Soil Temperature in Ohio
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Ohio is 77°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 77°F to 77°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Ohio with soil averaging 77°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Ohio
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Ohio. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Ohio (2)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Ohio. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Ohio. See the Ohio soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Molly Caren #1 (Madison) | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Wooster 3 SSE | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Ohio (53)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Akron | 44301 | 77°F |
| Ashtabula | 44004 | 78°F* |
| Bowling Green | 43402 | 77°F* |
| Canton | 44701 | 77°F |
| Chagrin Falls | 44022 | 77°F |
| Cincinnati | 45201 | 80°F* |
| Cleveland | 44101 | 77°F |
| Columbus | 43085 | 77°F |
| Cuyahoga Falls | 44221 | 77°F |
| Dayton | 45400 | 77°F |
| Dublin | 43016 | 77°F |
| Eastlake | 44095 | 77°F |
| Elyria | 44035 | 77°F |
| Euclid | 44117 | 77°F |
| Fairfield | 45014 | 77°F |
| Findlay | 45839 | 79°F* |
| Groveport | 43125 | 77°F |
| Hamilton | 45011 | 77°F |
| Hebron | 43025 | 77°F |
| Hudson | 44236 | 77°F |
| Kent | 44240 | 77°F |
| Lima | 45801 | 77°F |
| Lockbourne | 43137 | 77°F |
| Lorain | 44052 | 77°F |
| Lucasville | 45648 | 78°F* |
| Mansfield | 44901 | 77°F |
| Marion | 43301 | 77°F |
| Marysville | 43040 | 77°F |
| Massillon | 44646 | 77°F |
| Medina | 44256 | 77°F |
| Mentor | 44060 | 77°F |
| Miamisburg | 45342 | 77°F |
| Middletown | 45042 | 77°F |
| Newark | 43055 | 77°F |
| Novelty | 44072 | 77°F |
| Oregon | 43616 | 78°F* |
| Perrysburg | 43551 | 80°F* |
| Reynoldsburg | 43068 | 77°F |
| Sandusky | 44870 | 77°F |
| Sidney | 45365 | 77°F |
| Springfield | 45501 | 77°F |
| Steubenville | 43952 | 77°F |
| Strongsville | 44136 | 77°F |
| Toledo | 43601 | 79°F* |
| Troy | 45373 | 77°F |
| Wadsworth | 44281 | 77°F |
| Warren | 44481 | 77°F |
| West Chester | 45069 | 77°F |
| Westerville | 43081 | 77°F |
| Willard | 44888 | 77°F |
| Willoughby | 44094 | 77°F |
| Youngstown | 44501 | 77°F |
| Zanesville | 43701 | 77°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Ohio
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Ohio
What is the current soil temperature in Ohio?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Ohio is 77°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 77°F to 77°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Ohio?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Ohio, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Ohio?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.