Garden upkeep is a meticulous task and it takes a lot of skills and knowledge to do it right. One of the most important things to consider when maintaining your raised garden beds, container plants or lawn is watering.
Hence, if you’re struggling to decide when’s the right time to water your plants, don’t worry, we got you covered!
Besides, you’re not the only gardener that needs help and there are useful tools that can make your gardening easier.
One of these is moisture meters which can help you learn how to best hydrate your garden. There are multiple options sold online. To help you purchase the best soil moisture meter we prepared a detailed list.
As soon as you read through our suggestions and consult our buyers’ guide you can have a better understanding of what you need and how to properly use it.
Top Pick
We can confidently recommend the Alotpower Soil Moisture as our top pick. This device doesn’t require any batteries and can be used both outdoor and indoor.
It’s precise, straightforward and can be used for different types of plants and flowers. You simply can’t go wrong with this sensor.
Budget Pick
Our affordable, yet top-quality suggestion is the Moisture Meter by New Resources Group. It’s an analog sensor with easy to read color-coded display.
This device can improve the life span of your plants and help avoid overwatering and dying roots.
Quick Navigation
What’s a Moisture Meter?
Having the correct information about soil moisture is essential for healthy plants. Sometimes it can be difficult to guess the exact need of certain plants and that’s where the moisture meter comes into play.
A moisture meter or sensor is a tool that measures the humidity or moisture of the soil. Usually, it works by measuring the electrical conductivity of the soil and thus give the information you need.
Experienced gardeners know that most plants don’t thrive in a moist environment because wet soil can hinder healthy root development and cause them to rot-no one wants this to happen.
Therefore, a device like this can help avoid overwatering and understand when’s the right watering time.
Different types of soil can hold different amounts of water, thus if you work with different soils in your garden this device will come in handy.
Moreover, they can be quite useful for composting since the level of moisture is essential to improve the growth of microbes and the probe can estimate the wetness level in a matter of minutes.
Why’s it Important to Measure Soil Moisture?
When we talk about soil moisture, we usually refer to the level of wetness the soil has i.e. the amount of water it contains.
The moisture of the soil is vital in various biological, hydrological and biogeochemical processes and having precise information is valuable when it comes to healthy development and growth.
Soil moisture can influence:
- the number of food nutrients the plants receive
- the optimized watering process can result in a better yield and healthier plants
- regulates soil temperature that can influence different chemical processes
- influences metabolic processes of microorganisms
- the base component of the plant is water
- photosynthesis can’t happen without water
What Types of Moisture Meters Are There?
There are different types of moisture meters however, the average homeowner needs something simple, user-friendly and precise. So just a basic moisture meter will do the job.
To give you a better understanding of all the different types we present you with a short overview below:
Analog
This type of moisture meter doesn’t require batteries and has a basic design. Despite the basic design, these units are quite effective and precise.
They measure the naturally occurring electrical conductivity of the soil and the probes are made of conductive materials that register any water presence in the soil.
Digital
Unlike the analog meter, a digital one has more advanced features. They use batteries to power the screen and also create an electromagnetic pulse that can detect moisture.
Often, the probes are connected to cables and not directly to the device.
Wicking
These are more dated types of moisture meters that are quite popular for indoor container plants. The device usually absorbs moisture which travels up the fabric that changes its color if it registers moisture.
Hybrids
The hybrid meters are popular among gardeners and probably offer the best value for money. They can read multiple conditions such as sunlight level or pH value. They can’t be as accurate as a specific moisture meter but can help out with your gardening activities.
How to Read Moisture Sensors?
Most of the moisture meters are easy to read however, this may vary depending on the type that you use.
For example, a digital model comes with a user-friendly screen and the analog ones have dyed characters that denote the condition of the soil as wet, moist or dry.
Further, as the name implies the wicking model has a fabric band that can change the color when the soil is wet.
What are the Benefits of Using Moisture Meters?
Using a soil moisture meter can provide many benefits and one of the primary ones is understanding the life of your plant and carefully planning its care.
An inappropriate watering routine can be the reason for plant damage and even death. In most cases, too much water can cause the plant’s root to rot –hence, the roots aren’t capable of getting the needed nutrients and the plant will wither.
On the other hand, overwatering can also cause similar problems that might result in your plant withering and dying.
