PH Meter
 

If you don't have one, get one. I got a PH meter yesterday at Tractor supply (Burpee). This morning I found out how valuable it was.

I've been having some problems with my potted plants over the past month (45 days?). I thought was due to depleted fertilizer and lack of nutrients and was making adjustments to correct. ... I checked the PH. A couple of the pots were 6.5; other were at 5 or 5.5 (slight acid); one pot was at 3 (very acid). I didn't under stand this since I treated all the pots the same.

I mix 2 teaspoons of lime to a quart of water and added a little to all the pots. The one pot at 3 suddenly had a very strong smell of ammonia; which meant a problem with the soil. A Chem reaction making excess nitrogen, all not good.

This problem pot was my Truly Tiny. It suddenly died back this past month; but it was growing a good looking pup. So I have repotted it.

What I noticed is my potting soil was not reacting with the lime. I think when the Truly Tiny was repotted last November, the nursery soil was not removed from the root ball and I fill in around the root ball in a larger pot. This was the soil with the ammonia smell and I believe it was composting in the pot causing nitrogen lockup. ... Anyway there were a lot of healthy roots after washing the root ball, so I hope for a couple of more pups soon.

I plan on going back to that nursery tomorrow for 2 more Tinys and I will be asking about their potting soil and mix. I saw their mix had a lot of large bark chips which I think indicate they use fresh bark in the potting mix.

I consider the $18 meter more than paid for itself today.

Re: PH Meter
 

I don't know but if they are using pine bark that could make it acidic. love my meter I keep in my back pocket with these pots. I purchased mine at lowes. I do not know exactly what ph to run but it is my understanding bananas should have slightly acidic soil?

Re: PH Meter
 

Most plants -- including bananas prefer a pH near 6.25.

pH meters sold for potted plants are designed to work with clayless potting mixes. Using them in backyard soils containing clay usually provides poor measurements.

Re: PH Meter
 

Just ordered a PH meter online. I should have it in a few days.

:woohoonaner:

Re: PH Meter
 

Let us know what you find with your soil. ... Also, keep the metal pins clean. I read that oxidation of the metals can case incorrect readings.

Re: PH Meter
 

Will do. Great advice in the probes. Makes sence.
:nanadrink:

Re: PH Meter
 

I tested with my meter in 5 different spots. Readings were from 6.1 to 6.6. I think I can live with that.:woohoonaner: