At some point, pretty much anyone who dabbles in growing plants has managed to drown one completely, or has forgotten to water to the point where the plant is practically a husk. But there’s a tool out there that takes the guesswork out of watering and saves lives – at least the plant kind (cue dramatic music). Soil moisture meters are simple, efficient tools for figuring out how moist the soil is around your plants. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. For some people, one you can leave in the soil is the right choice. For others, a smart water meter that is connected to a phone is perfect. Up ahead, we’ll chat about nine different options, as well as some tips for buying the right model. If you’ve never used one of these handy tools before, check out our guide to using moisture meters. Then, come back here and pick the best one for your needs.
Buying Advice and Factors to Consider
There are dozens of options out there, including the nine picks on this list, so it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little lost. Hydrofarm Active Air 3-Way Meter This product gives you three readings for the price of one. In addition to moisture, it provides a pH reading between 3.5 to 8.0, and tells you if the available light level is anything from 0 LUX (very dark) to 2,000 LUX (like sitting under a spotlight). For an all-purpose and affordable option, it’s really hard to beat this one. It gives you all the basics, including a soil moisture reading, reliably and quickly. It doesn’t require batteries and the probe extends six inches deep. Plus, it isn’t so expensive that you’ll be afraid to take it with you to the furthest reaches of your property in bad weather. It works both indoors and outdoors – just insert the probes into the soil, wait for a minute, read the meter, and remove. When you’re done using it, wipe it down and store it. To check the pH or light instead, simply move the switch. It couldn’t be easier to operate. The face is tilted up slightly, so you can read it whether you’ve inserted it into a table-top houseplant or down into the soil below you. The downside is that the face isn’t as easy to read as that of a basic moisture-only meter. Ah well, compromises, right?
Hydrofarm Active Air 3-Way Meter Specs and Features:
6-inch probe lengthWeighs 6.4 ouncesNo batteries requiredProvides reading in 1 minuteMeasures pH and light as well as moistureSimple to use
For the price of a meter that simply reads your soil’s moisture, you have a product that will also give you the pH and a light reading. That’s handy because there have been times when I thought my plant was getting enough light, but this tool told me otherwise (and it made all the difference!). Easy to use, easy to move, and reliable, this is our top pick for an all-around moisture reading tool. Head to Arbico Organics to find current prices and the latest customer reviews.
2. Atree Soil Meter
Atree Soil Meter Simply insert the probe up to five inches deep and flip the switch to select the reading you want to take. The gauge will tell you what you need to know. It reads pH from 3.5 to 8.0 and LUX from 0 to 2,000. Moisture is measured on a scale of one to 10 with a colored bar that is labeled dry (red), moist (green), or wet (blue). At a price that is much lower than that of some models, you get a fairly accurate reading that will enable you to determine whether or not your plant needs water, or if it’s time to adjust that pH level. The gauge is a little more difficult to read than is the case for the meters that only read moisture. Additionally, with the gauge on the front, this is best for use with potted houseplants or in raised garden beds. Otherwise, you’re going to need to bend down to read the gauge. No need for batteries though, and you can use this one inside or out. Just be sure to leave it in the soil for at least 10 minutes before you take a reading.
Atree Soil Meter Specs and Features:
6.7-inch probe lengthWeighs 3.5 ouncesNo batteries requiredGet a reading in 10 minutesComes in multiple colorsSimple to use
As a bonus, if you want to add a little color to your life, this meter comes in black, green, purple, and yellow.
3. Dr. Meter Soil Moisture Meter
There are no bells, no whistles, just an easy-to-read gauge that tells you if your soil is dry, moist, or wet on a scale of 1-10. Dr. Meter Soil Moisture Meter While the construction is perhaps a little lower quality than other items on this list and the gauge can’t be calibrated, it’s one of the most affordable options on this list, doesn’t need any batteries, and tells you in about a minute just where the soil moisture level is in your garden or container. The probe extends six inches into the soil. Unlike the 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 meters, it only has one probe, so you won’t have much of a challenge getting it into the earth. While customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few users mention that their meters have stopped working after just a few uses, or arrived faulty. The manufacturer offers a 30-day warranty.
Dr. Meter Specs and Features:
8-inch probe lengthWeighs 2.7 ouncesNo batteries requiredGet a reading in 1 minuteAffordably pricedSimple to useEasy to read
If you want something that is affordable and as simple as it gets to use, this is a good pick.