Besides plant health, a simple moisture meter can help you save water, especially when watering your outdoor plants. By checking the moisture level, you can be certain of the amount of water your plants require and thus save more.
Lowering water utilization can help you save money and save your plants.
What to Look for in a Soil Moisture Meter?
Choosing the right soil meter depends on what you need it for. If you’re planning to use it for your houseplants, then go for one with a shorter probe which is a less expensive option.
Nonetheless, if you need the moisture meter to be used outside you’ll need a sturdier option with a long probe and this is especially important if you’re working with hard clay-like soil.
Soil Moisture Meter Reviews
1. Hygrometer Sensor by Alotpower
Highlighted Features
- Plug & read
- No batteries
- Indoor & outdoor use
- Precise readings
- Good quality
Alotpower’s hygrometer sensor is a great option to track the moisture level of the soil in your containers, raised garden beds or backyard.
It’s easy to use. You only need to insert the clean probe up to 4 inches of the probe deep, wait a few minutes and then read the moisture in the dial screen.
When cleaning the device be certain to use a clean and dry cloth to wipe up any residual soil or moisture, don’t leave it for too long in the soil and never use it to measure dry soil or water.
Happy users confirm that this is a great product that helps them maintain a smart watering pattern for their plants.
Have in mind that this device measures the electrical conductivity in soil and that’s why placing it in water will show wrong readings and cause damage.
2. XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Meter
Highlighted Features
- Precise & trustworthy
- Easily readable
- Not suitable for water
- Easy to clean
- Instant information
You’ll never have to worry about soil moisture again with the XLUX T10 meter. It’s a trustworthy and precise device that provides fast results plus, it’s suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
It includes 10 scales and a clear dial which is large and easy to read. All you need to do is push it into the soil and get instant results.
Monitoring soil moisture with the XLUX T10 can help you grow healthy and strong plants. Moreover, the meter has only one probe that can help avoid any damage to the roots and it won’t dig up and waste extra soil.
One important thing to remember is not to use the probe in hard soil and never test the water or other liquids with it.
Finally, it goes without saying to clean the meter after each use and have it ready for the next measure.
3. Soil Moisture Meter by REOTEMP
Highlighted Features
- Easy to use
- Quality material
- Sturdy construction
- 0-10 moisture scale
- Batteries included
You’re not alone!
This meter will be your best buddy when it comes to moisture measuring of any compost or soil mixtures for your garden.
You are aware of the importance of proper watering for your plants and this probe can give you the precise information you need.
Further, the sensor of this device is placed at the tip of the probe so have this in mind when measuring and don’t forget you’ll need 1 AAA battery.
For optimal efficiency, ensure you go through the instructions that are written on the side of the meter as well as on the back of the packaging.
Lastly, this meter uses electrical conductivity so any salt residue in the soil might cause wrong results.
4. Luster Leaf Moisture Meter
Highlighted Features
- Cable stems
- Fast measuring
- Soil exclusive
- Easy instructions
The Luster Leaf device can help you measure precisely the moisture level of the soil you’re using for your garden.
As soon as you start using the moisture meter, you’ll never be wrong about the watering schedule for your plants. It can help you avoid using too much water and the digital screen is easy to read.
This device is specially manufactured to be used in the soil only thus, don’t use it with other liquids. It can help greatly with your indoor container plants and you’ll enjoy having this handy tool around.
To get a better understanding of how the device works always consult the instruction manual.
5. ECOWITT Soil Moisture Meter
Highlighted Features
- Digital display
- Outdoor & indoor
- Time display
- Custom calibration mode
- Portable
The digital soil moisture meter by ECOWITT can provide you with fast and precise results and you’ll always know when’s the right time to water your plants.
It’s easily portable thus, you can use it both indoor and outdoor to measure the soil moisture level on your balcony, lawn, garden, or in your living room flower containers.
Moreover, the device offers a custom calibration mode that allows you to customize the low or high moisture levels by yourself.
Additionally, it has a time display with a 12-24 hours setting. This packaging doesn’t include the batteries so ensure you purchase 2 AAs before using the tool.
6. Mudder Moisture Meter by Eugosa
Highlighted Features
- No battery needed
- Color-coded scale
- Great for container plants
- User-friendly
- Easy to assemble
This Eugosa moisture monitor will become your faithful partner when it comes to nurturing your lovely plants.
