4-Inch Soil Temperature in Tennessee
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Tennessee is 71°F, measured at 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 68°F to 74°F. Soil across Tennessee is right at the seasonal normal of 71°F for early October, based on 2 of 2 stations with historical records. Last updated September 30, 2026.
Why the 4-Inch Reading
Every reading here is measured at native 4-inch depth by USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations, not modeled. The 4-inch root-zone temperature changes more slowly than the surface, making it the steadier signal for established-lawn and garden timing: pre-emergent and broadleaf herbicide windows, fertilizer applications, and core aeration.
Stations Measuring 4-Inch Depth in Tennessee (2)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| McAllister Farm (Lincoln) | 74°F | 2026-09-30 |
| Allen Farms (Giles) | 68°F | 2026-09-30 |
Cities in Tennessee (49)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch | 37011 | 74°F |
| Athens | 37303 | — |
| Brentwood | 37024 | 68°F |
| Bristol | 37620 | — |
| Chattanooga | 37401 | 74°F |
| Clarksville | 37040 | — |
| Cleveland | 37311 | 74°F |
| Clinton | 37716 | — |
| Collierville | 38017 | — |
| Columbia | 38401 | 68°F |
| Cookeville | 38501 | 74°F |
| Cordova | 38016 | — |
| Crossville | 38555 | — |
| Dickson | 37055 | 68°F |
| Dyersburg | 38024 | — |
| Elizabethton | 37643 | — |
| Franklin | 37064 | 68°F |
| Germantown | 38138 | — |
| Goodlettsville | 37070 | 68°F |
| Greeneville | 37743 | — |
| Hendersonville | 37075 | 74°F |
| Jackson | 38301 | — |
| Johnson City | 37601 | — |
| Kingsport | 37660 | — |
| Knoxville | 37901 | — |
| La Vergne | 37086 | 74°F |
| Lebanon | 37087 | 74°F |
| Lenoir City | 37771 | — |
| Madison | 37115 | 68°F |
| Manchester | 37349 | 74°F |
| Martin | 38237 | — |
| Maryville | 37801 | — |
| Mcminnville | 37110 | 74°F |
| Memphis | 37501 | — |
| Millington | 38053 | — |
| Morristown | 37813 | — |
| Mount Juliet | 37121 | 74°F |
| Murfreesboro | 37127 | 74°F |
| Nashville | 37201 | 68°F |
| New Tazewell | 37824 | — |
| Newport | 37821 | — |
| Oak Ridge | 37830 | — |
| Pigeon Forge | 37863 | — |
| Piney Flats | 37686 | — |
| Sevierville | 37862 | — |
| Sewanee | 37375 | 74°F |
| Shelbyville | 37160 | 74°F |
| Soddy Daisy | 37379 | 74°F |
| Union City | 38261 | — |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Tennessee
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Tennessee?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Tennessee is 71°F, measured at 2 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 68°F to 74°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Tennessee is right at the seasonal normal of 71°F for early October, based on 2 of 2 stations with historical records.
What does the 4 inch soil temperature mean?
The 4 inch soil temperature shows conditions deeper in the root zone than the 2 inch germination reading. It is commonly used for established lawn, garden, and agricultural timing because it changes more slowly than the surface layer, so it is a steadier signal for fertilizer, aeration, and weed-control decisions.
Why use 4-inch soil temperature instead of 2-inch?
Use 2 inches for germination decisions, since that is where seeds sit. Use the 4 inch soil temperature for established lawn and garden timing: it reads the root zone, changes more slowly than the surface, and is the depth most fertilizer, aeration, and disease guidance references.
See the national 4-inch soil temperature map, the full Tennessee soil temperature directory (all depths), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.