B
eing able to determine the exact
pH level of your nutrient solution is
important. Plants have different preferences when it comes to pH levels.
Keeping these levels within the
ideal ranges will allow your
plants to take in all of the
nutrients they need to thrive.
If the pH levels drift too far
from this range, nutrients
will be locked out and your
plants will be unable to
absorb them. This can
cause stunted growth
and, if left
unchecked,
can even kill
your plants.
“
The key to keeping your
garden’s pH levels in the
ideal range is testing your
nutrient solution or water
runoff often with a reliable,
calibrated pH pen.”
A pH pen is a tried-and-true piece
of equipment every serious gardener
should own and know how to use. The
key to keeping your garden’s pH levels
in the ideal range is testing your nutrient solution or water runoff often with a
reliable, calibrated pH pen.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
pen
• pH
pH calibration solution
• (pH
4, pH 7 and pH 10)
Small
• measuring cups
water
• Distilled
Gloves
• A small screwdriver for
• manually calibrated pH pens
Digital pH Pens
Most pH pen brands generally use the
same method of calibration. With gloves
on, pour a small amount of each type of
room-temperature calibration solution
into small measuring cups. Use one cup
for pH 4, one cup for pH 7, and one
cup for pH 10. Always use the freshestpossible solution for the most accurate
results, and start with a clean probe.
Digital pens usually have a calibration
setting that will prompt you to submerge the probe end of your pH pen in
the different calibration solutions. pH
4 is usually prompted first, followed by
pH 7 and pH 10.
Submerge the probe end of the pH
pen in your pH 4 solution. You may
have to hold your calibration button
down for a few seconds. Check your
user manual for exact directions. Once
your pH pen is calibrated to pH 4,
repeat the process with the pH 7 and
pH 10 solutions, rinsing the probe end
with distilled water between each step.
Not all brands of pens will require
all three pH solutions for calibrating,
and even if they do, you don’t have to
do this each time, but the more points
your pen is calibrated to, the more
accurate it will read.
Manually Calibrated pH Pens
Some pH pens require manual
calibration. On these types of pens,
there will be a screw, usually on the
butt end of the pen, which is used
to change the reading on the face of
the pen. Use the exact same process
as previously mentioned for the
digital pH pens simply by turning
the screw/dial to line up the pH.
The more often you calibrate your pH
pen, the more accurate it will be. The
average gardener needs to calibrate
their pH pen every 2-3 feedings.
Accurate pH readings take the guess
work out of gardening and increase
your chances of growing success.
Matt LeBannister developed a
green thumb as a child, having
been born into a family of
experienced gardeners. During
his career, he has managed a
hydroponics retail store and
represented leading companies
at the Indoor Gardening Expos
as a marketer. Matt has been
writing articles for Maximum
Yield since 2007.
Maximum Yield USA | November 2015
131