Calibration features also can help with accuracy. This particular model also costs more than many of the other multifunction soil meters. Copyright 2022 House Grail. This is the three-in-one moisture meter that I recommend on Amazon. Theyre cheap, easy to use, and dont even need a battery. Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022, Buyers Guide Choosing the Best Soil Moisture Meter, Our reviews of the best wood moisture meters, Pinned vs Pinless Moisture Meters: Whats the Difference. A probe thats at least inch thick is a better choice for these soil textures. While the probe was still in the soil, we poured some water into the potsure enough, the percentage of moisture increased on the display. But the dual-probe meter offers a battery-free design and is suitable for use indoors and outdoors. The Ruolan meter is fairly-priced and requires no additional add-ons such as batteries. I find that this would take weeks for my plants and leave them damaged from lack of water. in, Accurately measures soil moisture to keep your plants healthy. The probe must be long enough to reach the area to be measured. Now that we have looked into many different makes and models of soil moisture meters we need to select the right one to keep our roses blooming and garden staying fresh. Of course, it matters a great deal how you take the reading. Learn more. Many soil meters are battery-free, but you will find battery-operated machines. If you are looking for the meter to do more than just measure the moisture in soil the price will go up, but you can still find those meters that wont require you to take out an extra loan. A longer probe is typically better suited for outdoor use, especially useful for certain jobs, like checking a pile of compost. Yes, you need to have some patience, but the accuracy of the information is worth the wait. The soil type and texture can influence the choice of soil moisture meter. For ease of use, these smart devices often have a sensor that sits inside the plant at all times. Simply place the meter in the ground. Our selection of best Products . Users can then connect to the sensor device via an app to check on soil conditions. As with all the other meters, we put the Kensizer through the complete battery of moisture tests, and it appeared to be highly accurate. Add any text here or remove it. Place it in the soil where you want to test the moisture and get instant readings. They are easy to use. Before using the Reotemp meter, it must be calibrated, which proved simple enough. The issue with this meter is it will not register any data in dry soil, requiring the user to wet down the soil to begin reading. While some gardeners may want the higher degree of accuracy that comes from a calibrated digital meter, the sturdiness and ease of use of the Xlux meter make it a winner in our book. The switch to toggle from the different settings is easy to navigate and the readings are very visible to see. Indoor plants tend to be smaller and rest in looser potting soil. If users detect considerable resistance in any soil type or texture, remove the meter and try a different spot. Many soil moisture meter models have extra features such as the pH monitoring and the light exposure monitoring. It also doesnt require batteries or charging, making it ready to use right from the box. A soil moisture meter can provide an accurate and numerical reading of soil moisture levels, so you will be better informed about when to quench the plants thirst or hold off on watering. If you have dryer, more rocky soil, a great durable buy can be found with the Gain Express Soil pH and Moisture Meter. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. 0.17
Most meters have moisture sensors at the end of the probenot along the entire lengthso the right length is important for an accurate reading. Buyers should look for more durable meters if they have dry or rocky soil. The Alotpower Soil Moisture Sensor Meter is a stand-alone simple soil moisture meter. BUY PREMIUM HOUSEPLANT SCISSORS AND PRUNING SHEARS. in, 4.00
These features give a better overall picture of conditions to help take a garden from surviving to thriving. We found it to be a boon in our garden-tool arsenal by accurately determining both moisture and light levels. Please select a Home store location and click make this my store, Unfortunately, this item is currently limited to. By Steph Coelho and Jasmine Harding and Glenda Taylor | Updated Apr 20, 2022 11:07 AM. In these cases, physically feeling the soil can help determine if the reading is on the right track. House Grail is reader-supported. A simple switch allowed us to select from among the three options, and the results of all three are available on the single dial readout. Theres no need to spend a lot for a good soil moisture meter, as we found when testing this simple, inexpensive analog model from Gouevn. