moisture meter?

13 years ago

Hello,

Has anyone used moisture meters with success? I have 2 cuttings planted together (horizontally) in a large bin in my garden window. It's hard to get to, and I'd like to make it as easy as possible for myself to keep these cuttings happy!

I found several types of moisture meters, with batteries (those that blink when dry, or "croak" when dry) and without (just a needle register.)

Any recommendations or warnings would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks!

Ann

Comments (3)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
13 years ago
Inexpensive moisture meters are better at measuring fertility than moisture. What they really measure isn't the moisture level at all, but the EC (electrical conductivity) of the soil solution. EC and TDS (total dissolved solids) measurements are usually used to describe the fertility level of the soil. To illustrate: If you insert a clean probe into a cup of distilled water, it will read 'DRY' because there are no ions present to conduct electricity. Add ions by stirring in a little table salt or fertilizer, and the reading turns to 'WET'.

A sharpened wooden dowel or wooden skewer stuck deep into the root mass is a reliable indicator. If it comes out moist, no need to water. Clean and dry indicates it's time for a drink.

Al
Ann
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you Al....
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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
13 years ago
Love to help ....

Al