You can use the meat thermometer if you don't value it much. Generally the soil temp is about 10-15 degrees colder than the air. Example: if the air temp for the last week was 65-70 degrees, the soil temp would be about 50 degrees. After two weeks of this kind of temp the soil temp would be closer to 55 degrees. Moist soils are at the lower range than dry soils.

Thank you petzold. I have a couple old meat thermometers that I might give a try. I'm grateful for the advice, I don't want to spend the money on a special one if I don't have to.

I've a thermometer from the supermarket that I have used for many years. They were, perhaps still are, quite inexpensive compared to "soil thermometers".

Thanks Albert! I feel better now. I'm into using things I have.