Question 1

I find it interesting that the positive reviews, on this product, are really, really good, while the negatives are really, really bad.  Any thoughts?

Accepted Answer

I think that many fewer people with good experience participate in opinions and ratings than those with  bad experience.  I can only say I’m happy with mine.  It works as expected and is much easier to read than my previous meter.  Side by side, they both read very close to the same.

Question 2

Does it come with a list of plants and their watering needs??? Once I know the moisture around a plant, how do I know what that plant needs?

Accepted Answer

I've been an avid gardener for 45 years.  Even though I have a vast knowledge of plant material, this question cannot be answered without knowing plants in general. You'd have to have 1000's of volumes of plants listed with requirements from all over the world, with varying climate zones.

Question 3

pH is reading quite low.  Is there a way to create a test mixture with known pH to check the meter?

Accepted Answer

If you read my original review, I did not even open the packaging when this product arrived, and it was because the dial did not provide for adequate accuracy in its readout.  But, what you are looking for is a 'standard' against which to measure the performance of this instrument, which are available for purchase (scientific supply) -- but since you cannot  really tell with confidence where on the Gain Express dial pH 6.0 falls, versus 5.8 or 6.2 or 6.4 (remember, pH is a logarithmic scale so these differences are significant), I do not see how using a standard would help establish its accuracy.  The dial on the instrument that I received in fulfillment of my order was narrower, squeezed down, and -- most importantly -- without precise lines showing exactly what needle position the pH numbers on the dial refer to, and! with only whole-number pH markings there anyway (not like the dial shown in image featured here which does appear to provide more detail . . ) , so I do not know how to be of help.

Question 4

Is the probe shaft steel, or Al/Cu?  Had problems with other probes bending

Accepted Answer

Not steel, probably Al/Cu but I don't think bending would be a problem if your soil isn't TOO hard or you don't push against a rock.

ASIN	B00NTPVHOG
Battery Description	No batteries required
Best Sellers Rank	#28,867 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ( See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ) #45 in Soil Meters
Brand Name	Gain Express
Color	295mm Electrode Soil Meter
Customer Reviews	4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (648)
Item Dimensions W x H	4"W x 5"H
Item Weight	0.35 Pounds
LowerTemperature Range	5 Degrees Celsius
Manufacturer	Gain Express Holdings Ltd
Model	ZD-06
Mounting Type	Tabletop
Part Number	FBA_701936211996
Smart Home Compatibility	Not Smart Home Compatible
Temperature Accuracy	1.0°C
Temperature Reading Accuracy	plus_minus_0_point_2_degrees_celsius
UPC	701936212580 701936211996
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Upper Temperature Range	122 Degrees Fahrenheit

Soil PH Meter, Soil Moisture Sensor Meter, Soil PH Tester Gardening Tool Kits for Plant, Tree, Soil Tester for Moisture Great for Garden, Lawn, Farm, Indoor & Outdoor Use 295mm Long

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