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Much like us humans, even plants need optimal levels of watering to ensure proper growth and well-being. But, unless you are an expert gardener who has proper knowledge about plants and their needs, you must have technical tools to help you through the process. Don’t worry though, the soil moisture meters are not just ideal for that, they also come in handy when you are trying to measure the pH or the other elements in the soil.
Soil moisture meters come a lot in handy in determining how damp the soil is and also help you determine whether you’d need to water the soil and the plant or not. But, you need to use it at the required frequency. The last thing you want to do is end up watering your plants a lot or not enough to ensure proper growth of the plants.
With the growing popularity of soil moisture meters in the market, more and more brands are coming out with their soil moisture meters. But, you must find the highly functional ones that show actual readings instead of random numbers. If you are inclining towards just the cheaper ones, you need to assess their quality first and look through the reviews before you invest particularly in one.
8 Best Soil Moisture Meters in 2021 – Review
Aside from the quality of the moisture meter, one also needs to keep an eye out for the kind of outlook people have on the product. If the people aren’t necessarily digging the item and not liking the functions, there is no point investing your coins in that.
Following are the best soil moisture meters in the market that you can take a look into.
1. Sonkir Soil Moisture Meter
When discussing the best soil moisture meters in the market, Sonkir stands out as a leading brand. From sleek design to accurate results, this moisture meter is everything you need for your plants and more.
It is programmed with a 3-in-1 function which enables you to test the moisture level, pH, and sunlight level in the soil. Make sure that your soil is damp enough for the sensor to go through it. If the soil isn’t damp enough, you won’t be able to get readings in the indicator.
It is programmed with double-needle technology that strongly enhances the overall speed and accuracy of the results and helps in calculating the numbers pretty easily without any hassle. It also doesn’t require any kinds of batteries for functioning.
All you need to do is take the sensor of the meter and dig it 2-4 inches into the soil. From there, you can either use the toggle switch for the moisture levels or any other metric that you want to keep a note of.
It has a very lightweight and durable design that enables you to use it anywhere you want. It also comes with a very compact design, which ensures that you can carry it around with ease. It is ideal for your soil testing kit at home.
Pros
- Integrated with double-needle technology
- Batteryless performance
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Flimsy construction
2. XLUX Soil Moisture Meter
A lot similar to the previous product in terms of design, the XLUX Soil Moisture Meter is another popular moisture meters that you wouldn’t regret splurging out on. The sensing probe in this meter provides instant testing results for no hassle at all.
It also works for both indoor and outdoor use, so not only can you measure the water level in the indoor plants, it works equally well for the outdoor garden plants and soil too. It does come with a manual meter, which means that you will have to squint in to see the readings. But, the readings are pretty accurate, so you wouldn’t have to worry about the readings.
It has a highly sensitive probe that enables you to get accurate readings in no time at all. All you have to do is insert the probe into the soil and the meter with show the results pretty immediately. If you are tired of not seeing the desired growth in your plants, this probe should be enough to help with that.
The single probe design is optimal for clearer readers and it doesn’t hurt the roots as well. It also doesn’t dig up soil from the insides of the pot, ensuring clearer soil without any hassle. It mustn’t be used on other types of liquid except for water.
Pros
- Single probe design
- Accurate readings
- Immediate results
Cons
- Might be a little confusing for the beginners
3. Gouevn Soil Moisture Meter
For a product that has over 5000 reviews and an overall 4.5 stars rating on Amazon, you know for a fact that it is one of the best moisture meters in the market. It is designed with a much wider and more durable construction for seamless readings.
It works for stable models of soil testing, which means that you wouldn’t have to worry about the quality of the product at all. All you have to do is plug the probe inside the soil and get the desired reading.
It features a very large dial with ten scales that make it easier for you to take the readings without any hassle. Not just for your lawn and outdoor garden, it works equally well for the indoor plants and to check their wellbeing as well.
The probe in this measure 7.7”, which ensures that it seeps into the deeper ends of the soil for a better reading and more accurate reading. You must avoid using it on the other types of liquids excluding water.
Not only does the product feature a lightweight design and doesn’t feature any kind of batteries, which means that you can use it anywhere that you want. It has a simple reading requirement, which means that it is very easy to get the ratings without any hassle.
Pros
- Long probe length
- Durable and wider construction
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Sometimes everything reads as dry
4. Alotpower Soil Moisture Sensor
When looking for a soil moisture meter, the Alotpower Soil Moisture Sensor is known for its accuracy. The majority of the users buy this product because of how accurate the results are. So, in case you are particularly looking for one that will give you accurate results throughout, we’d suggest you go for this one.
The product comes with an easy-to-use function that makes it easier for you to put it into the soil and then get the desired reading within a matter of seconds. You must avoid putting it in direct water or other liquid.
It is a battery-less function, which means that you wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery anywhere you carry it. All you have to do is put the sensor into the damp soil and it should tell you the level of moisture inside the soil.
It is compatible with both indoor and outdoor use, which further makes this an ideal option for everyday usage without any complaints at all. It lets you keep track of your plant’s needs and when they need to be watered, which is great.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- Accurate results
Cons
- Readings can seem too low at times
5. ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester
While we have only mentioned the analog soil moisture testers now, the ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester is hands down one of the best options around when discussing the digital testers.
It can easily help you keep a track of the soil moisture levels within 72 seconds after you put it inside the soil. But, it is ensured that you keep a check on how deep you dig the probe because that is what makes all the difference in the end.
