btw, the probes are Copper (Cu) not brass, and Aluminum (Al). Every season go over the two probes with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper or fine steel wool. It will restore the probes conductivity from the inevitable oxidation.
I don't know if you're a teacher, besides being a researcher/scientist, but it's definitely in you! Very educational video. I'm sharing with whomever is as passionate about gardening as I am. Thanks for putting this up!
This is a helpful video. I just ordered a pH testing kit for water and soil, and I already used a chemical test from the hardware store. I just want to compare the results to the chemical test for the soil. And I'll be able to check my water's pH too. Important stuff for my stinky little plants indoors.
Yoooo this video was SUPER helpful. I just ordered a digital soil meter and the reviews are all over the place. Some people love it, some say it’s complete garbage, but what you said about needing to water the soil to get an adequate reading made so much sense. I feel like most of the people who were writing angry reviews were probably sticking their meter in relatively dry soil and not getting a good reading. I think if you did reviews on those kinds of tools you’d get lots of views. I’d love to see you review that 4:1 multi meter I just ordered. I’m growing blueberries which need an acidic soil so I really need a testing option that works. Appreciate the video. Thanks a bunch.
It took me 4 tries to adapt to the American Cell Phone accent, but I got it with help from the CC. Thanks so much, I'm going to Amazon to get 1 of those!
Thanks for this! I had no idea the soil had to be wet for the meter to be accurate. I can't take my plants inside. I didn't know that temperature affected the reading! You'd think the instructions would tell you all this. Thank goodness you're telling us! 🌱👍
You got instructions with yours? I have bought 2 different ones and neither had anything..so glad I watched this..but I have an electronic one That always ends at 6.8 no matter where I put it
Interesting, thanks. I believe that one leg is for Ph and the other for moisture, each leg has the tube, an insulator & a different metal tip perhaps magnesium. The switch moves from leg to light sensor to the other leg. Ph is very hard to accurately establish. I have used pool test kits, the litmus paper & several liquid probes. The liquid probe you briefly show can be accurate but must be kept moist in storage solution and requires a calibration liquid. Checking the runoff is the most accurate method (and the least expensive). If you water to get about 10% runoff it will flush some of the salts from your soil which is beneficial.
getting the important info out of this video was like getting a tooth pulled. Youre beautiful though and I enjoyed that part. I wish this video was about 2 minutes long because thats how long it takes to sum up what you just said in 18 minutes.
Not trying to be rude but I couldn’t have said it any better. I find myself often stumbling upon her videos for horticultural advice/knowledge but I also find myself clicking off her vids and finding something shorter, more concise and to the point. She tends to ramble a bit much for my liking… seems very knowledgeable though which is a shame.
I see your likes are well past 100! I enjoyed hearing about using the meter. I didn’t see the actual link for Amazon, although I saw the name. I’ll check again, cant wait to try it out! Good job Ashley!
Look elsewhere, if you want accurate info. This one is a wack-job. Not sure where the degree came from, but I'm guessing there was a need to matriculate some women.
This video is so great for many reasons. Thank you for spreading the word about the importance of knowing your soil! I'm just learning and you've made this so damn digestible. I would love to see a video on an easy way to test pH using red cabbage. Thanks and kudos, from Gatineau, QC~!
I’ve watched a few of your videos and found them very helpful, you’re clearly knowledgeable and know what you’re talking about. This is the video that encouraged me to subscribe. Great content, thank you for the info.
Thanks this was the most helpful explanation of these meters that I've seen and the ONLY one that explained or emphasized the soil MUST be "wet, not just damp" gotta go and retry my tester (which never moved off 7.5)........
I NEVER end up watching only one of your videos. Just like tonight, I came here and found the info I was looking for and kept watching one video after another… I was hesitant to buy an inexpensive meter because I’ve heard others say they aren’t worth it and I’ve been trying to cut down on buying things I feel might end up in a landfill sooner rather than later. I’ve been planning on getting a meter that can be calibrated but yikes they’re $$$! At least now I understand the pros/cons of the $10-20 devices. I did have a thought when you talked about the salt buildup and corrosion. I’ve worked with metals when I used to make jewelry and my instinct would be to clean the probes with an acidic solution or just sand the surface clean. I know you’re not the manufacturer of the device and I don’t expect you to necessarily know why that would or would not be an advisable solution. But if I have a meter that was past its prime and bound for the garbage bin anyway, I would try using fine sandpaper or 000 steel wool before tossing it. I would love to know if you or anyone who is knowledgeable about this kind of meter has feedback on this idea. As always, I’m so grateful for your videos and the fact that you bring science to the discussion when so many others are going on hunches and hearsay.
Good video, full of important info, which isn't always pointed out in products sold. You suggested taking a plant to adjust to room (25°C) temperature, before taking a measurement. However, if possible, you could take a sample of soil (which is simpler and less heavy, add water, and then take a measurement.
Hi Ashley! Not sure if you're still reading comments on this video but would LOVE your scientific input on the Sustee Aquameter. Their mechanism seems very different to these traditional meters (because the sustee meter itself absorbs some of the water and changes colour when hydrated vs. becomes dry - and it's designed to be kept inside the pot). It's quite pricey, but I am deathly afraid of killing some of my rarer plants. Wondering if these are worth the investment.
I think these are secretly voltmeters. The probes make a battery as you said, and then the voltage is measured. A simple analog voltmeter is basically just a spring attached to a magnet with a coil of wire wrapped around it, so they are pretty cheap to make.
Just received a dual prong from Amazon, but green $12 US. Tried the PH dry and reading 5.5, so I remembered to wet the soil with distilled water, and got roughly 6.5-7. Checked the moisture gauge and read bottom of the scale in the sample and also in a glass of distilled water. Checked tap water and it is also reading 7 PH and dry end of scale. I then tried the 4 test kit that test PH, N, P, K. PH was 6.5 and N, P, K all adequate. All the plants I transplanted last week are starting to yellow. I suspect that the horse manure with bedding pellets has sequestered Nitrogen. It was composted for about 6 months and didn't have any odor, so I thought it was OK. I added 24, 8, 12 Miracle Gro today to see if it will help the yellowing.
