I have a huge city water bill. The problem is often that I’ve watered too much. So, I bought this little do-dad. It’s a moisture meter. It was about six dollars. I went around my yard testing the soil. I was honestly really surprised about where there was a lack of water, and also where it didn’t need any more water added.
Obviously, my pots registered different than my raised beds and those were different than the side of my yard (near the giant oak.) But I was pleasantly surprised that my raised beds were doing much better than I had imagined (even in above 100° weather.) Also, some of my pots were doing better than others. It’s important to catch dry growing conditions before the plant wilts. Some plants won’t come back from wilting.
I’ve been gardening here for about twelve years and surprises are not the norm anymore. So, I am super happy all I need to do is check with this moisture meter and then apply water only where it is needed.
In the end, this has been one of my favorite purchases this year. Simple, effective and saves me water. Couldn’t do better with $6.
Meet you out in the garden with our new meters to see how our attempts at water retention are working.
Crazy Green Thumbs
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Pots need more ambient moisture though, since the roots within can not disperse beyond their pots. I mean that the surface of the ground outside of pots can be drier since roots disperse deeper into the ground.
Yes, the values I rely on are different between pots, raised beds and in ground. However, although I know my pots need water every other or every three days, my raised beds are harder to gauge. Especially the bananas. This is most useful in the raised beds which can have one corner or half of the bed with different moisture levels. It’s been really helpful since our heat can dry the surface soil out but with the meter I can see the hugelkulter structure is still moist. Good to see you today. I hope you’re enjoying your summer!
I learn about the coolest stuff from you, thank you so much!
🤗