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. These meters are simple and often show their moisture readings on a 1 to 10 scale, sometimes color-coded for simpler viewing. Getting near the end of our picks, the dual-probe multifunction soil moisture meter from Kensizer Soil Tester is, again, easy to use. Soil moisture meters are simple garden tools that include sensing probes that detect the level of dampness in soil. Some meters have an angled display on the top of the unit to make it easier to view while it is in the soil. Youre in luck! For example, building sand may include iron and clay, while play sand must be. The issue with the XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter is one thin prong that goes into the ground is not durable and should not be used on dry soil. Can You Compost Cat Litter Or Poop? While we awarded extra points for these functions if they were accurate, we did not subtract points if they were just so-so because our testing aimed to determine how well the meters detected moisture. The Gain Express measures both moisture and pH levels, and we were able to insert it more than 8 inches deep into the soil of the lawn, making it well suited for testing lawns, fields, and raised garden beds. Stay in the know with exclusive deals and event updates. If it did, the plant had plenty of moisture. Short probes are easier to store, and durability is less of a concern with indoor use. Its not only the thickest probe of any of the models we tested, but it was also securely attached to the meter itself; probes on other models, although functional, didnt have the same level of reinforcement. The main difference is that this version has a slightly over 12-inch-long probe for deep insertion into the soil of our potted plants. Get the Fivota soil meter on Amazon or at Sears. Some digital meters show soil moisture levels to a decimal point or percentage, making them more accurate than an analog meter with a 1-to-10 scale. The unit has a button on the front we could switch to select from the three functions, and the readings were near instantaneous, which was impressive. It doesnt come with fancy bells and whistles, but it does accurately measure soil moisture levels. No batteries are required and its very easy to use. Even better, we took the time to do product reviews of different makes and models to save you the hassle. Some soil moisture meters also measure soil pH, light levels, and surrounding temperature. While pricier than a simple analog meter, they can be more accurate, easier to read, and may have remote or smart connective capabilities. Having an accurate moisture reading is essential, but knowing whether the soil is too acidic or overly alkaline is also vital for some garden plants. The following models all met or exceeded our expectationsfind out the pros and cons of each one in our reviews. Most inexpensive analog meters provide a measure on a 1-to-10 scale, which is accurate enough for the average gardener. 4.000
Again, it really does come down to if you want to have and use other functions or not. You will lose all items in your cart. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Theres no need to take off gardening gloves or dig around in the dirt; just insert the moisture meter probe into the soil. At the end of the testing, we added up the points and used them to help determine the awards for this lineup. To use your moisture meter, make sure its clean and dont leave it in the soil between readings, as this can damage the tool. Those new to gardening may often over- and under-water their plants, but even experienced green thumbs can mess up occasionally. Both the moisture and pH level meters seemed very accurate, and the Gain Express comes with a guide on the back that details optimal pH levels for more than a dozen common plants, including veggies and flowers. The moisture readings were spot-on, and they fluctuated as expected when we tested the meter in various soils with different moisture levels. Unless otherwise specified, it is best to clean and store a moisture meter after each use. Analog meters dont require batteries and are ready to use right out of the box. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing. Additional sensors can measure pH levels, light levels, and ambient temperature. This is another dual-pronged meter, which helps determine results with accuracy. This means that the surrounding soil could be very moist, but your plants root ball may still be bone-dry and your plant may be dying of thirst. It doesnt get any simpler than that. This 3-function soil meter tests moisture, light, and pH levels, and it does all this for a great price. If only there was some kind of tool that could let us know when our plants need water and when we might need to drain water away from them. Accuracy is obviously of value in a moisture meter. We subjected the meters to a range of soil mixes, including garden soil and different potting soil mixes, and we tested them on bone-dry soil as well as sopping wet soil. For the most accurate reading, consider a digital moisture meter. A very long time. An analog meter is a cost-effective pick for the average gardener. For reliability and accuracy on all three frontsmoisture, pH, and lightwe like the Fivota Soil Meter, which we found to be quite accurate when reading all three aspects. Also consider the appropriate probe length for the intended use. Digital moisture meters can include a range of convenient features, but they do come at a cost. Youll want to fully water your plant so that 5-10% of the water comes out the drainage holes to make sure all of the soil gets wet and the roots get a good soak. Be sure to take your reading at the same place each time for consistency. Your moisture meter will have a gauge that shows the water content on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being wet. It may even come with a handy reference that shows the name of many common houseplants and the point at which you should water. There are soil moisture meters that can help solve this issue and save you from looking at the carnage of your favorite plants shriveled up and dead. This was helpful, and we considered laminating it to keep as a guide. 