Are moisture meters good?

[pipefitter]

Is it something you buy and don't use because picking up the pot by hand has always worked great....or are they fun and worth having. I am interested in having one and was curious if it would display the PH also.

Do you put one in every plant (seems kinda cool) or use one for of them. Any recomendation on brand or model.

[Dutch Pimp]

I have used a cheap soil moisture meter; I bought at Lowe's, for the past 5 years. $6. It reads: WET/MOIST/DRY. It has a 8 inch metal probe.

Picking up pots in a crowded closet is not an option for me. I need to know the moisture level at the bottom of the pot. It also tells me how dense the roots are, too. Stick it in the pot- instant reading. I can check 11 pots in 1 minute.
The KISS principle.

[pipefitter]

I'll go to Lowes. Thx.

[Dutch Pimp]

I left the best part out....:wtf:

When using a moisture meter on a regular basis...one of the first things you will notice!...

...not all plants need water at the same time!...the meter will tell you which plants are taking in water and which ones are not.

[widder]

I've used the same poke-in meter on DP's pic for years inside & out. I, too can't lift 3 gal. pots so it's been helpfull & generally accurate.When my plants get large I give them a few extra pokes before watering to channel it down into the interior rootbody.Wouldn't leave mine in permanently,though it may work....