Do you know how color affects soil temperature? Here is a test with dark and light metal raised beds in summer. The comparison between the 17” Tall 8×2 Metal Planter Boxes by Vegega in Midnight Blue and Oyster White highlights significant differences in soil temperature throughout the day, which can impact plant growth, particularly for sweet potatoes and other crops with specific soil temperature requirements.
In this article, we will test the soil temperature differences between two metal beds (taking Midnight Blue and Oyster White color beds, for example) at three different times: morning, afternoon, and nightfall. Let’s check the results now.
Soil Temperature in Raised Garden Beds in Hot Climates
All measurements were taken at the same time with an accurate and calibrated laser thermometer at 6 inches deep in the middle of each metal raised garden bed. Each picture showed the air temperature and soil temperature at different times.
Soil Temperature in the Morning (8am)
Oyster White: 73°F
Midnight Blue: 75°F
Soil Temperature in the Noon
Oyster White: 91°F
Midnight Blue: 96°F
Soil Temperature in the Evening (8pm)
Oyster White: 96°F
Midnight Blue: 102°F
According to the test results, the darker colored garden beds (Midnight Blue) had higher soil temperatures than the lighter-colored garden beds (Oyster White) throughout the day, with the temperature difference being most significant in the evening.
This suggests that in hot climates, dark-colored beds may retain more heat, which in turn affects plant growth. Especially for those heat-resistant plants, this higher soil temperature helps to promote growth. However, for cool-season plants, this temperature difference may present some challenges.
Advantages of Using Dark Color Metal Raised Beds in Hot Climate
Warm Soil for Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes thrive in warmer soil temperatures, ideally between 75°F and 95°F. The Midnight Blue bed consistently maintains higher temperatures, which could benefit the growth and yield of sweet potatoes, particularly in the early and later parts of the growing season when temperatures are cooler.
Extended Growing Season
The higher evening temperature in the Midnight Blue bed (102°F at 8pm) may extend the growing season for warm-season crops by providing warmth longer into the evening, promoting continued growth and development.
Morning Warmth
The slight warmth advantage in the Midnight Blue bed at 8am (75°F compared to 73°F) can help jumpstart the daily growth process for warm-loving crops, giving them a head start each day.
Improved Soil Drainage and Aeration
Dark-colored metal garden beds improve drainage and aeration due to higher temperatures that accelerate water evaporation from the soil. This can be an advantage for certain crops that do not like excessive moisture, especially during the rainy season or in wet conditions.
Disadvantages of Using Dark Color Metal Raised Beds in Hot Climate
Excessive Heat Stress
The higher soil temperatures, especially in the evening (102°F in the Midnight Blue bed), could potentially lead to heat stress for some crops. Excessive heat can damage root systems, reduce nutrient uptake, and negatively impact plant health.
Impact on Cool-Season Crops
Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas require cooler soil temperatures for optimal growth. The significantly higher temperatures in the Midnight Blue bed, especially during midday and evening, could hinder their growth, leading to bolting or reduced yields.
Soil Moisture Evaporation
Higher soil temperatures, particularly in the Midnight Blue bed, can lead to increased evaporation rates, potentially requiring more frequent watering and careful moisture management to prevent drought stress on plants.
Increased Energy Requirements
As a result of higher soil temperatures, plants may enter into a sustained growth pattern that increases the demand for nutrients and water. This will be more pronounced during prolonged periods of high temperatures and may require additional organic matter fertilizer inputs to maintain healthy plant growth.
How to Choose Metal Raised Garden Beds Color in Hot Climates?
Crop Selection
Choose warm-season crops for the dark-colored metal raised beds and cool-season crops for the light-colored beds to match the temperature preferences of each. Dark-colored beds can enhance growth and fruit production, while light-colored beds are more suitable for cool-season crops, providing a more favorable environment to prevent overheating and promote steady growth. Here are some easy-to-grow veggie lists for you.
Temperature Management
Consider using shading techniques or mulch in the Midnight Blue bed to moderate soil temperatures during extremely hot periods, preventing heat stress.
Watering Practices
Implement a consistent watering schedule, particularly for the Midnight Blue bed, to offset increased evaporation and maintain adequate soil moisture levels.
17” Tall 8×2 Metal Raised Garden Beds (9 in 1)【Upgrade 2.0】
The 17″ tall 8×2 planter boxes are the most popular raised planters among all Vegega products. The new fashion of metal raised beds allows you to create a beautiful and neat new garden in less time and with less work for plants to grow more easily.
