Moisture meter the way to tell if your plants need watering

Simple way to tell if your plants need watering

How to measure the moisture levels in your soil. - by Livia Gamble

It’s a given that plants need water to survive, however, too much water can be a bad thing.

It turns out, overwatering is a common way to kill houseplants: it cuts off the air supply to the roots. Doing so can also cause root rot.

Luckily, there is a handy little device to help measure the moisture levels in your soil.

The Gardman Soil Moisture Meter will set you back $11.95 and provides a guide for optimal watering of plants and lawns either indoors or outdoors.

Instagram

The reaction to the tool has been positive on social media. In the Facebook group, Crazy Indoor Plant People Australia, one user said the meter changed her life.

"I found worms whilst repotting a plant and totally freaked out. Now I'm petrified of sticking my finger in my plant's soil to check if I need to water. Got this handy tool from Bunnings today!! #lifesaver."

Another user in the group agreed, saying the meter is great but warned people to wash it after each use.

"These are great but be sure to sterilise with each use. Otherwise, you'll just be transferring diseases from pot to pot. I learnt the hard way," they said.

Livia Gamble

Based in Sydney, Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible way to use bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.