Lets Talk Water Meters
Every plant parent knows that striking the right balance in watering their plants can be a tricky task. Too much or too little water is typically the number one reason plants are thriving or dying. That's where plant moisture meters come to the rescue. These nifty gadgets have revolutionized the way I take care of my plants, helping them live their best lives. It is always my first suggestion when people come up to my cart asking for advice. In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of plant moisture meters and my experience with different types on the market.
Moisture meters use a metal probe and dial indicator at the top to provide accurate readings of the soil's moisture level, helping you avoid overwatering or underwatering your plants. You first stick the metal probe 3” to 4” into the soil to obtain the moisture content reading. Each moisture meter will come with a handy legend indicating which moisture level to look out for depending on the plant and moisture meter you own.
I feel like I have tried all moisture meters under the sun. So you don’t have to!
Rapitest Mini Moisture Tester
Accuracy: I find this one to be the most accurate out of all of the moisture meters I have used.
Additional Features: This is the most basic moisture meter on the market. No frills here.
Ease of Use: Very easy to use. The dial indicator is easy to understand with the 1-4 categories. Plus, there is no wait time required once putting the probe into the soil.
Cost: $11.99 on Amazon
Verdict: This is my favorite moisture meter out of every moisture meter I have tried. It is a tried and true option!
jungle club Moisture Meter
Accuracy: For this one to be most accurate, it needs to sit in the soil for 10 minutes. Nobody got time for that. I find, if it is placed in rich, quality soil, it works better and provides a quicker read out than when placed in cheap nursery soil.
Additional Features: Includes the “dry”, “moist” and “wet” indicators on the dial read out. Additional numbers on the dial read out also provides a more detailed indicator of moisture level.
Ease of Use: Very easy to use. The dial indicator is easy to read.
Cost: $16.00, available on our store or in person.
Verdict: This moisture meter is beautiful which makes a great gift for the plant lovers in your life. The designer in me is a sucker for beautifully designed things.
3-in-1 Moisture Meter
Accuracy: I have found this one to not be accurate at all. The readout scale and calibration tables are all over the place.
Additional Features: This moisture meter also includes an additional probe and light sensor that determines the pH of the soil and the light levels of the area.
Ease of Use: Fairly easy to use but more complicated than the other moisture meters due to these reasons.
Since the readout area has 3 scales, it can be harder to read the levels.
You must flip the switch located on the bottom of the indicator to determine which information you are looking for: Light, PH, or Moisture.
You must calibrate the meter when you first receive it so it senses the pH levels correctly.
Cost: $9.99 on Amazon
Verdict: Don’t waste your hard earned money on this one.
Investing in a plant moisture meter is a low cost, easy way to give your plants a voice and take the heavy lifting off of you! It helps you understand their needs better, ensuring they receive the precise care required for each plant. By incorporating this handy tool into your watering routine, you empower yourself to create thriving, vibrant indoor plants. By maintaining the optimal soil moisture level, plants experience less stress and prevent root rot. .
Ready to turn that brown thumb green? Visit our store or Dolly Carton and grab a plant moisture meter for yourself. Happy Gardening!