New Grower pH Meter

[RisingStock]

I'm kinda new to using a soil pH meter, so any help would be appreciated, excuse me if it's been covered before.

I bought a pH Meter yesterday for about 40 bucks. It's a pretty hefty, punch in the medium type with a analog meter. Naturally always returns to 7 pH.

I bought some soil today as well, bag says the pH is around 6.5. It turned out to be a very rich, dark soil,and very moist. Thing is, pH meter is reading it very acidic. Around 5 and dropping the deeper I tunnel the probe.
That must be wrong

How do I prepare the soil to be tested? (Just stick the probe in about 2-3 inches?) Do I need to allow the soil to dry first or is it best to be moist?

As I've come to understand just how important soil pH is, I want to make sure I get it right.

Thanks for your help.

 

[RisingStock]

Directions are in an Asian language. (As I live in Asia)

Alll Greek to me.

 

[RisingStock]

Got it

Answered my own question (Thank you Mr. Google)

Here 'View attachment 10400tis (for others):

Instructions

1
Clean the testers metal plates with a soft cloth.Turn the tester back and forth two to three times to wipe it clean.

2
Prepare the soil that you intend to test. Use a hand tiller to break up hard, dry soil. Remove any plants, rocks or other debris so that you are left with clean, friable soil.

3
Slide the tester vertically into the soil until the metal plate is completely covered. Use your finger to gently press the soil around the tester so that the metal plates make full contact.

4
Read the soil's pH. Look at the topmost scale on the meter to read the pH. The needle may swing to the right at first. It will stabilize over the next three minutes. Keep the tester in the soil until then. If the needle does not move in three minutes, the soil may be too dry. Remove the tester. Fill a watering can with distilled water and use it to moisten (not soak) the top two inches of the soil. Then re-test in one hour.

5
Wipe the tester clean with a paper towel.

 

[Muddy]

I have the same meter, a Kelway. I find it works best and gives accurate readings when the soil has been wet and let to sit for a day before testing. It's critical that the metal rings be kept clean. If not it will give no reading or an inaccurate one.

 

[RisingStock]

OK, thanks Muddy. Good to know. (Extremely delayed reply....sorry, UI get distac...hey, what's that....ted easily.)

 

[EagleEyes]

[ (Extremely delayed reply....sorry, UI get distac...hey, what's that....ted easily.)/QUOTE]

lol

 

[Muddy]

There is another pH tester available called the Accurate 8, which is basically the same as the Kelway except instead of having the short, thick probe it has one that is 12" long and only about 1/4" in diameter. I find the thickness of the probe on the Kelway makes too big of a hole in the soil and disturbs the roots. They are available at Amazon and other places for around $60. Planning on getting one soon.