If you're just getting started growing in soil or running into troubles, I highly suggest picking up a cheap ph meter. ( less than 10 bucks at HD or Lowes) I've heard others question their accuracy, but my experience has been nothing but positive over years of use. A fert that I use causes a slow ph climb and once the PH climbs past ~ 7.3 - 7.5 , visible symptoms begin to occur. Clean the probe after every use and check each plant every week or two. I use scotch-brite to lightly burnish the probe. Keep your PH between 6-7 and you'll be surprised how many other "issues" disappear. Anyway, Happy Growing and try not to over complicate things , Sinc. SlackerBee
I use my moisture meter religiously..........it's amazing how infrequently you really need to water when plants are young..............there are so many novice growers that water once or twice a day.......way too much. With the meter, you KNOW when they're thirsty. I haven't tried the pH probe that you use SlackerBee.......I have seen 3 in 1 probes that do moisture, pH and light intensity...........I'll have to check them out. I currently just check the run-off with my Hanna Combo meter. I haven't really had issues however, my well water reads at 7.2 and the runoff comes out of the pot at 6.3.
ChunkDaddyo, I wish I had 7.2 well water ... My tap is closer to 8 and as a result, I find it necessary to be a little more vigilant than in the past. BTW: I use that same cheap 3 way. A few min with the light meter can be fairly educational in terms of coverage area.