4. A. M. Leonard Soil Moisture Meter
The meter is on the top, so it’s easy to read while standing above it. You can also calibrate it to ensure that you’re getting an accurate reading. A. M Leonard The probe extends into the soil 24 inches, which means you can get a reading deep down where other probes can’t go. While most models are housed in plastic, this one is steel. That sturdy construction comes with a price, however. It’s the heaviest one on this list at 16 ounces. It’s made in the USA and comes with a 90-day warranty. The downside? This isn’t the right option if you need a tool to read the moisture in houseplants. Since the gauge is on top and the probe is so long, it’s simply unwieldy.
A.M. Leonard Soil Moisture Meter Specs and Features:
24-inch probe lengthWeighs 16 ounces1 AA battery requiredGet readings instantlySimple to useEasy to readSolid constructionCan be calibrated
For those who don’t want any bells and whistles, but just a solid, sturdy tool that can be calibrated to give accurate moisture readings even deep down in the soil, this is it. If you’re a casual gardener, this product is likely a bit more than you need.
5. Bluelab Pulse Multimedia Meter
The Bluelab Pulse Multimedia Meter, available from GrowersHouse, will make a bigger dent in your bank account than the others on this list, but if you’re a serious gardener who needs quick, accurate readings, it’s well worth the cost. Bluelab Pulse Multimedia Meter The dual prongs quickly read the moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels at the root zone and give you a read-out on the backlit LCD display. Right away, you know whether it’s time to water and fertilize. Plus, you’ll know whether your seeds or seedlings are struggling because your soil is too cold.Then, all that information is sent to the Pulse app on your phone, where it’s stored. You can easily look back at the moisture, nutrient, and temperature cycle over the year and make adjustments the following year to better nurture your plants. The app allows you to analyze and review all the data you collected, giving you real insight into the soil. It runs on batteries and is accurate even in coco coir and other soilless mediums, which can trip up other meters.
Bluelab Pulse Multimedia Meter Specs and Features:
8-inch probe lengthWeighs 14.2 ouncesRequires 2 AAA batteries (included)Provides a reading in under 10 secondsMeasures moisture, temperature, and nutrientsStores measurements in the free app
GrowersHouse carries this handy tool, so if you want to see what the current price is and check out the buyer reviews, pop on over there.
6. AgraTronix 4-in-1 Soil Moisture Tester
There are several meters that test pH and light in addition to the moisture in the soil, but this tool takes things even further. The AgraTronix 4-in-1 tester, available from Tractor Supply, also reveals soil temperature, which is particularly handy to know when you’re planting seeds. AgraTronix 4-in-1 Lots of growers will recommend a specific temperature for germinating seeds, but how the heck do you know what the soil temp is? Answer: this tester. You can even swap between Fahrenheit or Celsius with the click of a button. Moisture is provided on a scale of one to five, plus there are 12 levels of pH, and nine levels of sunlight. All of this information is provided on an LED screen with a backlight. It has an automatic turn-off feature so you don’t run down the battery if you forget to turn it off. This model requires one 9V battery and comes with a 30-day warranty. As with other front-facing models, it can be a bit hard to read if you’re standing above it.
AgraTronix 4-in-1 Soil Moisture Tester Specs and Features:
8-inch probe lengthWeighs 5.5 ouncesRequires one 9V batteryReadings in under a secondDigital, backlit screenMoisture, pH, temperature, and light readings in one tool
Head on over to Tractor Supply to pick up one of your own.
7. REOTEMP Moisture Meter
REOTEMP Moisture Meter The gauge adds another three inches to the overall length of the tool. These length options are ideal if you have larger perennials or if you want to test deep into your compost pile. The gauge is on the top, so you can read it while standing above. The housing is made out of stainless steel so it can handle extreme weather and a bit of abuse. You get a reading almost instantly in under a second. This unit requires one AAA battery to function and you can calibrate it to suit different situations.
REOTEMP Moisture Meter Specs and Features:
Extra-long 15, 24, or 36-inch probe lengthWeighs 8.4, 15, or 19.2 ouncesRequires 1 AAA batteryInstant readings in under a secondEasy to read gaugeSolid constructionCan be calibrated
Assuming you aren’t looking for one for your small houseplants, this is a sturdy, easy to read option that has a distinct advantage: it can be calibrated by the user.