@@GardeningInCanada I have done 2 treatments of the Miracle Gro and the yellowing is almost gone. I added 2 pick-up truck loads to an area approx 5m x 10m. I'm thinking to adding half of a 50# bag of 24,0,11 with micro-nutrients. Half of the N is slow release. Then tilling it into the soil, compost mix then watering it in good and waiting 2-3 weeks before planting a winter garden in 9b central Florida. Any thoughts on this, or the amount of fertilizer I'm adding? Thanks
@@customcutter100 that sounds great. You may want to consider supplementing with the miracle gro fertilizer for a period of time as the compost will have minimal available nutrients right off the hop. The inorganic fertilizer will have little to no effect of the compost nutrient breakdown and bioavailability. Overall sounds like a great plan.
Since there are so many knowledgeable people here, I’ll leave this for Ashley AND anyone in the comments that wants to jump in for a Q about garden soil ph in a new plot I’m planning. So, I have one of these meters, it’s giving me a value of about 7.8/8.3 so I will gather this side of my yard that I’m about to tear up for a new plot is gonna lean more alkaline. my question would be is it really more preferable to have more acidic soil or more alkaline soil? I remember you saying, and I also read that alkaline soil will tie up a lot of the nutrients in the pH of the soil. Let’s say this is a close estimate to what I have (I am going to test the soil more accurately) but for now let’s just say that this is relatively what I’m working with: a 7.8 to an 8.3 PH. should I bring the pH down for the areas that I have more acidic loving plants or should I aim to bring the pH everywhere and then focus on lowering it even further where I have those acid loving plants? I also suspect that this is the case, I was reading about looking at the composition of weeds that are growing on your lawn and inferring data about the PH through what kinds of weeds are growing. And that lines up pretty well with the soil being more towards the alkaline side. I plan on getting a bale of Pete Moss and possibly some elemental sulfur? That’s what I’m seeing recommended, I know you can also use garden lime I am not sure which one works best? Or lasts longest? The last thing I wanted to mention is I watched another video of yours on the make up of soil and it’s layers and the space that I will be gardening in is a flatField area that is at the bottom of a slope and it gets the best sun..... but I also suspect that there is a hard pan layer under there somewhere not too far from the surface; I say this bc because when I stick a stick in the ground you can’t press very far down at a depth that is pretty equal in a lot of areas that I’ve tested. Maybe I should do some thing like in ground raised rows and bring in some more neutral topsoil. Decisions decisions!! would love to hear your thoughts you don’t have to go too crazy you already provide a wealth of information on her videos!!
The only way to get it right is to have your soil tested. Adding stuff to change the ph also changes other things like calcium or potash if I remember correctly depending what you use. Having to much of these extra things can kill plants or hurt them severely and you will end up worse than before. This can get a little pricey if you have many different types of plants that require different ph but it is the only way to get it right the first time. God bless 🙌🏽
I purchased my home last year, it is 50 years old. The front and backyard were neglected in a way that all plants were overgrown and had lots of weeds. I’ve been doing a lot of hard pruning and cleaning out invasive ground cover - geraniums, English ivy, dandelions, etc. Now my yards are looking pretty bare. This is my 2nd spring in this house and I noticed that my plants grow slower than other similar plants in the neighborhood. I was thinking that maybe I need to add soil and mulch after? I am afraid of messing up the ph though, that is why I came across your videos (great stuff!). Any tips or advice is appreciated!
Specifically what should I add to my buckets and tubs if the ph is too low or too high during growing season? Once the season is over and it's time to pull the plants (I grow veggies in containers), how would I treat for both those conditions?
So for bringing it down (increasing acidity) pest moss top dressing or incorporating will work. For increasing alkalinity (hydrated lime) incorporated, top dressing can cause some odd effects.
I would agree they work. My problem is that the handy-dandy little chart on the back of the meter package isn’t helpful at all for vegetable gardeners. For instance, I cannot find anywhere what the moisture level should be for tomatoes, nor what the Ph level should be. For that reason the meter is disappointingly useless for me. Can you point me to a chart that I can use for my vegetables with moisture and Ph information? Thanks!
Pretty sure I need a new one, Was trying to dilute ph down to 6.5 and tbe needle never wavered from 8 Then iI placed it in household vinegar and the needle still didn't budge. Thank you for emphasizing thag the soil must be saturated and tbe i portance of everything being the same temperature to get an accurate reading.
Thanks for the video. Wondering about the paper strip tests - why do you want to use distilled water if in the end, you will be using tap water with your plants anyway, and so you want to know the pH of the soil together with your tap water?
I have been using the litmus paper strips (the color changing ones) to check the pH. They are cheap and reliable, but a bit more work is needed than this meter. If it's not too much trouble, would you consider comparing these two methods? Thanks for the video, this is very helpful information 👍
also tricky with thick chunky, leca, or substrate for airoids. i would be interested in one of those more "scientific" meters and how to care for it? or just a nicer quality probe? tnx
I have a lemon tree in my back yard. It produces so many lemons. Far more than I can use for lemonade, cocktails and culinary use. Can I somehow use them in an easy way to acidify soil for things like blueberries?
I noticed something on my eggplant leaves this morning. It was on just a few leaves that are right next to each other. I was going to email you the pics I took, but I'm not on Facebook and you don't have an email address listed (I don't blame you!). Anyway, whatever it is it's on top of the leaves. It looks a little like panko bread crumbs. It's white, and dry, and as lightweight as crumbs I just blew most of it off. It rained today, and I just went out there to see how that affected the white "crumbs". They're still there, still the same. They didn't melt or bloat. So weird. I've never seen anything like it before. I don't see it on any of the other eggplant leaves or on top of the soil, or on the leaves of the pepper plants growing in the container next to the eggplants. I don't even know how to Google search for it. It's not aphids. I don't think the little "grains" were moving at all. Is there a critter that leaves tiny, lightweight white poop? What do you think it might be?
