Weather Dictionary / Glossary of Terms

Growing Degree Day


   Weather TermDescription / Definition
   Growing Degree Day The number of degrees that the average temperature is above a baseline value. For example, 40 degrees for canning purposes; 45 degree for potatoes; and 50 degrees for sweet corn, snap beans, lima beans, tomatoes, grapes, and field corn. Every degree that the average temperature is above the baseline value becomes a growing degree day. Agricultural related interests use growing degree days to determine planting times.


Go back to the G's - Weather Glossary

Select a Letter:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

Return to the Weather Glossary Main Page





Data courtesy of NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration