I’ve tried the odd few different versions of the soil moisture meters and never found them reliable, normally just put finger in to test, which is a pain as I have the fungus gnat toppers ( diatomaceous earth) on mine, brings soil up when testing so have to recover each time. Just tried putting one in water (see pic) water definitely dry 😂 . Anyone use a reliable one they know works, assuming a powered meter version would work but not tried one yet.
I notice that too, I’m wondering.. did you try sticking the meter so the silver is submerged in water? I notice I can’t get quite a good reading when the pot is small, but I get a better reading when the pot is larger. I also noticed when I stick it in different areas in the larger pot I get different readings. I swear, it was highly rated on Amazon? I don’t know… maybe we are missing something😂
1 like Yes I’ll tried in different areas and depths of different pots, drying of in between all tests, even tried same hole a few times and still different, so not using again, going in bin
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Moisture meters read electrical conductance, not the actual amount of water present. Water is a good conductor, but the air in dry soil is not. Freshly potted plants (soil not yet compacted) and plants potted in a very airy soil mix will skew readings. The amount of salts present (from watering with hard water or adding fertilizer) also change the conductivity, which affects the readings. Also, most moisture meters should tell you in the instructions and care info that you can't use them in water or leave them in the soil for long; it ruins them. Personally, I use a combination of testing the weight of the pot, sticking my finger in the soil, and using a skewer in the soil to determine if it's time to water
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Yes looked on Amazon for a digital version and found in reviews this pic, also like u said not to be used in water, sort of defeats the purpose if can’t get that wet, mite try a battery powered version
I always used those meters in the past, but I did come to believe they are unreliable. I switched to using skewers. Shove it in, pull it out, if there is dirt on the skewer it’s wet. While it’s not as sustainable, I get 4 uses out of the skewer. Top, bottom, break in half for the two “middles”. Also, clear pots - game changer because tou can see if the soil is still wet and keep an eye on what the roots are doing. Clear nursery pot into cache pot and they still look nice in your house
3 likes Yes I use all clear pots apart from one as couldn’t find one bigger anough, I sometimes now lift out to see if looks dry or condensated, mite try skewers, how long do you leave them in before pulling out , say like 5minutes
1 like If I’m being patient, 2 ish minutes.
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I prefer using a chopstick! I keep a cup of used ones near my plant stuff and it can get deep down into the soil. If it comes up with soil on it, it’s wet!
3 likes Sustainable and reliable every time!
0 likes Thank you, I’ll give it a try
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I rely on a chopstick and lifting the pot if possible. You can tell the difference between dry dust and wet soil once you’ve seen it/felt it.
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Do you have different chopsticks for your plants?
1 like I have a different one for different areas.
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It might be unnecessary but I try not to "cross contaminate" my chopsticks . Though my corn plants are over 8 feet now, and Im looking for something longer. Ideas anyone?
3 likes I don’t cross contaminate either. Maybe a skinny dowel you can get at Lowe’s or your local hardware store?
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