@@GardeningInCanada No mark at all. Like wiping away sawdust. Didn't squish or crackle. Didn't melt in water. I haven't put anything on the leaves that would've done this (if I had, it would be on all the leaves). Doesn't seem to have damaged the leaves in any way. No trees on the property that could've blown anything onto them.
Wait,so there is an electrical current flowing from one probe to the other? Or flowing on a single probe? One of my probes broke off (the silver color one).
I really appreciate your content. Very informative. Please zoom out a little bit to give yourself some head space, the top of the frame cutting through your head and your movement is distracting. (Just gives me a headache). Thank you so much for sharing your expertise in such an understandable way.
I used the hydrometer feature today on a Loropetalum taking multiple tests around the base at 2",4",6" and got wildly different results each time. How should I interpret this?
I notice that you are using it for already planted plants. Should I check the PH of my strained compost from a compost pile before any admendments or after peat moss, vermecurite, ect.
The charge is the earths electromagnetic field. I ran across this ph phenomena while building a earth battery 🤓 I use a copper pipe and galvanized steel bolt with a electrical meter/tester and I noticed the the higher the ph the better/more electrical activity I got 🤔
I use the pH meter buy the brand Luster Leaf it's a digital pH meter with as well fertility and temperature readings comes very handy it's like an all-in-one tool I don't need a pH meter for telling me how much sun the plant gets or how moist or dry the soil is I only need it just for the unknowns like pH temp and fertility
@@GardeningInCanada it's a great brand you could find it on Amazon I got it at my work but thanks for all your knowledge as a soil scientist Guru I definitely learned a thing or two
Hello , I just purchased one of these type of meters, I think the way I will try to measure my PH will be with the run off water in the pan under the pot, test the run off might be an easier approach than the really wet soil, the run off will contain the PH, same as the soil I believe. Should be pretty accurate, what is your opinion on this?
Thank you dear, I just bought one because I think I have a acidity problem, I derived this hypothesis by adding vintage to 1soil sample, and baking soda too by another, and had a violent reaction from the baking soda, therefore assuming I had too much acid in the soil, which I’ll fix by adding lime to the soil, but first I’ll use my $10 probe I just bought into very MOIST soil.Probably leached the goodness from my 5 gal pot, so I’ll add a tea of lime and a good organic fertilizer?
Thanks for taking the time to put this video together, much appreciated. I picked up a soil pH meter the other day. Finished building a 12ft long x 3ft wide x 2ft deep planter box. Filled it up and after watering (very wet, not damp) I used the meter. The meter read between 5-6, then I allowed the meter to acclimatize and let the sun warm up the planter box for a couple of hours. Meter read between 4 and 5. If I use lime, does it matter if I use powder or pellets? Thanks : ^ )
From day one I found it SUPER difficult to get a PH lower then 7....under any condition. I takes adding a cup of vinegar to 1gallon of water to get soil below 7 ANYWHERE. Even under a pine tree under heavy needle after a heavy rain. I know pine tree soil acidity is totally a myth but still, It's better for light and water.
My fresh out the box Alanmond 3 in 1 doesn’t zero out. It sits naturally between 7-8 PH. Do you think mine is broke out the box? I’m waiting for my water to come to room temp so I haven’t been able to use it yet
Just found your channel, I’m looking forward to watching all your videos. You seam to have what the others don’t.....credibility. Please do a video on Total Dissolved Solids and maybe one on Electrical Conductivity. Thanks
Thanks so much! And will do, I’ve tried to keep the really science heavy videos out of the list. But my most recent one is going over well & it’s math heavy.
Personally, I love when you go full-on science nerd! Yes, the math will probably be over my head but I’ll watch it anyway…I’ll try to learn via osmosis.
This stupid device has saved me so much headaches with over watering. It takes a while for three plant to come back after u mess it up. Pot growers get this. Newbies go to tool. It's a must buy I'm pretty sure everyone needs this tool
When I took a landscaping and horticulture class, we used actual soil test kits using litmus paper. The recommended test is to send a soil sample to a lab, usually one regulated by the department of agriculture. The general rule is to bag up soil from front, sides and back yard and send it in. This gives a 100% accurate test and let's the landscaper know exactly what the soil needs before ordering the proper soil additives.
I have had several of them even the 35 dollar luster leaf and the one you have in your hand now and there all the same they read different or not at all ❓ do you have any advice on a great bag potting soil that's really pH balanced cuz I have bought many and I have nice pH meter and the runoff of all the soil I have gotten in last 5 or 6 months is 5.5 or below
Looks like the rods are corroding, would u think putting di-electric grease when not in use will help last longer and avoid discoloration? Of course you would wipe the grease clean off before sticking it to wutever it is ur sticking it to. I use the grease a lot on battery terminals and electrical ports in electrical machinery and vehicles to avoid premature corrosion.
I have this exact device. For humidity is an ok indicator. For light levels and for ph is useless. I did everything this video recommends, and I trusted the readings, which was too alkaline. I treated my potted plants with aluminum sulfate to make the soil more acid, killed my plants. After, I made the following test: I took a sample of the treated acidic soil , add half a cup of white vinegar, measured it (all at room temp) and the reading was alkaline. This is proof that this device is useless on ph. My device was brand new and cleaned with distilled water when I made all these measurements.
Thank you for the video and time you spent putting it together. I’ve been considering getting a meter but was skeptical. I’m having a hard time keeping my Blue Gum Eucalyptus from retiring on me.
