A Cheap Way of Measuring Soil Moisture...

An easy way to measure how moist your soil is is to insert a new wooden paint stir stick 6 to 10 inches into the soil near the plants you need to keep watered. Leave the stick in place for 30 to 60 minutes. The soft wood absorbs soil moisture and darkens slightly. Pull it out and note the depth of the moisture on the stick. If the stick is dry, get out your watering can or hose and water until the top 8 inches of soil near the plant are moist. You'll want to water slowly and make sure the water sinks in where it will do the most good. Check the soil moisture depth again on the following day to make sure the soil is moist enough.