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Believe it or not, but not all sand is the same. The Xlux Soil Moisture Meter is the epitome of simplicityand thats one of the reasons we loved it. It can be helpful to take a moisture reading a few days after you water to understand how your plant is using its water supply. Soil moisture meters are relatively straightforward to use, so our testing focused on how well they differentiated between various levels of soil dampness and how well they were made. If the user switches between readings too quickly, they may have to remove the meter and start over, so our advice is go slow when switching functions. For example, a compost moisture meter tends to be much longer than a moisture meter for plants. Red for dry, green for moist, and blue for wet. The best multifunction meter is the Sonkir Soil pH Meter and the VIVOSUN 3 in 1 Plant Moisture Meter. The downside of the Kensizer Soil Tester is that it is less durable than other meters. A quality plant moisture meter is a worthwhile investment for the well-being of both indoor and outdoor plantsand fortunately, they neednt be expensive to be beneficial. The soil in the rhododendron bed measured 6.5, which is overly alkaline for the shrub, so we now plan to take steps to help acidify that soil. Selecting the right soil moisture meter often comes down to the old adage, you get what you pay for. Buyers should look to see if the soil moisture meter needs any type of extra power source. Please set a location to see pricing and to order online. The following answers to some frequently asked questions may further help shoppers choose the best soil moisture meter. The Dr. Meter S10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter is another no frills single function soil meter. If leaving it in the soil is an important feature for your garden, look for one specifically designed to stay in place. Our budget pick, the Gouevn soil moisture meter, is just as precise and easy to use, and it comes with a chart that details the best moisture levels for many common plants. It depends on the model, but most meters on the market should not be left in the soil. Beyond just measuring moisture levels, most of these devices measure light levels, temperature, and fertilizer levels, information that can indicate ways to improve plant care. This is because we tested it in the un-amended soil of the lawn, and it gave us the exact same pH reading as it did when we tried it in our blueberry patcha spot where weve added a high amount of soil acidifier over the years. These four small Ippinka moisture sensors dont come with dials or digital displays, but we found them to be quite beneficial at monitoring the moisture level in indoor potted plants. Reading the large and clear meter is easy, too. Whats more, we tested the range of the probes signal and were able to get a clear signal from as far as 200 feet away. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. What You Need to Know! If you are looking for the best soil moisture meter for the money, check out the VIVOSUN 3-in-1 Plant Moisture Meter. We were eager to learn if our rhododendrons were in soil with a suitable pH level, and we believe the Kensizer gave us the answer we were looking for. Although moisture meters are made to withstand some wear and tear, leaving the device in the soil can cause it to rust and degrade. We tested them in bone-dry soil and then watered the medium to see how well the meters detected additional moisture. We tested the Ecowitt probe on several potted plants, and it proved to be accurate, but because the probe is so short, we dont recommend using it in the garden. Checking moisture levels can also be beneficial by helping determine whether the soil is draining adequately or retaining too much water. Dont take this information too seriously, as most moisture meter manufacturers list fiddle leaf fig (ficus lyrata) at a 1, meaning you should let the plant completely dry out between waterings. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Also, we would worry that rain might infiltrate the probes housing because the battery compartment is not sealed. This method also isnt effective when it comes to deep plant roots or compost piles. For harder soil types, like heavier clay soils, look for a meter with a very sturdy probe. These affordable and simple-to-use gardening tools can help potted plants or garden beds flourish. Watering tall potted plants can be problematic when gardeners cant tell if the soil deeper in the pot is consistently as moist. The back of the packaging also features a handy watering guide for more than 200 indoor and outdoor plants. This model requires no additional power source such as batteries. All the way at the bottom, it reads wet. Place the probes into the ground. Stick the probe halfway between the center of the plant and the edge of the container, then go halfway down the soil. We inserted a AA battery into the base of the probes handle and another one in the back of the small display screen. If you go with the less expensive moisture meters, you probably wont get those extra functions, and be aware, you could end up with more headaches in the form of inaccurate readings and broken meters. Some plants thrive with very little moisture (as low as 1 or 2 on a 10-point scale), while others prefer very moist soil (8 or