Image: Gardener Measuring Soil Temperature Before Planting Potatoes

Available versions of this image

• Regular size (1,536 x 1,024): JPEG - WebP
• Large size (3,072 x 2,048): JPEG - WebP

Image description

A high-resolution landscape photograph captures a gardener in the process of preparing soil for planting potatoes. The scene is set outdoors in a freshly tilled garden bed, with rich, dark brown soil extending across the frame in soft furrows and clumps. The lighting is natural and even, suggesting a clear day with diffused sunlight that highlights the textures of the soil and the gardener’s clothing.

The gardener is crouched down in the center of the image, wearing a teal long-sleeved work shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the wrists. The shirt is slightly faded and creased, indicating regular use. They are also dressed in beige work pants with visible wrinkles and soil smudges, and green gardening gloves made of fabric with black rubberized palms and fingers. The gloves show signs of wear and dirt, reinforcing the authenticity of the gardening activity. The gardener’s face is obscured by a wide-brimmed straw hat with a woven texture, casting a shadow over their head and shoulders.

In their left hand, the gardener holds a soil thermometer with a long metal probe inserted vertically into the soil. The thermometer has a round, white face with black numerals and markings in Fahrenheit, ranging from 20 to 120 degrees. A red needle points to approximately 52°F, indicating the current soil temperature. The gardener’s thumb grips the top of the thermometer’s silver metal casing, while the other fingers wrap around the back.

In their right hand, the gardener holds a seed potato—light brown in color, slightly irregular in shape, and covered in a thin layer of dirt. Several small, purple-white sprouts or "eyes" protrude from its surface. To the right of the thermometer, three more seed potatoes lie on the soil in a neat row, each similarly shaped and sprouted. The spacing suggests the gardener is preparing to plant them in sequence.

The background consists of more tilled soil, with furrows leading toward the top edge of the frame. The depth of field is shallow, keeping the gardener’s hands, thermometer, and potatoes in sharp focus while gently blurring the background. The composition emphasizes the tactile and practical aspects of gardening, with attention to detail in the soil’s texture, the tools used, and the preparatory steps before planting.

This image conveys a sense of care, readiness, and seasonal activity, ideal for illustrating gardening techniques, educational content, or promotional materials related to agriculture, horticulture, or sustainable living.

The image is related to: A Complete Guide to Growing Potatoes in Your Own Garden