Soil Moisture Meter
model 01410
• If you have sandy or very heavy clay soils
and would like to improve its water retention,
add compost or organic matter to your soil.
• Adding sand to clay soils, or clay to sandy soils
will create a cement-like soil, making water
retention worse.
• One inch of water per week is adequate for
most plants. You may use a rain gauge
to assist (not included; sold separately).
General Soil Moisture
Information & Tips
Loam Soil:
Very porous and retains moisture well. This is the optimal soil type and can be watered normally.
Sandy Soil:
Extremely porous and drains quickly. Water slowly to saturate soil root zones.
Clay Soil:
Holds more water, but is slow to absorb and release. Do not water faster than the soil can absorb it.
Soil Types and Watering Information
• Remove any stones, leaves, twigs or other debris near the test area.
• Insert the probe to a test depth of 5 in (12.7 cm).
• Leave the probe inserted for about 1 minute for the meter to stabilize its reading.
• Repeat these steps in an additional test area to confirm the accuracy of your reading.
Getting Started
The plants listed in this guide represent
commonly found species. Consult a local
horticulture professional for more specific
details on plants not found on this list. NOTE:
All vegetables require soil moisture between
41% - 80%.
Recommended Soil Moisture Levels
TOLERATES EXTREMELY DRY SOIL
TOLERATES DRY / WELL DRAINED SOIL
TOLERATES MOIST SOIL
TOLERATES WET SOIL
Flowers
0% - 20%
21% - 40%
41% - 60%
61% - 80%
Agave
Aster
Astilbe
Big Blue Stem
Bleeding Heart
Butterfly Weed
Cactus
Catmint
Christmas Fern
Coneflower
Daffodil
Dalia
Daylilly
Gaillardia
Heaths/Heathers
Hellebores
Hosta
Hyssop
Iris
Ironweed
Jack In Pulpits
Joe-Pye Weed
Lavendar
Lemon Balm
Lily
Lobellia
Lupine
Marigold
Marsh Marigold
May Apple
Meadow Rue
Monarda
Ornamental Grasses
Penstemon
Peony
Petunia
Poppy (general)
Purple Coneflower
Queen of the Prairie
Red Milkweed
Sedges
Sedum
Sod/Turfgrass
Pansy
Tulip
Violet
Yarrow
Yucca
Zinnia
