I have raised garden beds and I'm struggling with overwatering my plants. I recently bought a soil moisture tester, but I'm unsure how deep to insert it into the soil for an accurate reading. I've found various recommendations online, and I just want to ensure my plants develop strong roots. Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
It really depends on where the roots are for your plants! Some roots might be only a few inches long, while others can reach deep, like 15 inches. So, if the top couple of inches feel dry, don't assume the deeper soil is too. It varies based on the size of your raised bed too!
No problem! Remember that newly planted seeds usually develop deeper roots over time, so adjusting your watering approach should help them grow stronger.
I usually stick my tester in about 6 to 8 inches deep, which is around 90% of the way down. This helps me get a better idea of how moist the soil really is below the surface.
Thanks for the insight! My beds are about 16 inches tall. I thought about checking just an inch down, but that didn't seem right since I was watering every day.