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not sure if its a meter or throw away, but worth a look anyway
There are various meters on ebay for example from around £15 but wondered what other members currently use or any feedback as to what's good/not good. Don't really want to spend a fortune. Something I can stick in the ground on site for quick reading would be adequate.
Stuart said:
Richard said:
I agree with Laurel! I've had cheap multimetres that seemed like incredible value until I tried to use them! The pH needle is more moody than the weather. The hunt is on for easy to use (for fat-fingered gardeners who have forgotten their glasses) litmus papers or a reliable, accurate pH meter. Any dependable recommendations gratefully accepted.
HI all
Has anyone ever used a company to send off soil samples for analysis? I have used the RHS in the past but this is not supposed to be used for commercial use. I've heard of the Macaulay Soil Testing Service http://www.macaulaysoils.com/ Has anyone used a service such as this? I have a new job where I'd like to test the soil.
I would agree with the comments by Cedar Garden Services about the need for calibration and reliability of readings. I have a background working in Chemistry Laboratories. I had a client's soil tested and one area came out pH8.5 which I understand is very alkaline in soil terms. It would be lovely if you could just stick a probe in the soil!
As a former industrial chemist I too have found the pH meters inaccurate as they really need to be calibrated before each use and who knows how to do that outside a lab?
I use a soil testing kit from www.westmeters.co.uk this allows you to measure pH, Nitrogen, Potassium & Phosphate and comes in a neat green mini plastic suitcase with all the instructions colour charts and sample pots. It really impresses clients when you use it.
Replacement universal indicator solution for pH testing I get from the cheapest supplier on the internet.
Hi, Michele, That's really helpful, thanks, but I don't think the link hits the spot?
Looking at the successful plant species can be slightly hit and miss. It depends when they were planted, and in what, and the micro-conditions (eg under the wash from concrete buildings)... Even the trusty old hydrangea might not be accurate, and I can't really wait a year for one to flower in a client's garden! No, I need the proper kit from somewhere.
Cheers, everyone, for your suggestions.
The hunt continues...
Hi Angus
Try this http://www.westmeters.co.uk/westmeters.htm - it's the mini kit around £30.
Hi Michele
I've replied to you in another forum about this matter.... Thanks for this link from westmeters and your recommendation. I didn't know there was a kit which tested NPK values as well as pH. You've obviously found it useful? Have you found variance in the values from garden to garden? And has it helped you to identify deficiencies in the client's soil? It would be nice for my previous chemistry expertise to be put to some real use!