The Best pH Meters for Your Garden Soil and Water
Although it can feel like it's all up to the luck of the draw, to successfully grow a garden, it takes a little more than chance. For optimal growth, it's important to find the best location for sun exposure, as well as a mix-up of ideal soil composition. In fact, soil pH is an incredibly important and often overlooked component to getting the most out of your plants. Keeping tabs on the balance of acidity and alkalinity is actually pretty easy, as there are user-friendly pH testers that the everyday gardener can acquire. Here we've outlined a few of our favorite of these contraptions. Have a look before you plant your veggies, and you just might end up with your most bountiful crop yet.
Apera Instruments Value Series Waterproof pH Tester Kit
Simple and accurate
Making the testing process completely seamless and incredibly accurate, this pH tester kit from Apera Instruments is a must-have for troubleshooting your soil quality. Ensuring utmost accuracy even in a wide range of temperatures, this kit comes in a durable carrying case, is totally waterproof, and can be used to test everything from home aquariums to pool water to monitoring the environment for optimal garden growth.
Pros:
- Tough sensor shield for protecting sensitive glass membrane
- Large, clear readings
- Handy user manual within the carrying case for quick access and troubleshooting
Cons:
- Calibrating this meter pen is a bit tricky
- Great for basic at-home needs for pH reading, but for a more in-depth analysis, look elsewhere
Embryant Pocket Digital pH Meter
On-the-go testing
For in-the-field analysis, an easily portable tester is a must. That’s why we’re loving this pocket tester, which provides precise, ultra-reliable readings on-the-go. Aside from being pocket-size, there are other factors that make this a convenient, portable option for testing. First, there’s a built-in, automatic temperature compensation. When testing liquids, this feature takes out the need to do so separately, and overall, this means there’s less for you to carry. There’s also a handy re-calibration device that makes for less hassle, too.
Pros:
- Pocket size makes for easy carrying
- Includes small carrying case, pH buffer powder, and clear user manual
- Easy calibration and setup
Cons:
- Reading isn’t the most visually clear
- Takes some time for the numbers to settle
Ruolan Digital pH Tester Pen
Balance on a budget
Arriving fully calibrated and ready to use, this pH tester pen is about as user-friendly as they come. For folks who want instant results, we can appreciate one less step, especially since calibration comes with its own set of hassles. Other bonuses include a small size, clear and accurate readings, and at a price point that makes pH testing accessible. With an easy on/off switch and other built-in conveniences, testing is as quick and easy as the press of a button.
Pros:
- Ultra-senstive electrode sensor for accuracy
- Auto temperature compensation feature
- Bright yellow design for high visibility
Cons:
- The battery life leaves a bit to be desired
- Re-calibrating takes some practice
Atree Soil pH Meter
Brown-thumb approved
When it comes to testing soils, this one goes the extra mile. It reads not only the pH value of the soil, but also measures soil moisture and sunlight intensity. For those who are just developing that green thumb, this handy little meter is immensely helpful. And while at first glance, the functions might seem a little tricky, they’re anything but. Simply insert the meter down into the soil about six inches and read the output.
Pros:
- Accurate pH, soil moisture, and sunlight readings
- Can be used indoors for houseplants, too
- Does not need batteries or power source
Cons:
- This is only for testing soil – not water or other liquids
- The display screen is a bit difficult to read
Extenuating Threads pH/EC Digital Kit 3-Pack
Complete pH kit
Whether it’s soil testing to pool-water monitoring, when you’re really trying to troubleshoot your backyard, a complete kit is the way to go. This one from Extenuating Threads is a sure bet. Including a soil tester kit, a pH meter, and a TDS and EC meter for testing water, this is an accessible and reliable gadget for keeping tabs on the balance of your water and soil.
Pros:
- Suitable for testing garden spaces, lawns, aquariums, drinking water, and more
- Measures accurately within ±0.01 pH
- Portable, handy set
Cons:
- TDS meter is just for testing freshwater, not saltwater
- The sunlight meter isn’t the most accurate
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the ideal pH level for the typical backyard garden?
Since most plants do their best in a 6.0 to 7.0 pH range, a pH of 6.5 is a pretty safe bet for typical home gardens. There are some plants that thrive under more alkaline conditions, while others prefer a higher acidic range. Your best bet? Take a look at what you’re wanting to plant and find out their preferred soil range. Since most will be around 6.5, start there. For the plants that prefer either more alkalinity or more acidity, adjust in those specific spots accordingly.
How can you adjust the pH of your soil?
If you need soil that’s more alkaline, the most common practice is to apply a material that contains lime, such as ground agricultural limestone. Other quick solutions for altering pH soil levels include baking soda and other home DIY solutions. While these don’t permanently alter the soil balance, some folks swear by them.
To really work your soil, it’s best to use high-quality compost at the end of season and work it into your soil. With time, that rich organic matter will gradually decompose, creating an optimal pH balance in the soil that will be ready for planting once the growing season starts. Other easy solutions include coffee grounds, pine needles, peat moss, and mulch. Depending on the results you want, there’s a wide range of pretty easy steps to take for quality results.