Soil Temperature in Tennessee
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Tennessee is 80°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 76°F to 84°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Tennessee with soil averaging 80°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 Tennessee
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Tennessee. 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 Tennessee (2)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Tennessee. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Tennessee. See the Tennessee soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| McAllister Farm (Lincoln) | 84°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Allen Farms (Giles) | 76°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Tennessee (49)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch | 37011 | 84°F |
| Athens | 37303 | 75°F* |
| Brentwood | 37024 | 76°F |
| Bristol | 37620 | 76°F* |
| Chattanooga | 37401 | 85°F |
| Clarksville | 37040 | 82°F |
| Cleveland | 37311 | 85°F |
| Clinton | 37716 | 75°F* |
| Collierville | 38017 | 85°F |
| Columbia | 38401 | 76°F |
| Cookeville | 38501 | 81°F |
| Cordova | 38016 | 85°F |
| Crossville | 38555 | 71°F* |
| Dickson | 37055 | 76°F |
| Dyersburg | 38024 | 85°F |
| Elizabethton | 37643 | 82°F |
| Franklin | 37064 | 76°F |
| Germantown | 38138 | 85°F |
| Goodlettsville | 37070 | 81°F |
| Greeneville | 37743 | 82°F |
| Hendersonville | 37075 | 81°F |
| Jackson | 38301 | 85°F |
| Johnson City | 37601 | 82°F |
| Kingsport | 37660 | 82°F |
| Knoxville | 37901 | 76°F* |
| La Vergne | 37086 | 84°F |
| Lebanon | 37087 | 81°F |
| Lenoir City | 37771 | 76°F* |
| Madison | 37115 | 81°F |
| Manchester | 37349 | 84°F |
| Martin | 38237 | 85°F |
| Maryville | 37801 | 76°F* |
| Mcminnville | 37110 | 84°F |
| Memphis | 37501 | 93°F |
| Millington | 38053 | 93°F |
| Morristown | 37813 | 82°F |
| Mount Juliet | 37121 | 81°F |
| Murfreesboro | 37127 | 84°F |
| Nashville | 37201 | 76°F* |
| New Tazewell | 37824 | 74°F* |
| Newport | 37821 | 82°F |
| Oak Ridge | 37830 | 76°F* |
| Pigeon Forge | 37863 | 82°F |
| Piney Flats | 37686 | 82°F |
| Sevierville | 37862 | 82°F |
| Sewanee | 37375 | 84°F |
| Shelbyville | 37160 | 84°F |
| Soddy Daisy | 37379 | 85°F |
| Union City | 38261 | 85°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 Tennessee
- 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.
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Warm-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for St.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Tennessee
What is the current soil temperature in Tennessee?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Tennessee is 80°F, based on 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 76°F to 84°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Tennessee?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Tennessee, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Tennessee?
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.