@@GardeningInCanada So far it’s been a little of both in and outdoors. Hopefully it makes it outside permanently because I’ve got a spot picked out already. I’m hoping the Ph will tell me what’s going on so I can adjust it and it’ll take off🚀🚀🚀
Sick video, thanks! To combat corrosion, possibly apply some wd40 to a paper towel and then wipe down the prongs, wd40 is actually a good cleaner while preventing corrosion. Before using it though, use alcohol to clean off prongs to remove the oil layer. The gold side looks like it is copper because the corrosion/patina is green. For sure you can lightly sand the copper prong with 600 grit or higher sandpaper. Other side might be plated, you don't want to sand that =P
WD stands for water displacement not lubrication or rust prevention (look it up on youtube). CRC would be a better option as it will leave a film behind & is designed to do so. I can supply receipts of that claim as it's discolored my drill press & taps & die sets i.e there is a film over the steel & has been for many years
I have tried three different meters. Two I couldn’t get to work at all for ph and one the needle did move. I will try again sometime but so far they seem like a lot of mucking around when I thought they’d make life easier than soil samples with indicator fluid and powder. I guess I’ll stick with the soil samples and indicator fluid though. I’d love to know what the cheapest working field ph tester is though and if there is one that tests each of N P K levels? Thanks for the info on the soil meters though. Wish I’d seen your video before buying anything.
I was going to get the 4 in one meter for ph. looks pretty modern but I just got a PH only meter instead makes way more sense. I'm going to have to do a review since I didn't find even 1. But I see 4.5 Stars on the ;product.
I appreciate all your knowledge but I would love for more practical examples with your explanations. So maybe show me a soil PH that is high and one that is low on the meter. I think this old be super helpful. Maybe it’s just me.
Hmmm, I bought this same exact meter and my soil was wet, room temp, but no reading for the PH. Guess I bought a bad meter. Watched this video to confirm I wasn’t crazy.
it maybe if you dropped it or something of that nature. i have also been hearing from people they are less effective i am not sure if maybe they changed some components or what happened
I bought a Chinese single probe PH meter from Amazon that does that. The soil has been tested which I got a reading of 5.4 the meter either stays at 7.0 or the lowest it goes is 6.5. The soil is compacted clay and the area is known for acidic soil
Our water in a glass is slightly acidic while the drinking water I purchase from WalMart is on 7, so a neutral. Having seen this I now know to use deionized water, distilled water, or the drinking water but not tap as it will throw things off. I just had the meter refunded because bone dry dirt measured 10+ wet. Water in a glass from the tap measured 10+ wet while the drinking water from WalMart measured almost in the middle. Not sure what is going on as my plants all died so I am unsure if overwatered, not enough water or the 10+ acidic level of the mix it read YET everything I put in the mix measured by itself was neutral. Same meter as the one you have in the video.
How would you test soil PH in the field? How on earth would you change the temp of soil out in the field? I can't imagine having to lug all my container plants into the house to wait till the soil reaches a certain temperature, then water it with distilled water, and immediately test the soil . This seems to be a very inefficient way to test soil PH. Kind of wishing I had some purple cabbage right now.
btw, the probes are Copper (Cu) not brass, and Aluminum (Al). Every season go over the two probes with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper or fine steel wool. It will restore the probes conductivity from the inevitable oxidation.
Agree its copper , I use steel wool but my readings dint seem ti change much away from 6.5
Thank you
I don't know if you're a teacher, besides being a researcher/scientist, but it's definitely in you! Very educational video. I'm sharing with whomever is as passionate about gardening as I am. Thanks for putting this up!
Thank you I appreciate that
This is a helpful video. I just ordered a pH testing kit for water and soil, and I already used a chemical test from the hardware store. I just want to compare the results to the chemical test for the soil. And I'll be able to check my water's pH too. Important stuff for my stinky little plants indoors.
Yoooo this video was SUPER helpful. I just ordered a digital soil meter and the reviews are all over the place. Some people love it, some say it’s complete garbage, but what you said about needing to water the soil to get an adequate reading made so much sense. I feel like most of the people who were writing angry reviews were probably sticking their meter in relatively dry soil and not getting a good reading. I think if you did reviews on those kinds of tools you’d get lots of views. I’d love to see you review that 4:1 multi meter I just ordered. I’m growing blueberries which need an acidic soil so I really need a testing option that works. Appreciate the video. Thanks a bunch.
It took me 4 tries to adapt to the American Cell Phone accent, but I got it with help from the CC. Thanks so much, I'm going to Amazon to get 1 of those!
Thanks for this! I had no idea the soil had to be wet for the meter to be accurate. I can't take my plants inside. I didn't know that temperature affected the reading! You'd think the instructions would tell you all this. Thank goodness you're telling us! 🌱👍
Haha thanks that’s what I’m here for!
Lol just take your soil inside, not all of it
😆
You got instructions with yours? I have bought 2 different ones and neither had anything..so glad I watched this..but I have an electronic one That always ends at 6.8 no matter where I put it
Same here. Ever figure out a fix or why?
Hey Ashley, thanks you taking the time to make this video - you answered all my questions 👌 great work and keep it up
Wow thanks so much!
Interesting, thanks. I believe that one leg is for Ph and the other for moisture, each leg has the tube, an insulator & a different metal tip perhaps magnesium. The switch moves from leg to light sensor to the other leg. Ph is very hard to accurately establish. I have used pool test kits, the litmus paper & several liquid probes. The liquid probe you briefly show can be accurate but must be kept moist in storage solution and requires a calibration liquid. Checking the runoff is the most accurate method (and the least expensive). If you water to get about 10% runoff it will flush some of the salts from your soil which is beneficial.
How to do this without over watering, it has been a big problem for myself?
Very good. Especially thought determining if your soil is too was helpful. I vote for a part 2 more in depth video. That would be interesting.
Okay love it good to know!
getting the important info out of this video was like getting a tooth pulled. Youre beautiful though and I enjoyed that part. I wish this video was about 2 minutes long because thats how long it takes to sum up what you just said in 18 minutes.
Not trying to be rude but I couldn’t have said it any better. I find myself often stumbling upon her videos for horticultural advice/knowledge but I also find myself clicking off her vids and finding something shorter, more concise and to the point. She tends to ramble a bit much for my liking… seems very knowledgeable though which is a shame.
