When I got my hands on a soil moisture device last year, I researched how to use it as I wasn’t getting results. I thought it might be the case for the new gardeners too, so I decided to share how to use your new soil moisture meter with you all.
Honestly, before purchasing a moisture meter for plants, I thought of it as just a wand that we could place around a plant or grass and obtain the moisture levels. Doing so repeatedly, and not getting the results, I thought my moisture meter might have some defect. Guess I was completely wrong here, and using a moisture meter for plants has much more to it than inserting in the soil.
Firstly you have to turn on the meter if it requires. Next, you have to insert the metal probe deep down into the soil and wait for some time. In the final step, you must read the results and implement them accurately. This was a brief explanation. I will discuss each step in detail in this article, so keep reading.
How to Use Your New Soil Moisture Meter?
Using a moisture meter isn’t that hard; with a little help from this guide, you’ll get accurate results. To use a soil meter, you need to install it in the soil, wait for the results and then improve the soil moisture according to them. Let’s look at each of these steps in a bit more detail.
Installation
As I told you guys earlier, a soil moisture meter for the plant comes with a reading box at one end and a metal probe at the other end. The meter part tends to remain outside and is only for reading purposes.
The main part that goes inside and detects moisture is the metal probe. It is in the form of a rod, and you have to insert it into the soil for moisture detection. So gently push the probe down into the soil so that 4/5 of it is inside the soil. Now here, sometimes you might get resistance; you can try removing and inserting it again.
Wait For the Readings
Moisture meter for plants won’t give you readings right away as soon as it comes in contact with the soil. When the probe is in the right position, it will take about 30 to 60 seconds to detect moisture and indicate results in the meter box. If you don’t get the readings even after 60 seconds, remove the probe, wipe it, and insert it at a different site.
Note the Readings
Different moisture meters for plants have different readings over them. Some may provide results in numbers, or some may indicate colors. Once you are sure that the results are there, you can easily read them out from the meter box. For example, a reading from 1 to 4 might indicate dry to wet. If the reading indicates 1, it shows that your soil is dry and vice versa.
Implementing Results
Reading results from a soil moisture meter can be easy, but implementing these results on every plant can be a hectic task. Different plants have their own need for moisture, and a moisture meter won’t tell you about that.
For example, if the meter indicates dry, this will have a different meaning for different plants. Cacti and succulents are prime examples of perfectly happy plants in dry soil. Plants like pothos with a dry indicator will mean that you need to water them immediately.
What Is A Soil Moisture Meter?
A soil moisture meter is a device used to measure the moisture content of the soil. Farmers or gardening enthusiasts use soil moisture meters to determine the amount of water that needs to be applied to their land to achieve optimal plant growth. Soil moisture meters are commonly used in irrigated agriculture, but they are also used for non-irrigated crops.
Why Use A Soil Moisture Meter?
A soil moisture meter can help you determine the moisture levels in your soil. This information can help you decide what actions to take to maintain your soil’s moisture levels. Doing so will make your lawn healthier and more lively than ever. Do you want a healthier lawn too? Then I recommend doing a little research and getting yourself the best soil moisture meter.
How Does A Moisture Meter Work?
Most of the time, a moisture meter for plants have this box at one end while a metal probe is at the other end. Usually, these meters run on the principles of electrical resistance for measuring spoil conductivity.
As you all know, water conducts electricity, so high electrical currents conduct high moisture content in the soil. In comparison, the lower electrical currents conduct lower moisture content in the soil.
How to Store a Moisture Meter for Plants?
It is essential to store the moisture meter in plastic after every use. Before doing so, make sure you wipe down the probe with a microfiber cloth. Another thing is it would be much better to store the moisture meter in a room with a room temperature that is neither cold nor too hot. Hot temperature exposure can cause the calibration of the soil meter to go faulty.
Things to Avoid With a Moisture Meter for Plants
Avoid using your moisture meter in water as they are not waterproof. The probe only detects moisture, and water contact can destroy its efficiency. Another important thing is to not press the metal probe too hard into the soil. Metal probes are extremely sensitive, and if you push them hard, they might even get damaged and never indicate accurate readings.
Conclusion
Using a soil moisture meter is easier when you know the proper steps to follow. Before trying your new soil moisture meter for plants, ensure it is properly calibrated. Also, have proper knowledge about each of the plant’s water intake.
When she is not busy writing or working on her latest gardening project, Duaa can be found watering her houseplants, experimenting with DIY balcony and urban gardening creations, or cookingin the kitchen with ingredients she has grown in her own garden.
With her passion for nature and her wealth of knowledge and experience, Duaa is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection with the world of gardening.
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