Soil temperature is still about 59° but I decided to plant peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes and beets yesterday. I have the mulch pulled back to let the sun shine on the soil. We'll see how they do.

Thanks Nan for starting this thread as I have always wondered about the optimum soil level for early spring planting as well. Like the idea of the thermometer check which I will try this year. In recent years I have been misjudging the optimum planting times for peas, Pole beans and edamame so have had poor germination. I get around that now by planting the seeds in containers which are outdoors inside a 4ft square table tent or grow house. They are protected from the elements. Once they are about 3 inches I transplant into the soil and they do so much better. If I lose some I then direct some inbetween the planted seedlings for a later crop. I had my best pea crop ever last summer doing this. I also use a shade fabric for later sown peas to prevent too much heat and sun damage on the peas.