Your info helped me answer several questions about this type meter. Thanks & keep up the good work !
I see your likes are well past 100! I enjoyed hearing about using the meter. I didn’t see the actual link for Amazon, although I saw the name. I’ll check again, cant wait to try it out! Good job Ashley!
Woohoo
Another vote for the in-depth video - I'd love to know more.
Awesome good to know!
Same!
Look elsewhere, if you want accurate info. This one is a wack-job. Not sure where the degree came from, but I'm guessing there was a need to matriculate some women.
@@jeffclarke5497 Sure kiddo.
This video is so great for many reasons. Thank you for spreading the word about the importance of knowing your soil! I'm just learning and you've made this so damn digestible. I would love to see a video on an easy way to test pH using red cabbage. Thanks and kudos, from Gatineau, QC~!
To prolong life span of this device almost indefinitely it should be stored with the switch on "light", in moisture free box.
I’ve watched a few of your videos and found them very helpful, you’re clearly knowledgeable and know what you’re talking about. This is the video that encouraged me to subscribe. Great content, thank you for the info.
Glad you’re enjoying it!
Wow not only is this woman beautiful but has an awesome personality and intelligent.
Instantly subscribe and I have a lot of videos to watch.
Great channel, you should do a piece on evidence based gardening. Resources etc. It's hard to determine whats myth and folklore vs tested science
I admire how smart you are.... keep up the good work.
Oh wow thanks so much I appreciate that.
Thanks this was the most helpful explanation of these meters that I've seen and the ONLY one that explained or emphasized the soil MUST be "wet, not just damp" gotta go and retry my tester (which never moved off 7.5)........
I NEVER end up watching only one of your videos. Just like tonight, I came here and found the info I was looking for and kept watching one video after another…
I was hesitant to buy an inexpensive meter because I’ve heard others say they aren’t worth it and I’ve been trying to cut down on buying things I feel might end up in a landfill sooner rather than later. I’ve been planning on getting a meter that can be calibrated but yikes they’re $$$! At least now I understand the pros/cons of the $10-20 devices.
I did have a thought when you talked about the salt buildup and corrosion. I’ve worked with metals when I used to make jewelry and my instinct would be to clean the probes with an acidic solution or just sand the surface clean.
I know you’re not the manufacturer of the device and I don’t expect you to necessarily know why that would or would not be an advisable solution. But if I have a meter that was past its prime and bound for the garbage bin anyway, I would try using fine sandpaper or 000 steel wool before tossing it. I would love to know if you or anyone who is knowledgeable about this kind of meter has feedback on this idea.
As always, I’m so grateful for your videos and the fact that you bring science to the discussion when so many others are going on hunches and hearsay.
Good video, full of important info, which isn't always pointed out in products sold. You suggested taking a plant to adjust to room (25°C) temperature, before taking a measurement. However, if possible, you could take a sample of soil (which is simpler and less heavy, add water, and then take a measurement.
Hi Ashley! Not sure if you're still reading comments on this video but would LOVE your scientific input on the Sustee Aquameter. Their mechanism seems very different to these traditional meters (because the sustee meter itself absorbs some of the water and changes colour when hydrated vs. becomes dry - and it's designed to be kept inside the pot). It's quite pricey, but I am deathly afraid of killing some of my rarer plants. Wondering if these are worth the investment.
I’ll take a look! I’m actually building a sensor with an app that’s coming out Friday
I think these are secretly voltmeters. The probes make a battery as you said, and then the voltage is measured. A simple analog voltmeter is basically just a spring attached to a magnet with a coil of wire wrapped around it, so they are pretty cheap to make.
hello there, would you mind telling me what brand you use? i am in usa and i can't link with amazon. so sorry. thanks.
My tap water is pretty hard - how would this impact the reading on the PH reading?
Hi Ashley! thanks for the advice! I just have a question... What exactly is room temperature?
I have never used the meter but I have used litmus papers. I'm comfortable finding the pH that way.
Just received a dual prong from Amazon, but green $12 US. Tried the PH dry and reading 5.5, so I remembered to wet the soil with distilled water, and got roughly 6.5-7. Checked the moisture gauge and read bottom of the scale in the sample and also in a glass of distilled water. Checked tap water and it is also reading 7 PH and dry end of scale. I then tried the 4 test kit that test PH, N, P, K. PH was 6.5 and N, P, K all adequate. All the plants I transplanted last week are starting to yellow. I suspect that the horse manure with bedding pellets has sequestered Nitrogen. It was composted for about 6 months and didn't have any odor, so I thought it was OK. I added 24, 8, 12 Miracle Gro today to see if it will help the yellowing.
That’s very possible the miracle gro will definitely make a big difference!
@@GardeningInCanada I have done 2 treatments of the Miracle Gro and the yellowing is almost gone. I added 2 pick-up truck loads to an area approx 5m x 10m. I'm thinking to adding half of a 50# bag of 24,0,11 with micro-nutrients. Half of the N is slow release. Then tilling it into the soil, compost mix then watering it in good and waiting 2-3 weeks before planting a winter garden in 9b central Florida. Any thoughts on this, or the amount of fertilizer I'm adding? Thanks
@@customcutter100 that sounds great. You may want to consider supplementing with the miracle gro fertilizer for a period of time as the compost will have minimal available nutrients right off the hop. The inorganic fertilizer will have little to no effect of the compost nutrient breakdown and bioavailability. Overall sounds like a great plan.
@@customcutter100 what did the miracle Grow actually do? decrease nitrogen or what, something else? I'm no scientist.
You said it has an electrical charge in it. Would applying an electrical charge to an old one revive it, then?
Your ability to not stay on topic without digressing again and again and again drove me nuts. Gotta stay on topic. Short sweet and to the point.
She's a Woman, they're never straight to the point....🤷🏻
Since there are so many knowledgeable people here, I’ll leave this for Ashley AND anyone in the comments that wants to jump in for a Q about garden soil ph in a new plot I’m planning.
