PH Monitors- Do any Actually Work?

[mogs]

As I've only recently taken on an allotment, I'm keen to test the ph of my soil to help ensure the soil is in the best possible condition for the plants.

I recently paid £6.99 for a dual PH/Moisture tester with a display unit at the top of two probes. Everywhere I put it is tests as being just under the 7.0 indicator, even when I put it in my blueberries, which are in pots in ericaceous compost (which I believe is acid).

Thinking it must be goosed I then shelled out £14.99 for what I thought was a better model and am still getting similar readings and no movement, again even in the ericacous compost. Is it me, am I not understanding how these things work? I have to admit I'm not a tecchy type, but as far as I understand it you just have to make sure the probes are clean, bung it in (I've tried from 1/2 inch depth to up to the gunnels here!) and hey presto you get a Ph reading. I've even tried leaving it in for hours and still no change.

Can't be bothered ladling soil into test tubes and adding solutions - far too technical for me - Any ideas?

[starloc]

Any i have had needed the soil to be added to water and sloshed about and then test the water.

[zazen999]

Try it in lemon juice to see if it is reading anything.

I have never tested the pH of my soil - i spent 14 years testing mud and concrete so could do with never doing it again, truth be told.

[lynda66]

i bought one too ..... mine was only £2.50 though, but my tap water is neat acid

[Alison]

Cheaper, easier and potentially more reliable to just ask the plot holder next door!

[SarzWix]

I've got one, and it didn't seem to be very reliable, but when I stuck it in some vinegar it swung one way, then in milk it went the other, so it might be worth trying that just to test it? I don't think they're meant to be as reliable as the proper testing kits, more a rough guide

[Nicos]

I have one and had interesting results as my allotment is rich in peat.
My readings varied between about 3 and 7...and some of the areas tested were only a couple of feet apart with those sorts of extreme results

I realised that the water table must make a difference ( which actually comes to the surface in early Spring!)...so I tested that and it came up at 6.5!

So then I got really confused as what to do with my land...in the end I just did what the old uns did on their lotties...lots of lime everywhere and a tiny bit where the spuds were going.

...much easier to follow yr neighbour (as Alison suggests!)!

Everything except certain brassicas will grow on my plot( clubroot is the problem- not pH)

[Paul Wagland]

The probes are a bit unreliable - but do better if the soil is very damp (so there's more contact between probes and medium).

The chemical tests are much, much better, and are quite easy to use. Cheap too.

[Capsid]

These are cheaper and easier IMO

Rapid Electronics - Indicator papers

[Two_Sheds]

I'd save your money, and your time. I've never bothered to test my pH, and I grow more veg than I can eat

If you have something that really needs acid conditions, be sure to give it ericaceous compost, as you have done

[mogs]

... and there was me trying to be all professional looking and scientific and ended up a complete 'twonk' and £20 quid out of pocket into the bargain - thanks for all your comments - back to bung it and cross yer fingers for me then! Anyone in need of two second hand PH monitors, hardly used and going very cheap!!!!!!!!! Ha, ha

[mogs]

Oooh and to add insult to injury, when I flicked the switch to the Moisture measurer and stuck it in a cup of water, it read dry!!! I think I've been well and truly had! Life is such an interesting and varied learning curve

[Nicos]

Take it back- and say it's faulty!!!!

Then buy some seeds with the money back!!

[FionaH]

Mr H bought me one for my birthday, havent had the heart to tell him it is useless

[mogs]

I've since taken Capsid's advice and bought some litmus papers for the princely sum of £1.49 for 100 and ph colour chart thrown in - you'll be delighted to learn my Blueberries are in acid soil and my cabbages are in alkaline soil - it's confirmed then - the simple things in life are often the most effective!