Creating a great garden means understanding the growing conditions in your space. While you may know the importance of sunlight and water, pH is often overlooked as a big factor in soil health. The pH of the soil can indicate nutrient content, which can determine what will grow in your garden. Now that you know finding the best soil pH tester is crucial for optimal growing let’s cover some basics.
The pH scale ranges between 0 to 14, with 0 to 6.9 being acidic and 7.1 to 14 being alkaline. Seven is a neutral pH. Most healthy garden soil should have a pH of or close to 6.5.
At that level, the soil should have all the essential plant nutrients. In addition to plant health, soil pH can affect which chemicals are effective, how to use fertilizer, the health of the soil microbiome, and how soil reacts with metal.
There are several ways to determine the pH of your soil, including with a chemical, digital, analog, or lab test. Many new gardeners ask, “What is the best pH tester for soil?” It can be tough to choose the option you need for your purposes, so keep scrolling to help you choose the best soil pH tester for you.
Key Takeaways
Many gardeners only need a tester to give them a general idea of their soil pH. The best soil pH meter will vary from garden to garden, which is why the SONKIR pH meter won the best overall spot.
However, if your garden is having problems with a difficult-to-trace cause, you may want a more specific option like Vivosun 3-in-1 meter. For anything else in between, you’re sure to find it on this, along with helpful tips on how to find the best soil pH meter for your garden.
1. Overall Best Soil pH Tester: Sonkir Soil pH Meter MS02
The Sonkir Soil pH Meter is an affordable and versatile option that’s great if you want to get a general idea of the pH of soil. As a 3-in-1 test, this option measures soil moisture and sunlight levels in addition to pH. Since this tester is analog, it lasts a long time, especially if your soil requires frequent tests.
To use this tester, simply set your detector to the component you wish to test, insert the probe directly in the soil, and look at the result on the meter after ten minutes. For best results, wipe the probe clean after each use, only using the probe in soil. To preserve its lifespan, don’t force it through rough materials.
This option is the best all-around option because it offers plenty of different capabilities, is fairly accurate, and lasts a long time. Users love how reliable and easy to use this tester is.
Type: Analog | Portable: Yes | 3 in 1: Yes
2. Best Budget pH Soil Tester: Kensizer Soil Tester
The Kensizer Soil Tester kit is a set of digital probes that gives you the most bang for your buck. One probe tells you about pH, while the other senses soil moisture. It works well for indoor and outdoor plants.
When using this tester, insert the probe into the soil for about a minute (or more depending on the plant). It’s worth noting that slightly moist soil will give you the best results. Overly dry soil may damage the probe or yield inaccurate readings.
While this tester is cheaper than similar options, it’s not short on quality. The tester provides accurate information as long as you take care of it, just like with any other option. Many users of this test also love that it only has one probe, as it’s easier to insert into the soil.
Type: Digital | Portable: Yes | 3 in 1: No
3. Best pH Soil Tester on Amazon: MySoil Soil Test Kit
The MySoil Soil Test Kit is an informative lab-based kit that will tell you about soil pH and nutrient levels you usually can’t get with home pH meters. Send your soil samples to the lab, and you should receive a comprehensive soil analysis in around a week.
When you send your soil sample to a lab, they will test for the level of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, sulfur, magnesium, copper, zinc, and calcium. Based on your results, the lab will also send you suggestions on how you can remedy any nutrient excesses or deficiencies.
This test is the best option on Amazon based on user satisfaction. Users love how easy it is to send away samples and receive quick, specific results with tailored remedies. So if you have various soil types in your gardens, you will need more than one kit to perform continuous tests.
Type: Lab | Portable: N/A | 3 in 1: No
4. Best Splurge: SoilKit Soil Test Kit
This test kit may be pricier than other options, but the information it gives you is worth the cost. In addition to pH testing, you will learn about the nutrient and mineral composition of your lawn. Plus, it even comes with a trowel.
To get your results, collect four soil samples from your target area, mail in the samples, and receive the analysis in one to two business days. The results will include an analysis of soil pH and nine elements. Similar to the best on Amazon option, the lab will suggest how to fertilize and improve your soil.
Many users of this test find the higher price tag to be worth it because it’s faster than similar lab tests, with comprehensive and accurate results. The only downside is they will not accept potting soil, so curious houseplant owners will need to find a different pH testing solution.
Type: Lab | Portable: N/A | 3 in 1: No
5. Best Bulk Buy: Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Strips Kit
The Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Strips are a beloved option for those who need to take frequent inventory of their soil pH. For example, you may need to monitor how hard water affects soil pH. These strips can also be good for tracking your efforts to remedy a specific soil issue.
To use these strips, add a soil sample to a cup and mix it with distilled water. Next, let the soil and water mixture sit for at least an hour before dipping the strip in the mixture for three seconds. Then compare the color of the strip to the color chart to see the pH.
Chemical tests will not be as accurate as lab tests. However, these strips are ideal for providing a rough idea of your soil pH. For the most precise results, you should do several tests, and ensure all the results are similar. It’s a great bargain if you’re wanting to get an overall idea of the soil in your garden.
Type: Chemical | Portable: Yes | 3 in 1: No
6. Best Display: Fivota Soil pH Meter
For many gardeners, getting a fast and accurate reading is key when determining their soil content, and a difficult-to-read display can make even the most accurate pH tester unusable. A good display is especially key if you have vision issues.
The Fivota Soil pH Meter has a large, clear display featuring big numbers for pH, moisture, and light.
To use this tester, set the switch to the type of information you want to read. Next, insert the prongs into the soil at a depth between two and four inches and read the results after ten minutes. The meter measures a pH between 3.5 and 8, and a moisture range between one and ten.
Type: Analog | Portable: Yes | 3 in 1: Yes