So, I have one of these meters, it’s giving me a value of about 7.8/8.3 so I will gather this side of my yard that I’m about to tear up for a new plot is gonna lean more alkaline. my question would be is it really more preferable to have more acidic soil or more alkaline soil? I remember you saying, and I also read that alkaline soil will tie up a lot of the nutrients in the pH of the soil.
Let’s say this is a close estimate to what I have (I am going to test the soil more accurately) but for now let’s just say that this is relatively what I’m working with: a 7.8 to an 8.3 PH. should I bring the pH down for the areas that I have more acidic loving plants or should I aim to bring the pH everywhere and then focus on lowering it even further where I have those acid loving plants?
I also suspect that this is the case, I was reading about looking at the composition of weeds that are growing on your lawn and inferring data about the PH through what kinds of weeds are growing. And that lines up pretty well with the soil being more towards the alkaline side.
I plan on getting a bale of Pete Moss and possibly some elemental sulfur? That’s what I’m seeing recommended, I know you can also use garden lime I am not sure which one works best? Or lasts longest?
The last thing I wanted to mention is I watched another video of yours on the make up of soil and it’s layers and the space that I will be gardening in is a flatField area that is at the bottom of a slope and it gets the best sun..... but I also suspect that there is a hard pan layer under there somewhere not too far from the surface; I say this bc because when I stick a stick in the ground you can’t press very far down at a depth that is pretty equal in a lot of areas that I’ve tested.
Maybe I should do some thing like in ground raised rows and bring in some more neutral topsoil. Decisions decisions!!
would love to hear your thoughts you don’t have to go too crazy you already provide a wealth of information on her videos!!
The only way to get it right is to have your soil tested. Adding stuff to change the ph also changes other things like calcium or potash if I remember correctly depending what you use. Having to much of these extra things can kill plants or hurt them severely and you will end up worse than before. This can get a little pricey if you have many different types of plants that require different ph but it is the only way to get it right the first time. God bless 🙌🏽
Ashley; your personality is funnily fluctuating; a soil scientist is a soul scientist. My gawd, the "cutest" personality...and she's pretty..
Haha thanks! That’s a different view compared to some of the comments under this video 😥❤️
I purchased my home last year, it is 50 years old. The front and backyard were neglected in a way that all plants were overgrown and had lots of weeds. I’ve been doing a lot of hard pruning and cleaning out invasive ground cover - geraniums, English ivy, dandelions, etc. Now my yards are looking pretty bare. This is my 2nd spring in this house and I noticed that my plants grow slower than other similar plants in the neighborhood. I was thinking that maybe I need to add soil and mulch after? I am afraid of messing up the ph though, that is why I came across your videos (great stuff!). Any tips or advice is appreciated!
I bought it and it works well and thanks to you i know how to use it 👍
Great to hear!
@@GardeningInCanada Thank you and keep up your channel will grow im certain 👍🙏💜
+ did subcribed to your News Letter 🌲🌲🌲 thank you for all the efforts and great tips your give us 😊
YES please share the techniques. I have killed my lemon tree because of too much peat moss mixture. I think it's too late to save the tree.
Oh no! That sucks. They aren’t easy plants
Specifically what should I add to my buckets and tubs if the ph is too low or too high during growing season? Once the season is over and it's time to pull the plants (I grow veggies in containers), how would I treat for both those conditions?
So for bringing it down (increasing acidity) pest moss top dressing or incorporating will work. For increasing alkalinity (hydrated lime) incorporated, top dressing can cause some odd effects.
@@GardeningInCanada Thank you!
Yes interested in down and dirty quick ie in the field quick first test with vinegar and purple cabbage mentioned.
Sounds good!
I would agree they work. My problem is that the handy-dandy little chart on the back of the meter package isn’t helpful at all for vegetable gardeners. For instance, I cannot find anywhere what the moisture level should be for tomatoes, nor what the Ph level should be. For that reason the meter is disappointingly useless for me. Can you point me to a chart that I can use for my vegetables with moisture and Ph information? Thanks!
Pretty sure I need a new one, Was trying to dilute ph down to 6.5 and tbe needle never wavered from 8 Then iI placed it in household vinegar and the needle still didn't budge.
Thank you for emphasizing thag the soil must be saturated and tbe i portance of everything being the same temperature to get an accurate reading.
looking forward for how to check the ph of the soil using at home methods!
My newest book on amazon has a few how tos
Thanks for the video.
Wondering about the paper strip tests - why do you want to use distilled water if in the end, you will be using tap water with your plants anyway, and so you want to know the pH of the soil together with your tap water?
I live in Campeche Mexico, part of the Yucatán peninsula which is a huge slab of limestone. Would this type of PH meter work for me?
I have been using the litmus paper strips (the color changing ones) to check the pH. They are cheap and reliable, but a bit more work is needed than this meter. If it's not too much trouble, would you consider comparing these two methods? Thanks for the video, this is very helpful information 👍
So does that mean that this won’t work for checking soil outside in my raised beds? Since it’s not room temp?
You seem very enthusiastic about Three Ways.
What about outdoor soils? Do I need to bring a sample indoors in a bucket and test?
Can you please make a video on 7 in 1 soil testing meters that test NPK as well in addition to these tests.
How are you supposed to test soil in the garden (raised beds) where it is impossible to bring the garden inside and make it at room temperature?
I would use a cabbage method, litmus strips, or even vinegar and baking soda
also tricky with thick chunky, leca, or substrate for airoids. i would be interested in one of those more "scientific" meters and how to care for it? or just a nicer quality probe? tnx
Yes I know the chunky mix is the issue.
I have a lemon tree in my back yard. It produces so many lemons. Far more than I can use for lemonade, cocktails and culinary use. Can I somehow use them in an easy way to acidify soil for things like blueberries?
I noticed something on my eggplant leaves this morning. It was on just a few leaves that are right next to each other. I was going to email you the pics I took, but I'm not on Facebook and you don't have an email address listed (I don't blame you!). Anyway, whatever it is it's on top of the leaves. It looks a little like panko bread crumbs. It's white, and dry, and as lightweight as crumbs I just blew most of it off. It rained today, and I just went out there to see how that affected the white "crumbs". They're still there, still the same. They didn't melt or bloat. So weird. I've never seen anything like it before. I don't see it on any of the other eggplant leaves or on top of the soil, or on the leaves of the pepper plants growing in the container next to the eggplants. I don't even know how to Google search for it. It's not aphids. I don't think the little "grains" were moving at all. Is there a critter that leaves tiny, lightweight white poop? What do you think it might be?
That is weird. Is there a mark on the leaf after you removed it?
Ok, I enjoy growing eggplants and you have more than a little courious. 🕵️♀️
@@GardeningInCanada No mark at all. Like wiping away sawdust. Didn't squish or crackle. Didn't melt in water. I haven't put anything on the leaves that would've done this (if I had, it would be on all the leaves). Doesn't seem to have damaged the leaves in any way. No trees on the property that could've blown anything onto them.
Huh! I’m stumped
Wait,so there is an electrical current flowing from one probe to the other? Or flowing on a single probe? One of my probes broke off (the silver color one).
I really appreciate your content. Very informative. Please zoom out a little bit to give yourself some head space, the top of the frame cutting through your head and your movement is distracting. (Just gives me a headache).
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise in such an understandable way.
What’s your opinion on the Apera Instruments AI102G GroStar Series GS2 PH tester?
What is the light meter measuring? What's the name of the light meter. I don't understand it and can't find anything online explaining this
It’s basically a solar panel.
@@GardeningInCanada I see. Thanks
I used the hydrometer feature today on a Loropetalum taking multiple tests around the base at 2",4",6" and got wildly different results each time. How should I interpret this?
I notice that you are using it for already planted plants. Should I check the PH of my strained compost from a compost pile before any admendments or after peat moss, vermecurite, ect.
Hi, a video for the diy testing(without meter) of garden soil will be appreciated.
The charge is the earths electromagnetic field. I ran across this ph phenomena while building a earth battery 🤓 I use a copper pipe and galvanized steel bolt with a electrical meter/tester and I noticed the the higher the ph the better/more electrical activity I got 🤔
I use the pH meter buy the brand Luster Leaf it's a digital pH meter with as well fertility and temperature readings comes very handy it's like an all-in-one tool I don't need a pH meter for telling me how much sun the plant gets or how moist or dry the soil is I only need it just for the unknowns like pH temp and fertility
Oh nice! I’ve never heard of that one.
@@GardeningInCanada it's a great brand you could find it on Amazon I got it at my work but thanks for all your knowledge as a soil scientist Guru I definitely learned a thing or two
Nice I’ll check into it
Room temp in South Carolina is way different than room temp in Canada. What's ambient temperature to you?
21 ish for most
What can I do if I have this problem if
I'm in the beginning of flower?
Hello , I just purchased one of these type of meters, I think the way I will try to measure my PH will be with the run off water in the pan under the pot, test the run off might be an easier approach than the really wet soil, the run off will contain the PH, same as the soil I believe. Should be pretty accurate, what is your opinion on this?
Exactly the information I was looking for!! Thank you.
perfect!
Thank you dear, I just bought one because I think I have a acidity problem, I derived this hypothesis by adding vintage to 1soil sample, and baking soda too by another, and had a violent reaction from the baking soda, therefore assuming I had too much acid in the soil, which I’ll fix by adding lime to the soil, but first I’ll use my $10 probe I just bought into very MOIST soil.Probably leached the goodness from my 5 gal pot, so I’ll add a tea of lime and a good organic fertilizer?
Thanks for taking the time to put this video together, much appreciated. I picked up a soil pH meter the other day. Finished building a 12ft long x 3ft wide x 2ft deep planter box. Filled it up and after watering (very wet, not damp) I used the meter. The meter read between 5-6, then I allowed the meter to acclimatize and let the sun warm up the planter box for a couple of hours. Meter read between 4 and 5. If I use lime, does it matter if I use powder or pellets? Thanks : ^ )
6 is not that bad actually but if you need powdered lime is ideal
@@GardeningInCanada Thanks, take care. D
I use this for lighting only, it gives me a quick ball park of light intensity.
That’s good
From day one I found it SUPER difficult to get a PH lower then 7....under any condition. I takes adding a cup of vinegar to 1gallon of water to get soil below 7 ANYWHERE. Even under a pine tree under heavy needle after a heavy rain. I know pine tree soil acidity is totally a myth but still, It's better for light and water.
My fresh out the box Alanmond 3 in 1 doesn’t zero out. It sits naturally between 7-8 PH. Do you think mine is broke out the box? I’m waiting for my water to come to room temp so I haven’t been able to use it yet
Just found your channel, I’m looking forward to watching all your videos. You seam to have what the others don’t.....credibility. Please do a video on Total Dissolved Solids and maybe one on Electrical Conductivity. Thanks
Thanks so much! And will do, I’ve tried to keep the really science heavy videos out of the list. But my most recent one is going over well & it’s math heavy.
Personally, I love when you go full-on science nerd! Yes, the math will probably be over my head but I’ll watch it anyway…I’ll try to learn via osmosis.
Your channel is everything I was looking for! Thank you so much!
Awee thanks so much! Be sure to share where you think it maybe helpful
Ashley you have all the best tips 🤗
Do you recommend any ph meter to test in the ground?
This stupid device has saved me so much headaches with over watering. It takes a while for three plant to come back after u mess it up. Pot growers get this. Newbies go to tool. It's a must buy I'm pretty sure everyone needs this tool
Hii . I have a question. Does the deepness that u barry the prove in to the ground affects the readings?
Could you bring a bowl of your soil inside and water it at room temp. and get a more accurate reading?
I’m trying to get a soil reading at our camp.
Yea absolutely
this is a great breakdown -
thanks!
Glad you enjoyed!