higher). However, regardless of the meter type, its best not to thrust the meter into soil with a lot of force. Its double needle technology provides quick and accurate readings, something other moisture meters aspire to, but often fail to achieve. It also seemed to read light levels accurately. The Luster Leaf is definitely more hands-on because the user places the prong in the ground and then has to hold the meter. This Trazon seemed highly accurate when reading both moisture and light range, but we werent as convinced about its pH detection. Most soil moisture meters are easy to use. Probe length, which ranges from about 6 to 15 inches and sometimes longer, is one factor in determining which moisture meter is right for an indoor or outdoor garden. This will give you a consistent moisture reading where most of the important roots of your plant are below the probe. Once in the ground, the meter will measure moisture and pH levels that range from 3 to 8 on the pH scale and give readings accurate within 0.2%. Multifunctional soil meters can include a range of measurement features. Get the Xlux long soil moisture meter on Amazon or at Sears. The user just has to stick the meter where they want the soil tested and wait for the readings. The iPower Soil pH Meter is another dual-pronged 3-in1 function soil meter that measures moisture, pH, and light. If youre a fiddle leaf fig owner, youve probably been confused when you read about caring for your plant, because its hard to tell if problems are coming from too much or too little water. This is an extremely lightweight meter that can be used both indoors and out. The biggest problems with fiddle leaf fig plants are too much or too little water. The display registered the moisture level as a percentage. This Fivota meter also features two probesone for moisture and the other for pH. Probe lengths can range from a few inches to as long as 24 inches. Like other analog meters, it features color-coding to show the approximate soil moisture at a glance. The design is slightly different from other meters in that we had to push and hold a button on the side of the unit to get a moisture reading. To qualify for a spot in this lineup of the best soil moisture meters, the following models all had to be made from quality materials, be durable enough to insert into semi-dry soil without the probe bending, and be easy to read. Your readings will also differ if you measure close to the center of the plant, where the soil is wetter or towards the outside of the container, where soil tends to be dryer. Aside from being on the flimsy side there is some concern over the accuracy of the reading at various depths. Of course, dry environments and more sunlight cause your plant to use water more quickly and fiddle leaf figs use more water in summer when there is more light. For an even more accurate reading, consider a digital moisture meter that provides a reading to the nearest decimal point or shows a percentage. The heavy-duty probe on this Reotemp model is thicker than an average moisture meter to prevent bending when testing dense compost and heavy soils. Get the Xlux soil moisture meter on Amazon or at Walmart. This handy little gadget proved well suited to monitoring indoor growing situations, but it didnt seem durable or long enough for outdoor conditions. The LCD screen sprang to life, and we set the time using the buttons on the side of the display. We tested it on various types of soil and dampness levels, and it responded accurately. Smart soil moisture meters connect via Bluetooth to a smart device to display findings. At this location, your moisture meter should read just between moist and dry before you water. Update Privacy Preferences As any soil moisture meter can handle the looser potting soil used for indoor plants, the probe is a greater concern for outdoor plants. Before buying a soil moisture meter ask yourself if you want just the moisture level or if you want more. The probe is on the thin side, so we didnt try to insert it into hard ground for fear of bending it. Outdoor potted plants in sunny, hot conditions may need to be watered daily to stay healthy. The way you water in conjunction with your moisture meter readings is important here. The store you are switching to cannot currently accept online orders. To pick the meter that fits our needs, we need to look at some key factors in what we are looking for. You can change operational settings with a switch and the meter quickly can change gears to give a reading. It has only the single function, but does it fairly accurately. While it has a 10-point scale, its a lot simpler to look at the color-coding on the dial. The meter also can take up to 10 minutes to read, but the reading is very accurate. The sensor pens come packaged together in plastic wrap with no instructions whatsoever, so we had to log on to the sellers site to figure out how to use them. This is the nature of gravity and water. The simple analog display shows moisture levels on a 1-to-10 scale, light levels on a 0-to-2,000-lux scale, and pH between 3.5 and 8. Fortunately, it couldnt be simpler! I recommend measuring halfway between the center of your plant and the container, then halfway between the top and bottom of your soil. How could this be? The wide-faced dial is easy to see and read so there is no guessing. When placing the probes into the ground, you have to be careful that you dont break them. We then determined how much we needed to water weekly to keep the soil around that bush at the proper dampness. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. For example, we checked the recommended moisture level for our mock orange bushthe guide told us it fell within the 45 (green) section of the meter. That being said, it is fairly easy to use and read. We inserted the meter probe into the soilno calibrating or prep necessaryand the dial gave an immediate reading. Get the Kensizer 3-in-1 soil moisture meter on Amazon or at Walmart. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. lbs, 1.50