It features a stunning LCD with the flower pot icon that helps you keep a check on the display design and the moisture level without having to worry about the issues. It is amazing for the indoor and outdoor settings too.
It is a waterproof moisture sensor, which means that you wouldn’t have to worry about the quality of the product. It also features a 12-24 hrs time display and does come with 2 AA batteries, which means that you need to keep a check on the battery levels now and then.
Pros
- Digital display
- 12-24 hours’ time display
- Accurate results
Cons
- Batteries don’t last long
6. Gobetter Soil Moisture Meter
There are your premium and multipurpose soil moisture meters with a higher price point and then there are the cheaper ones. The Gobetter Soil Moisture Meter is priced under $10 but is one of the most efficient and high-quality options that you can likely invest in.
It is ideally used by professionals across the world, engineers, and gardeners to test the soil moisture levels without any complications or delays. Long gone are the days when you had to depend on guesswork to get things done and you also don’t have to put your hands into the soil anymore.
This lightweight and multipurpose meter can be used for both indoor and outdoor usage to test out the moisture for growing different species of plants around. Just ensure that you do the right thing and plan the right kinds of plants depending on the readings you get.
Despite the functions, another factor worth noting in this is the fact that it doesn’t require any kind of battery to function, which means that you can take it anywhere that you deem suitable without having to worry about running out of battery.
Aside from soil, this can test out any kinds of surfaces and liquid types to give you accurate readings. Besides that, Gobetter is a brand that has been around for years, catering to the needs of multiple people across the globe and all their gardening needs.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight design and portable too
- Multipurpose functions for indoor and outdoor use
- No battery functions
- Durable and sturdy construction
Cons
- Takes some time to stabilize the reading
7. Kensizer Soil Tester
Finding an all in one moisture and pH level detector can be challenging but the Kensizer Soil Tester makes it easier for you. Aside from the moisture and the pH, the tester also helps you keep a track of the sunlight levels in the soil.
It has a clear reading line that gives you accurate results in no time at all. All you have to do is put the probe into the soil and the readings should come up right from there without any issues. If required, make sure that you wait for a few seconds before taking the reading.
It does feature a single probe sensor, which means that you wouldn’t have to worry about damaging the roots of the plants. It has a lightweight and highly portable design that you can carry around with ease. It is perfect for professional gardeners who need to carry an affordable soil tester with you.
As for the quality of the tester, you wouldn’t have to worry about the quality of the product at all. It is pretty affordable as well, which means that you can easily afford this without any hassle.
Pros
- Accurate results
- Doesn’t damage roots
- Affordable
Cons
- pH readings aren’t always accurate
8. SLAOUWO Soil Moisture Meter
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Another popular soil moisture tester that you need to keep a check on to check the water level in your soil is the SLAOUWO Soil moisture meter. Unlike the other options, this comes with a sleek design and premium quality construction for everyday usage.
This is a 3 in 1 meter, which allows you to check the moisture level, sunlight level, and also the pH levels in the soil. If you are witnessing a constant decline in the quality of your plants, this meter should take care of the rest for you.
The meter is ideal for usage in both indoor and outdoor settings, which makes it ideal for everyday use. It has a simple and easy to use the function, which means that you need to switch it to the moisture mode and then dig it into the soil to get the desired readings.
The double sensor’s design in this moisture meter helps you get the reading for the soil and the pH levels in the soil without any hassle at all. It doesn’t require any kind of battery, which means that you can use it anywhere without any hassle.
Pros
- 3 in 1 functions
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor settings
- Double sensors design
Cons
- Flimsy construction
Conclusion
Soil moisture meters do come in handy when you are trying to keep a check on the progress of the soil and the kind of moisture that the soil has retained. Moreover, ensure that you always invest in good quality meters with higher reviews and ratings. This is essential to ensure optimal results from the meter. Also, follow the instructions as mentioned because that helps sort out the issues you are likely facing. Aside from the potential of the sensor, you also need to keep a check on the quality of the construction of the sensor. The last thing you want is to invest in a product that comes with an extremely flimsy construction.
FAQs
1. What are the different types of moisture meters?
When discussing moisture meters, there are a few different types of models available. There are the standard and affordable analog options and then there are the superior digital options with premium design and functions. In case you are looking for a battery-less option, we’d suggest you check the analog models and in case you want more accurate results, it is better that you check out the digital meters.
2. How can you use the moisture meters?
The majority of the moisture meters come with a very standard design and functionality. All you have to do is take the probe sensor and then push it inside the soil. You then have to wait for a few seconds for the sensor to work and show the results. Always ensure that you avoid putting the sensors into dry soil or directly into liquids like water. It will show inaccurate results and not work optimally.
3. Can you leave a soil moisture meter in the soil?
No, you can’t. The majority of the meters come with metal probes, which means that leaving it inside the soil will cause rusting and eventually destroy the probe sensor altogether. You need to put it inside the soil, take the reading and then take it out.
4. How can one know if their soil is moist?
If you feel the soil damp enough to touch, you must insert the probe to check the level of moisture inside the soil. But, in case the top of the soil feels dry to touch, it is necessary that you completely avoid putting it inside the soil.
5. How to take readings from moisture meters?
If you are a beginner using the moisture meters, taking the reading is pretty simple. All you have to do is take note of the colours on the meter. The 1-3 or Red setting means the soil is dry, the 4-7 or the Green setting means the soil is moist and the 8-10 or the Blue setting means the soil is wet.
A rotating team of writers and editors dedicated to providing reliable information for the readers of American Promise. We’re all passionate about cannabis and actively engaged in this “budding” industry.
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