One issue
I have experienced, is maintaining the proper amount of moisture in the
buckets. In loose or sandy soil water drains through and away from the roots
quickly, so proper water maintenance must be measured/monitored throughout the
growing cycle.
Another
issue for me is the sun. Here in Florida
the suns rays are intense and contribute to faster soil moisture evaporation
(think of solar ovens!).
I needed
a way of verifying the actual soil moisture. What I found is the Dr. Meter
moisture meter instrument. Initial testing shows it does work, it’s simple to
use and best of all no batteries are needed.
Here’s
the meter, it comes with a 7½ inch probe length, long enough to get to the
plants roots.
Checking
a hanging plant.
Checking
my onions in a bucket.
Close up
of the meter in the onion bucket.
I drilled
a ¼ inch hole about 4 inches from the bottom of the bucket and inserted the
probe. This allows checking the moisture near the bottom of the bucket. I’ll
probably add several more holes so I can check the moisture at multiple levels.
The
moisture reading at the bottom of the
bucket.
Right
now, I feel this meter is the answer to my monitoring the moisture in the
buckets/containers.
Link to buy:
Manufacturers
Comments:
Dr. Meter S10 Soil Moisture Sensor
Meter Hygrometer-Garden, Farm, Lawn, Plants, Indoor and Outdoor (No Battery Needed).
This Soil Moisture Meter used for
Soil moisture test not for Water moisture test. Measure soil's moisture content
by just plugging in the probe
Easy to read moisture levels,
including ten scales
No batteries or electricity needed,
plug and read
Color coded reading system, from
red, green to blue
Compact and portable design for
indoor/outdoor use
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