When I took a landscaping and horticulture class, we used actual soil test kits using litmus paper. The recommended test is to send a soil sample to a lab, usually one regulated by the department of agriculture. The general rule is to bag up soil from front, sides and back yard and send it in. This gives a 100% accurate test and let's the landscaper know exactly what the soil needs before ordering the proper soil additives.
I have had several of them even the 35 dollar luster leaf and the one you have in your hand now and there all the same they read different or not at all ❓ do you have any advice on a great bag potting soil that's really pH balanced cuz I have bought many and I have nice pH meter and the runoff of all the soil I have gotten in last 5 or 6 months is 5.5 or below
Looks like the rods are corroding, would u think putting di-electric grease when not in use will help last longer and avoid discoloration? Of course you would wipe the grease clean off before sticking it to wutever it is ur sticking it to. I use the grease a lot on battery terminals and electrical ports in electrical machinery and vehicles to avoid premature corrosion.
It may help but then again it’s probably not great for your plants either
Can you give a recommendation for a good tester that some of us with large gardens might want to invest in?
I have this exact device. For humidity is an ok indicator. For light levels and for ph is useless. I did everything this video recommends, and I trusted the readings, which was too alkaline. I treated my potted plants with aluminum sulfate to make the soil more acid, killed my plants. After, I made the following test: I took a sample of the treated acidic soil , add half a cup of white vinegar, measured it (all at room temp) and the reading was alkaline. This is proof that this device is useless on ph. My device was brand new and cleaned with distilled water when I made all these measurements.
Thank you for the video and time you spent putting it together. I’ve been considering getting a meter but was skeptical. I’m having a hard time keeping my Blue Gum Eucalyptus from retiring on me.
Oh yes that’s a difficult plant. Indoors or out?
@@GardeningInCanada
So far it’s been a little of both in and outdoors. Hopefully it makes it outside permanently because I’ve got a spot picked out already. I’m hoping the Ph will tell me what’s going on so I can adjust it and it’ll take off🚀🚀🚀
Do you have grow lights at all? That maybe something to look into too. I know when I tried eucalyptus it was not happy without some form of lighting.
What about super Rocky soils ? Yay use almost 50% pumice in my soil and the rest is Fox Farm Coco Loco . I have mostly succulents. Thank you 😊
Sick video, thanks! To combat corrosion, possibly apply some wd40 to a paper towel and then wipe down the prongs, wd40 is actually a good cleaner while preventing corrosion. Before using it though, use alcohol to clean off prongs to remove the oil layer. The gold side looks like it is copper because the corrosion/patina is green. For sure you can lightly sand the copper prong with 600 grit or higher sandpaper. Other side might be plated, you don't want to sand that =P
Haha yea that’s true
WD stands for water displacement not lubrication or rust prevention (look it up on youtube). CRC would be a better option as it will leave a film behind & is designed to do so. I can supply receipts of that claim as it's discolored my drill press & taps & die sets i.e there is a film over the steel & has been for many years
I have tried three different meters. Two I couldn’t get to work at all for ph and one the needle did move. I will try again sometime but so far they seem like a lot of mucking around when I thought they’d make life easier than soil samples with indicator fluid and powder. I guess I’ll stick with the soil samples and indicator fluid though. I’d love to know what the cheapest working field ph tester is though and if there is one that tests each of N P K levels? Thanks for the info on the soil meters though. Wish I’d seen your video before buying anything.
I could definitely do a video on them. They are around the 50 ish dollar range,
I was going to get the 4 in one meter for ph. looks pretty modern but I just got a PH only meter instead makes way more sense. I'm going to have to do a review since I didn't find even 1. But I see 4.5 Stars on the ;product.
Honestly I find people doing review anything until they are upset with the product in a lot of cases
How do you feel about the digital soil testers like bluelab ?
Yes! Love them way more. I actually have one I designed coming out this summer but it’s an app based device.
I appreciate all your knowledge but I would love for more practical examples with your explanations. So maybe show me a soil PH that is high and one that is low on the meter. I think this old be super helpful. Maybe it’s just me.
Great info as always, Nate sent me :)
Welcome!
Hmmm, I bought this same exact meter and my soil was wet, room temp, but no reading for the PH. Guess I bought a bad meter. Watched this video to confirm I wasn’t crazy.
Hey, love your videos. Will this meter tell you the ph of liquid?
Yes cabbage and other ways of testing would be Great! Thanks!
It’s official you’re going to see me cooking!
Gardening In Canada hugs!!!
Thanks!
My new meter says everything is neutral. I checked it in distilled white vinegar and it only dropped to 6.5. Is my meter broken?
it maybe if you dropped it or something of that nature. i have also been hearing from people they are less effective i am not sure if maybe they changed some components or what happened
I bought a Chinese single probe PH meter from Amazon that does that. The soil has been tested which I got a reading of 5.4 the meter either stays at 7.0 or the lowest it goes is 6.5. The soil is compacted clay and the area is known for acidic soil
Very informative from a beautiful redhead with a scientific brain..
Our water in a glass is slightly acidic while the drinking water I purchase from WalMart is on 7, so a neutral. Having seen this I now know to use deionized water, distilled water, or the drinking water but not tap as it will throw things off. I just had the meter refunded because bone dry dirt measured 10+ wet. Water in a glass from the tap measured 10+ wet while the drinking water from WalMart measured almost in the middle. Not sure what is going on as my plants all died so I am unsure if overwatered, not enough water or the 10+ acidic level of the mix it read YET everything I put in the mix measured by itself was neutral. Same meter as the one you have in the video.
How would you test soil PH in the field? How on earth would you change the temp of soil out in the field?
I can't imagine having to lug all my container plants into the house to wait till the soil reaches a certain temperature, then water it with distilled water, and immediately test the soil .
This seems to be a very inefficient way to test soil PH. Kind of wishing I had some purple cabbage right now.
Can you use that to test a sample of soil?
Or maybe a better question would be how do you recommend testing soil in your backyard?