Re: pH meters
Hello Mary,
Thank you very much for the detailed experiences. That is what I was seeking.
Between your response and the fine detailed message from Tom, I have the
information I was looking for. Another fine member of this list mentioned that
Fine Gardening had an article on the subject last year and that is on the way to
me. Margaret threw in the addition information on the color paper strips on
measuring the pH. You are truly a great group of gardeners.
Will probably put one on my Santa List and underline in red.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Mary R Wills <mrwill1@juno.com>
Subject: Re: pH meters
> Hi Gene,
>
> Well, I asked for and received one for my birthday last year. Never
> having had my soil tested professionally I can't vouch for the accuracy,
> but the pH in the different parts of the garden was approximately what I
> would have expected from the way plants have behaved: just a smidge on
> the acid side of neutral, slightly more acid where I've amended for acid
> lovers. I was tempted to try sticking it in vinegar but read the label on
> the meter saying to never put it in liquid but only wet soil, so didn't
> try that. I had been curious about my pH because of some problems with
> chlorosis of lilies and ended up concluding that the problem was not pH
> but too rapid decomposition of my mulch, and when that stabilized the
> problem corrected itself.
>
> Okay, I just got curious and subjected the meter to the strictest
> scientific testing. ;-)
> I put it in the damp soil of a (dead) potted plant and got 7.0 reading.
> Then added a bit of vinegar and got 5.3. So, it can tell the difference
> anyway. THis brand is Rapitest and has a single probe that like Brenda's
> has to be polished before use. And you have to rub the dirt off between
> readings, not rinse.
>
> Good luck.
> Mary zone 6
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