It is an easy to use, just place in the ground, and read the results meter. Due to regional shipping fees and product availability, selecting different store may affect the items in your cart. In tests we were impressed with the large and easy-to-read display. While all these meters differ slightly, all have earned a spot for accuracy in measuring moisture and are made to last. Facebook: Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Group. Its kept out of our top 2 because it takes a long time to get a reading. Yes, a soil moisture meter provides a numerical measure, which is more sensitive than the touch-and-feel method many gardeners use. We measured moisture levels, light levels, and soil acidity with this multifunction analog meter from Trazon. You can see that if you take a reading at the top 2 inches of the plant, it will read dry. Multifunction meters offered an additional test or two, usually pH levels or light intensity. The first feature is how easy it is to use. Pay attention to your particular plants root ball here. Upon opening the box containing the Ecowitt Soil Moisture Tester, our first thought was how different the probe looked compared to all the other tester probes. Like other meters, however, its design is vulnerable to breaking in hard soil or if it hits a rock, so users should be careful when plunging into the ground. But it proved plenty strong enough for inserting into pots with commercial grow mixes. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Youve just stepped outside and noticed that your plants are dying. We tested a range of meters, from simple analog types to digital ones with accompanying LCD displays. This model, for simply being a soil moisture meter, is also priced on the high end of the scale for these meters. If you stick the probe halfway down, it reads moist. A soil moisture meter can be a helpful tool for growing any plant, from a potted fiddle-leaf fig to a burgeoning vegetable patch. You frantically turn on the hose and start watering them, thinking in a few days they will bounce back. These handy meters can provide a snapshot of soil conditions that warn about potential problems. Its both easy to use and gives accurate readings. Theyre touted as the best predictors for watering, so to see if they live up to the hype, we tested the most popular ones available. Water is vital to thriving plant lifeplants would shrivel up and die without itbut ensuring that you provide the right amount of H2O can be difficult. In general, indoor plants need 1 inch of water per week. Get the Gouevn soil moisture meter on Amazon, at Sears, or at Walmart. This meter is powered by one AAA battery, which is already in place inside the meter box. If it remained white, it was time to water. When choosing a moisture meter, consider its intended use, display type, growing medium, and any additional measurement or features that might help make maintaining plants easier. It required us to obtain a sample of compost we felt was of optimal dampness, insert the probe, and then turn a small flat-head screw on the back of the box to 5 on the dial. Get the Ecowitt soil moisture meter on Amazon, at Kmart, or at Sears. Its no secret that plants need water to survive, but the amount of water also makes a big difference. Some users have complained that the moisture needle is very bendy, so you have to take caution when placing the meter in the soil or it could possibly break. For outdoor plants, durability may be a more important feature. We awarded points based on a 0-to-4-point rubric system for various aspects. The unit comes with a guide that tells you the watering needs of over 150 different plants, so there is no more guesswork on how much to water the hydrangeas. Instead of a long round cylinder, the probe on the Ecowitt was flat and shortjust 3 inches long. Other meters tell you specifically that the ground needs to be wet in order for it to work properly like the iPower Soil pH Meter. Either type of meter will cost less than $13 at Home Depot or on Amazon. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Once done, storing the system can be an issue as well because of tangling and tearing of the cord that connects the prong to the meter. Large plants use more water, but large containers retain more water, so how fast your fiddle leaf fig uses water depends on the size of your container and the size of your plant. Weve run into problems in the past with tall pots that dont drain well, leaving us to think we needed to add waterwhen in reality, the soil in the bottom part of the pot was too soggy. Readings are produced quickly so the user can move on and test other areas if needed. In our blueberry patch, where weve added a high amount of soil acidifiers, the Kensizer gave us a reading of about 5.5, which is right in line with what we expected. in, 1.500in
This model is more limited than others as its pH meter ranges from 3.5 to 8, slightly lower than others.