How Does a pH Soil Meter Work?

Function

• The probe on the pH meter reads the level of pH in the soil, determining whether the soil is more acidic or more alkaline. It then transfers this number to the meter to give you an accurate reading of the pH level. Many meters include a pH guide either on the meter itself or in a booklet. You can then compare the meter's reading to the information on the guide to know how optimal your soil is for growing.

Ideal Range

• Many plants thrive in different pH levels of soil, but a safe pH level is typically between 5 and 7, which is considered neutral. In this range, the soil has neither a high acidic or high alkaline content; both extremes are not ideal for growing plants. Some packaging on plants gives you the plant's ideal pH range, but flowers and vegetables alike typically fall in the 5 to 7 range.

Changing the pH

• If your soil's pH level is drastically off where it needs to be for growing, you can alter it by adding different elements, though you'll need large amounts of additives to adjust the pH level even slightly. If your soil is too alkaline, for example, you can increase the acidity by adding compost or peat moss. If the soil is too acidic, crushed limestone or wood ash will help increase the alkalinity.