Learning247

I have been trying to find any decent soil TDS/pH meter, I guess the pH part I don't have to worry about because I can test the water before giving them to my plants however it would be a plus anyway.

So I can't seem to find a decent digital soil TDS meter. Can anyone recommend one for my mommy plants?

Thanks,
Learning247

farmergiles

IDK if it's worth spending a lot- thing is the EC (and pH sometimes) in the soil goes up and down depending on how wet the soil is and other factors so it can just end up being confusing.

To get an idea of the TDS and pH in the soil you can just measure the run off with regular EC/pH meters anyway.

My opinion- there are some quite complex interactions that go on in soil with microbes and fungi chellating nutrients and stuff- we don't have to worry about it too much as nature sorts most of it out- as long as we give the plant what it needs to grow and flower.
The best way of telling if a plant is under or overfed, or if there is a build up of salt in the soil is to look at the plant.

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Learning247

Oh crap, so I guess I am going to learn real quick now.

Thanks for your help FG, So how much of the run off of water should I be testing with? For example, when I water my plants and the run off that comes out the bottom oif the pot should I throw that in a 8oz cup or a 4oz cup? and then run my test?

Thanks again,
Learning247

farmergiles

I'd say you just have to be consistent, then you can compare results from feeding to feeding.

But IMO trying to measure the EC and pH in soil is not the most practical way of determining how to feed and water them. I don't bother myself.

It might be interesting to get one of those cheapo meters from a garden centre or somewhere- the ones you leave in the soil.

A lot of the important signs are pretty evident just by looking at the plant. For example- if a plant is overfed the leaf tips will usually burn a little before anything else happens.

If you water them at a sensible pH/EC and you are not over or underwatering and you have a suitable soil mix in the first place then you shouldn't need to worry about the pH in the soil- it will sort itself out mostly.
If there are pH issues these will show in the growth of the plant.

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Learning247

Thanks FG, from what I uderstand pH should be around 7 for soil, correct?

Thanks,
Learning247

farmergiles

A bit lower, maybe between 5.8 and 6.5 is ideal.

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Learning247

Thanks FG, your a gentleman and a scholar!