8. Sustee Aquameter
If you were hoping that you could leave your soil moisture meter in the soil so that you’d know when it was time to get watering, this is the tool for you. Sustee Aquameter The reading that you’ll receive isn’t as specific as that of the other meters on this list. There isn’t a gauge to show you how dry or wet your soil is on a scale of one to 10. Instead, the little glass display on the tip of the probe lets you know that it’s time to water when it turns white. If the window shows blue, there’s no need to break out the watering can. Because this doesn’t leave much room for interpretation and it can’t be calibrated, this might not be ideal for plants that prefer extremes, such as dry soil lovers like succulents or cacti, or those that appreciate a high level of moisture like ferns or pitcher plants. But for your average plant, it works perfectly well. You can replace the core every six to nine months, so you won’t have to toss it out entirely if it stops reading. The slim, minimalist probe was designed in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Agriculture and is hardly noticeable sticking out of the soil. It even won a Reddot Design Award in 2014. It’s available in both white and green, so you can pick which goes better with your decor. It also comes in three lengths to fit your pot, with small 4.7-inch, medium 7-inch, and large 10-inch options. Note that the glass window takes up two inches of that measurement. If you’re a design-minded grower, or just need a simple meter that can tell you when it’s time to water with no effort on your part, this is it. It’s not ideal if you want to know the exact moisture level in the soil at any given time, nor if you want to be able to use one meter to check all your plants each week. You get readings in about a minute, but this model is meant to be left in the soil full-time, so you can really just set it and forget it.
Sustee Aquameter Specs and Features:
2.5, 5, or 8-inch probe lengthWeighs 0.15, 0.2, or 0.3 ouncesNo batteries requiredReads in 1 minuteVariety of sizes and colorsCan stay in the soilMinimalist design
If you want something that can stay in place so you can stop worrying about when it’s time to water, this is a good choice. It’s also ideal for the design lovers out there who want something minimalist and sleek.
9. Wanfei Smart Plant Monitor
Everything has gone smart these days, it seems, from our phones to our lightbulbs, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are Bluetooth-enabled soil monitors. Wanfei Smart Plant Monitor This helps clue you in to when it’s time to water. The app will also give you tips about your specific plant to let you know how to keep it happy. The five-inch tool extends only three inches into the soil, so you aren’t getting a reading from deep down. It’s extremely light, however, at just 2.8 ounces. You’ll need to have an Android or Apple phone or tablet to pair with it and it’s only intended for indoor use, so outdoor gardeners should probably look elsewhere. You also need to switch the plant setting in the app if you move the probe from one plant to another. There are over 6,000 types of plants in the app’s database, so a large variety is covered. This model is a bit fussy, and it’s calibrated for one plant at a time. If you want a probe that you can easily move from plant to plant, or that you can use without having your phone handy while tending to your houseplants, there are better options out there. But there’s a lot to be said for a probe that can read all the important elements of the environment surrounding your plant, and the fact that the app can give you guidance on what your particular plant craves is exceptional.
Wanfei Smart Plant Monitor Specs and Features:
3-inch probe lengthWeighs 2.8 ouncesRequires one CR2032 batteryProvides extensive informationApp offers tips for specific plants
Consider these factors when picking your moisture meter: Before making your selection, think about your needs. Are you looking for one that can stay in the soil and that will alert you when your prized orchid is dry, without any effort on your part? Or do you need one that you can use in your indoor herb garden and your outdoor tomato patch? Is knowing the pH of the soil or the ambient light levels important, or are you focused solely on moisture? Next, consider how much effort you want to make. Maybe you’re willing to change batteries and calibrate a tool that gives you more accuracy. Or maybe you just want to check the general moisture content and move on. What’s your budget? Do you want something that gives you the basics in exchange for just a little cash? Or are you willing to shell out for something a bit quicker, better made, and more accurate? Ask yourself what’s at stake if your soil meter fails. If you are selling plants and rely on their success for your income, a reliable, accurate model that’s a bit pricier and that may last a bit longer is probably worth it. Remember that while these are hygrometers, which are devices that measure the humidity in an object or the atmosphere, these are made specifically for measuring the moisture level in soil. You can’t stick any of these in a glass of water and get a reading. They must be used in soil. Finally, note that almost all of the products on this list must be removed from the soil and cleaned after each use. For most people, the Hydrofarm Active Air 3-in-1 is going to be just right to get the job done. Arbico Organics has these available if you decide to bring one to your garden. Did this guide help you to narrow down which meter you wanted to buy? If so, be sure to come back and tell us which one you picked, and what you think! You might want to check out some of our other gear recommendations next:
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