Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Now, every grower likes to tell you that they have no problems with aphids, or grey mold, or humidity in
their grow room. This just isn't true; all growers find themselves stumbling over one problem or another,
no matter how fantastic they are at what they do. With that in mind, I advise all of you to read this
troubleshooting section well. This is the section in which I will cram a ton of preventative measures that
willsaveyoutime,money,andfrustrations.First,wearegoingtodiscusssomepHmeters.Ihighlyrecom-
mend you get a decent soil testing pH meter. It doesn't have to be a top of the line type, but it shouldn't be
the cheapo version either. For troubleshooting, a soil testing pH meter is your best friend, because if your
soil mix gets way out of range for some reason, and you learn that from your meter, then you can fix it. If
you don't have a meter, you have to play a guessing game that often makes things even worse.
Soil Testing pH Meters
I like my meter with a longer probe so that I can test pH at deeper levels, and this one has a 12-inch
probe—bigenoughforanyone!Thiscomesinprettyhandyespecially ifyourecyclesoil,becauseoncethe
raw organic matter has been broken down in the recycled mix the pH will rise. If I am in a hurry to use
some soil mix that is still cooking, I will check the pH and once it gets up above 6.0 I feel it is fine to use
it. I have had a few great growers tell me about how worthless soil testing pH meters are, and now that I
have had mine for several years, I think I understand their opinions—though I do not agree. PH metering
requires some skill, both to use and maintain properly. Never ever use steel wool on a pH meter; always
use those plastic scrub pads and clean paper towels. You must thoroughly clean and wipe down the meter
probe before and after using, every time.
I use a Control Wizard soil pH testing meter and I love it!
