topics:  - [Overseeding Your Lawn \[The Ultimate Guide\]](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/overseeding-your-lawn) - [How to Care for a Newly Seeded Lawn](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/how-to-care-for-a-newly-seeded-lawn) - [5 Best Ways to Seed My Lawn](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/5-best-ways-to-seed-thin-and-bare-lawn-areas) - [**Best Time of Year to Over Seed My Lawn**](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/times-to-over-seed-your-lawn) --- *[![Learning Center Articles ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/452a537a-2187-41a1-b79f-78fd381f9058.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/452a537a-2187-41a1-b79f-78fd381f9058)* *[![Green Meadow Youtube Channel](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/dc40a82a-7401-4bcd-92ad-da378114f73b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/dc40a82a-7401-4bcd-92ad-da378114f73b)* *[![Request a Free On-Site Estimate with Green Meadow Lawn Care](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/3d9c2fe5-427a-49f8-b6cb-c480da7dd18a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/3d9c2fe5-427a-49f8-b6cb-c480da7dd18a)* *Since 2007, Green Meadow Lawn Care has provided homeowners throughout the greater Tolland, Connecticut area with premium fertilization programs, tick control, mosquito management, seeding & aeration and tree & shrub care. * *Visit our *[*Learning Center*](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/)* to find out more about how our services can help you or visit our*[ *Youtube Channel*](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzJAZmz2qVfbPc1fQOf5Ig) *to view more in our Learning Center Series.* *To speak to our Customer Service Manager, please call* *Dave (view*[ *Dave's video bio*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP_5B_B-jbQ) *here) with any questions. 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