i'm in the market for my first digital ph meter and was wondering what everyone's opinion is...

what do you guys use for soil growing??? also is the ph of the top of the soil going to be the same as the middle of the pot and the bottom??? because alot of the ph meter's don't have probes that go down that deep (hanna)

I don't have a digital one yet, but I don't think you test the soil with it. You run water through the soil, let it drain, collect it, and then you test the water. This is the way I understand it. But I am still a beginner so get a second opinion from someone with experience.

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Check out this pH of soil measurement procedure description.

Note, that standard electrodes are rather fragile and using them in murky water when you don't see clearly the electrode nor the jar walls can easily lead to their destruction. There are electrodes specifically prepared for soil pH measurements, with more robust design, but that comes for a price.

No you will not have the same pH value on the top, inside or on the bottom of your pot.
There are some special electrodes to measure the soil surface (see pH measurement in soil - Metrohm Ltd. (Switzerland)). You can also use these electrodes to measure inside the soil but you need to make a small hole first in order to insert the electrode. If you are afraid of glass electrodes, you can also use a plastic shaft electrode. You have to pay more attention to the cleaning of it, but it could be a good alternative.

The best way I noticed to test ph if using soil is, in a big jug (milk container) put all your ingredients needed into the water, let it sit for a while to get to room temperature. Then tested the PH level and adjust it from there. Then bingo go water your plants.

Ditto. I follow the same routine as nempo.

so what you feed your plants ph testing solution ?

mouse i think they mean that they add all the ferts and adjust the ph of the watering solution before watering the plants

just wanted to put this up agian...any suggestions on what kind of ph meter i should get? brand?

Rapidtest mini. I got it at Lowe's. I test the water after adding miracle grow, and usually need a little vinegar to bring it down to 6.5.