It’s a small, yet powerful device that can help monitor the plants’ condition and help you determine your next steps.
Furthermore, you can be certain to receive precise measurements, especially for your container houseplants.
You’ll enjoy working with this device. Moreover, it comes in a pack of 2 so you can always have a substitution if the other one stops working or you can use them simultaneously if you have a bigger garden.
Finally, it can help you keep pace with your plants’ growth and understand what they need and when they need it.
7. IPPINKA Soil Moisture Meter
Highlighted Features
- Ideal length
- Suitable for houseplants
- Practical design
- Environment friendly
- No batteries needed
Your lovely indoor plants can live a longer and happier life with the help of the Japanese IPPINKA aqua meter. This device has a sleek, green design and can fit nicely in your containers among your plants.
It’s easy to read – white color alerts that it’s time to water your plants and blue color shows a good moisture level.
This device has a measuring core that has to be replaced every 6 to 9 months for optimal performance.
Moreover, it can be used in different types of soils such as black earth, coco peat, akadama soil, vermiculite peat and moss.
There’s an Ω sign on the device which has to be pushed in the soil when measuring and the measuring time depends on the moisture level of the soil.
8. Dr. Meter Soil Moisture Meter
Highlighted Features
- Ergonomic & handy
- Easy to use & read
- Batteries not required
- No plant damage
- Durable design
As the name itself implies, this moisture meter is just the doctor you need. Dr. Meter’s device can help you understand when your plants need watering.
You’ll no longer need to stick your finger in the soil to see if the soil’s wet because the sensor meter can do this instead and provide precise readings in the process.
Moreover, the easy to read and sophisticated display doesn’t require any specific knowledge or experience to read.
The user-friendly interface uses a color-coded system to tell results and it’s quite direct when showing data.
Lastly, you won’t need any batteries or electricity and the device is ready to use immediately-just insert it in the soil and get the results in no time.
To prolong the life of the device never use it with hard soil, water or other liquids.
9. New Resources Group Moisture Meter
Highlighted Features
- Easy to use & read
- Batteries not required
- Color reading
- No batteries needed
- Indoor & outdoor plants
As soon as you start using the moisture meter from the New Resource Group, you can notice a difference in your plants.
Different plants have different watering needs and it’s essential to tend them separately so they can all thrive.
This device will help you do exactly this-your plants will be properly watered and you can save on your water bill.
The probe is 8 inches long and able to penetrate deeply to the roots of the plant where it can get the most accurate reading.
Moreover, it has a portable and ergonomic design that can be used both indoor and outdoor. It’s suitable for lawns and bigger gardens.
10. Cojoy Soil Moisture Meter
Highlighted Features
- Easy check
- Accurate measurements
- Analog display
- Portable & compact design
- Indoor & outdoor use
The Cojoy moisture meter is ideal to be used for indoor and outdoor plants as well as gardening and farming use. You’ll be happy to hear that it’s made of sturdy material, compact design and if used properly can last for years to come.
Moreover, its capacity range is from 1 to 10 and can give you great results and ideas on how to treat your soil and plants in the next period.
Additionally, it’s a very fast device and you can get the results in no time plus, it has an ergonomic design. It’s easy to move around thus you can use it both indoor and outdoor at any time.
Lastly, it doesn’t require any electricity or batteries which makes it both eco-friendly and ready to use immediately.
Final Thoughts
As we pointed out many times throughout our review, soil moisture is essential for a healthy garden.
Although you can do this on your own and use your finger to check the wetness of the soil or just guess when you need to add water – that’s not how things are done.
To have a proper watering schedule, you need to be prepared with a precise device such as a moisture meter.
To make your life easy, we’ve featured a few options but you can always go with our top pick –the Alotpower Soil Moisture which doesn’t require batteries and can be used for different types of plants.
It will provide you with precise results in no time!
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a cheaper device check out the analog Moisture Meter by New Resources Group.
It’s an affordable and quality option that can help maintain a healthy garden.
This device can improve the life span of your plants and help avoid overwatering and dying roots.
Our last piece of advice is to be careful when choosing tools for your garden. If you’re not certain about the devices offered on Amazon, our review can provide you with information on the best soil moisture meter and help you make the proper choice.
Happy Gardening!