A soil moisture meter is a requirement for anyone who would want to guarantee that his/her plants are well irrigated. If you are a subtle garden enthusiast or perhaps a first-time gardener, incorporating a soil moisture meter is a great way to stop experimenting with watering your plants. In this guide, you’ll learn how to measure moisture in soil correctly so that your plants continue to grow well.
1. Understanding the Soil Moisture Metre
The Soil moisture metre is one of the devices that is very important in determining the quantity of soil moisture present in a particular region. But before we proceed with the steps, let us know what a soil moisture metre is and how it operates. You simply stick this tiny probe of the soil moisture metre into the ground to get an instant or accurate reading of the soil moisture level. It quantifies the amount of moisture in the soil with the help of a scale, which may be in the form of dry, moderately dry, moderately wet, and wet. Some may have extra bells and whistles, such as pH or light sensors, but the primary purpose of any advanced model is to measure the soil moisture levels.
2. How to Select the Appropriate Soil Moisture Metre
In terms of designs, one can get simple or complex probes depending on whether a crisp or a digital reading is needed. undefined
Type of Plants:
Some plants are more sensitive to absolute moisture levels and may require a more advanced metre.
Ease of Use:
First-time gardeners should consider buying an analogue metre that is easy to read.
Additional Features:
If you want to check other parameters in your soil apart from moisture, look for a multipurpose metre.
3. Preparing the Soil
Preparation of the soil is important before reading it with the soil moisture metre that you have chosen.
Water Your Plants as Usual:
When watering the plants, do this as usual, but do not water the plants immediately before the test. The reading should be taken on the soil in its natural state conducive for crop growth.
Remove Debris:
Remove anything in direct contact with the soil; this would be small rocks, wood debris or mulch, among other things. This helps to guarantee that the prong of the moisture meter can easily pass through the soil and give out the right reading.
Loosen the Soil:
Till the soil in the areas where the probe is inserted to displace the first soil layer slightly. This technique helps ease the positioning of the meter and eliminates cases where the probe may be damaged.
4. Inserting the Probe
Once the soil is prepared, it’s time to insert the probe into the soil:
Insert at an Angle:
It’s even better to introduce the probe slightly rather than horizontally to the body’s surface towards the affected area. It, in turn, enables the probe to sink deeper into the soil so that the roots have a better likelihood of accessing water.
Insert to the Root Level:
Stick the probe in the soil until it is in the root area of your plant. For most plants, this will be around 3-4 inches deep, but it may need to be deeper depending on the size of the plant.
Avoid Hard Surfaces:
Do not push it hard against rocks or thick roots, as this will damage the probe as well as the plant.
5. Reading the Metre
After inserting the probe, give the metre a few seconds to stabilise, then take your reading:
Check the Scale:
The metre will have a scale with a reading at the end of the measurement, often referred to as dry, moist or wet. Certain types of moisture metres use numbers to represent moisture content.
Interpreting the Results:
If it says “dry” or has a low number, it may be time to water your plant. If it reads “wet” or has a high value, the soil is moist enough, and you should not water your plants.
Consider Plant Type:
Some plants may have specific requirements for the kind of moisture needed to grow; these should also be considered. For instance, succulents are expected to thrive in dry soil; therefore, a reading on this extreme will be acceptable. Some plants may require more frequent watering, such as those that grow in tropical regions.
6. Adjusting Your Watering Routine
Based on the reading from your soil moisture metre, you can adjust your watering routine accordingly:
Water if Needed:
If the metre shows dry soil, you should make sure the soil is consistently wet by giving your plant a good watering. Pay attention not to water them too much, especially if the reading is near “moist”.
Avoid Watering:
If the metre shows that the soil is already wet, then it is advisable not to water again. Some plants cannot withstand being watered very often due to problems such as root rot; hence, it is advisable to allow the soil to dry out before watering the plant.
Regular Monitoring:
Employ the use of the soil moisture metre frequently, especially when changing from one season to another, to monitor the frequency of watering.
7. Tips On How To Take Care Of Your Soil Moisture Metre
To ensure the longevity of your soil moisture metre, it’s important to take proper care of it:
Clean the Probe:
To avoid cross-contamination and accumulation of soil, always clean the probe with a clean cloth after every use. This avoids the accumulation of dirt, which could otherwise hamper the results of subsequent tests.
Store Properly:
When not in use, the metre should be kept in a dry area. Do not subject it to high heat or humidity, as this would harm the electronics inside it.
Replace Batteries:
When using a digital moisture meter, check the batteries occasionally and replace them when necessary for the correct reading of moisture content levels.
Many of you might want to know where to get this helpful metre. Especially for beginners out there, it might be a little difficult to understand where and how to buy a trustworthy one. But worry not, as Kyari – The Plant Hub is a go-to place for every plant lover. Their soil moisture metre is perfect for every beginner and guides you properly in watering your plants.
The use of a soil moisture metre is particularly helpful for the amateur gardener in that it offers a simple method of checking the level of dampness which your plants require. You should now have more healthy plants courtesy of your soil moisture metre when you follow these guidelines. The frequency of watering must be checked and changed periodically to ensure that the right conditions for the growth of the plants are met.