Raised Vegetable Garden Beds
Moisture meter for vegetable garden?
I’ve recently started a raised bed vegetable garden and was interested in buying a moisture meter. They are really pretty cheap and I figured I can use all the help I can get. I also love nerdy technical stuff like that. My question is how do you know what moisture level is optimum for your plants? How do you know at what level to measure it at? Does the moisture meter come with a chart or is there anywhere I can find this information? I am currently growing collard greens, mustard greens, arugala, and kale. Thank you!
Try the Rapitest Moisture Meter. The moisture meter tests moisture levels at the roots. You will no longer run the risk of over watering because the soil near the surface is dry, or under watering because the soil appears moist. The Rapitest Moisture Meter is extremely easy to use. You simply insert the corrosion resistant probe into the soil and watch the needle on the meter. Includes a list of needs for over 150 plants
Here’s a site that sells them. Its Ace Hardware so you may have one in your area.
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1279441
Its only $16 dollars but its a good brand and I don’t think you want to spend tons on one for your garden.
How To Test For Soil MOisture
1. Insert the probe, vertically if possible, into the pot half way between the edge of the container and the plant stem. In potted plants, the depth of penetration will be influenced by the size of the container. Probe deeper in a large pot, shallower in a smaller one. A good rule of thumb is to probe about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down from the surface. For very large containers (over 12″ in diameter) place the probe closer to the stem (about 1/3 of the way from the stem to the edge of the pot.)
2. While pushing the probe into the soil you may note that the meter reading varies as the probe moves downward.This is because the moisture conditions are not uniform. Certain types of soil have a tendency to create moisture pockets, which might give you a false high reading in one small area of the soil.We recommend you take at least two readings in order to confirm you findings. (Note: probing aerates the soil, which is good for the plant.)
3. Note your meter reading.
4. Remove the probe from the soil by pulling the probe handle, not the wire.Tugging the wire may, in time, result in a malfunction.
5. Wipe the probe completely clean with a soft cloth or tissue before taking another reading or when finished.
Important: The meter is designed and constructed for test readings. The probe should not be left in contact with moisture for extended periods of time.
Interpreting Your Moisture Meter Readings
1. The numbers from 1 to 10 signify increasing wetness and no plants can tolerate the two extremes for long. In the table provided, plants are listed alphabetically by their popular names. Check the name of the plant being tested, and look at the guide number listed in the column headed MOISTURE. If the meter reading you received is higher than the guide number, DO NOT WATER. If the number is the same or lower, water as directed. EXAMPLE:You are checking a Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) The meter reads 4, the guide number is 1.You do not water!
2. The asterisks in the table indicate how often each plant likes water: * Check once a week, ** Check every 4 to 5 days, *** Check every 3 days. It is important to adhere to the FREQUENCY intervals.
3. SPECIAL Watering Needs are marked with Roman numerals. It will be on your written material
Good Luck and hope it works well for you!!
My New Permaculture Type Raised Bed Vegetable Garden
|
|
Frame It All SBX-GNS 8-Foot x 4-Foot x 6-Inch Raised Garden and Sandbox Kit $75.97 Year round, beautiful Frame It All 4′ x 8′ rectangle 6 high raised garden beds provides added soil depth for a bountiful crop of healthy vegetables and exceptional floral displays, simple to maintain and keep moist…. |
|
|
Suncast RBD939 48-Inch by 48-Inch by 18-Inch 6 Panel Tiered Resin Raised Garden Kit $89.00 If space is a premium in your garden, you’ll appreciate this. Grow vegetables and more in a variety of garden shapes with this raised garden bed. The rigid resin construction is maintenance-free, so it never splinters, rots or needs painting. The tiered design allows more growing options in a small footprint. Easy-to-assemble with connectors that keep the panels together and steel anchoring stakes… |
|
|
Suncast WGB48 48-Inch by 48-Inch Cedar Wood Raised Garden Kit $49.99 48″L x 48″W x 9″H, Cedar Raised Garden Bed, Efficient Way To Grow A Beautiful Healthy Garden, Beautiful, Sturdy Cedar Construction, Comes Unfinished Ready To Stain, Assembled Size: 48″ x 48″ x 9″…. |
Tags: raised vegetable garden beds, raised vegetable garden beds corrugated iron, raised vegetable garden beds kits, raised vegetable garden beds plans, raised vegetable garden beds soil