- Metal sheet material: Zn-Al-Mg steel
- Screw and nut material: stainless steel
- Bracing rod material: aluminum alloy
- Size: 17 in.H x 8 ft.L x 2 ft.W
- Package list: Hand wrench*1/ Rubber edging *1 roll/ Screw&nut*1 set/ 17″ high corner panel*4/ 17″ high side panel*8/ Bracing rods*4
Benefits of Planter Boxes Raised
Maximize Garden Space: Our 2×8 ft metal planter boxes provide ample room to cultivate a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, efficiently utilizing limited garden space. Moreover, they accommodate tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens, ensuring versatility and abundant growth.
Simple Assembly: Featuring a modular metal design, the planter is durable and easy to assemble and disassemble. As a result, this simplicity allows for quick gardening setup without needing complex tools.
Ideal for Climbing Plants: Our 2×8 planter boxes support climbing vegetables like beans, peas, and cucumbers with garden trellis compatibility. Consequently, this vertical growth maximizes garden space and enhances plant health and yield.
Customizable Configurations: This 9-in-1 raised planter box adapts to multiple sizes, fitting various garden layouts and preferences. Whether you prefer single large beds or several smaller ones, they offer flexible options.
Durable and Stylish: Our planter beds use Zn-Al-Mg steel and ensure long-lasting performance and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, they add a modern touch to any garden while protecting against the weather.
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20 Common Vegetables in Garden and Their Temperature Tolerance
Here are 10 heat-tolerant vegetables that are suitable for growing in dark-colored metal beds.
- Beans: Beans thrive in warm weather, with an optimal range between 70°F and 85°. They struggle in temperatures above 90°F.
- Squash: Squash thrives in warmer temperatures, with an optimal range between 70°F and 90°.
- Zucchini: Zucchini prefers warm weather, growing best between 70°F and 85°. It can tolerate heat up to 90°F but may require extra watering.
- Peppers: Peppers thrive in warm temperatures (775°F–85°F) and can tolerate heat up to 95°F, especially hot varieties.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes thrive in warm weather (70°F–85°F) but may suffer heat stress if temperatures exceed 95°F consistently.
- Eggplants: Eggplants prefer warm temperatures (75°F–90°F) and can tolerate heat up to 95°F, which promotes vigorous growth.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers grow best in warm weather (70°F–85°F) and can tolerate temperatures up to 95°F with adequate moisture.
- Strawberry: Strawberries prefer mild temperatures (60°F–80°F) and can tolerate heat up to 85°F. Fruit quality may decrease in hotter conditions.
- Watermelon: Watermelons thrive in hot weather, with an ideal range between 75°F and 95°F, requiring consistent warmth for optimal growth.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm soil temperatures between 75°F and 95°F, making them ideal for hot climates.
Here are 10 cool-season vegetables that are suitable for growing in light-colored metal beds.
- Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts prefer cooler temperatures (60°F–70°F) and can tolerate heat up to 75°F, but prolonged heat may cause poor sprout development.
- Raspberry: Raspberry grow best in cooler weather, with optimal growth between 60°F and 75°.
- Sweet Peas: Sweet peas thrive in cooler temperatures (555°F-75°F) and struggle in heat above 75°F, often resulting in reduced yields.
- Spring Onion: Spring onions grow best in cooler weather, with an optimal range between 55°F and 75°F.
- Potatoes: Potatoes prefer cooler temperatures (60°F–75°F) and may struggle in heat above 80°F, which can reduce tuber formation.
- Spinach: Spinach grows best in cooler temperatures (50°F–75°F) and tends to bolt in heat above 75°.
- Radish: Radishes grow well in cooler temperatures (55°F-75°F) and can tolerate heat up to 75°F, though higher temperatures may cause them to become tough or woody.
- Lettuce: Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures (45°F-75°F) and may bolt (go to seed) if exposed to heat above 75°.
- Onion: Onions grow best in cooler weather (555°F-75°F) but can tolerate temperatures up to 75°.
- Kale: Kale prefers cooler temperatures (55°F–75°F) but can tolerate heat up to 75°F, though it may become bitter in warmer conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice of raised bed color significantly impacts soil temperature, influencing the growth and yield of various crops. While the dark-colored beds like Midnight Blue provide beneficial warmth for sweet potatoes and other warm-season crops, it poses challenges for cool-season crops and requires careful management to avoid heat stress. The light-colored beds like Oyster White offer a more balanced temperature profile, better suited for cool-season crops but potentially less optimal for maximizing warm-season crop yields. Check this to learn do metal raised beds heat the soil.