HOW TO USE YOUR SOIL pH METER1. Remove the top 2" of the surface soil. Break up and crumble the soil underneath to a depth of 5". Remove any stones or organic debris such as leaves & twigs because they can affect the final result. Thoroughly wet the soil with water (preferably distilled) to a mud consistency. In order to obtain an even more accurate result with your Soil pH Meter, take the sample of soil to be tested from the ground and remove stones and organic debris. Prepare the sample by crumbling the soil into small particles. Measure 2 cups of soil from the prepared sample. Fill a clean glass or plastic container with 2 cups of distilled water and add the measured soil sample. Ensure the soil and water are thoroughly mixed and compact the sample firmly. Drain off excess water.2. Using the supplied pad, lightly shine 4"-5" (10 -12cm) of the probe, carefully avoiding the bullet shaped tip, to remove any oxides that may have formed on the surface of the metal. Wipe the probe clean, using a cotton ball or paper tissue; always wipe away from the tip, towards the probe handle.3. Push the probe vertically into the moistened soil to a depth of 4"–5". If it does not slip into the ground fairly easily select a new position. Never force the probe.4. Twist the probe clockwise and counter-clockwise between your fingers several times to ensure that damp soil is well distributed over the surface of the probe.5. Wait for 60 seconds to acclimatize the probe and note the reading.6. If the reading is pH7 or higher: Remove the probe from the soil and wipe any soil particles from the surface of the probe. Reshine the probe and insert back into the soil at a different point avoiding the first hole made by the probe. Twist the probe two or three times between the fingers, as before, and wait 30 seconds before taking the final reading.7. If the reading is below pH7: Remove the probe from the soil and wipe any soil particles from the surface of the probe. Do not reshine the probe. Insert the probe back into the soil at a different point avoiding the first hole made by the probe. Twist the probe two or three times between the fingers, as before, and wait 60 seconds before taking the final reading.

TIPS ON TESTING• Don‘t leave the probe in the soil longer than necessary because the metal electrodes may pit, with the

possibility of damage to the meter mechanism.• Insure that the probe is wiped clean and well dried before storing in order to minimize the oxidation of

the metal electrodes.• Be sure to keep the probe away from metal objects. • Use the meter only in soil. Do not place the probe into water.

SOIL ADVICERaising and lowering pH is not an exact science and most plants have a reasonably wide pH tolerance, certainly to within 1 pH point. The long list of pH preferences below indicates that while a majority of plants can survive on a pH around 6.5, some need a particularly acid or alkaline soil. Altering pH takes time. Do not expect rapid changes. Work steadily towards giving a plant its ideal conditions.

SOIL TYPESSandy Soils: A light, coarse soil comprised of crumbling and alluvial debris. Loam Soils: A medium friable soil, consisting of a blend of coarse (sand) alluvium and fine (clay) particles mixed within fairly broad limits with a little lime and humus. Clay Soils: A heavy, clinging, impermeable soil, comprised of very fine particles with little lime and humus and tending to be waterlogged in winter and very dry in summer.

ADDING LIME TO INCREASE pHLime can be added at any time of year but it does need time to take effect – which is why the autumn, winter and early spring are the preferred times. Hydrated lime may take effect in two or three months but ground chalk or limestone may take up to six months. Avoid adding lime at the same time as sulfate of ammonia, superphosphate, basic slag or animal manures. Lime may be used in combination with sulfate of potash or muriate of potash.

SPECIAL CLEANING PADThe cleaning pad supplied with this meter has been specially selected for its compatibility with the meter probe metals. Other type of cleaners may cut or otherwise damage probe surfaces and/or adversely affect meter readings. Additional pads are available at a cost of $2.00 for 3 pads, plus $1.00 for postage and handling. Please send a check or money order, payable to Luster Leaf Products, Inc. to the address on the back of this card. No COD or phone orders, please.

LIMITED WARRANTYThe tester is warranted free from defects for one year from date of purchase. During this period the unit may be returned to Luster Leaf Products, Inc. with proof of purchase and $5.00 to cover postage and handling. It will be repaired or replaced. During the initial 90 days of this warranty period the selling dealer is also authorized to replace a defective meter.

This warranty does not cover abuse, accidental damage, repair by anyone other than Luster Leaf Products, Inc., or consequential loss or inconvenience resulting from use of the meter.

This warranty gives you certain specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SERVICEIf adjustment or repair becomes necessary after the warranty expires, return the meter to Luster Leaf Products, Inc. with $10.00 to cover postage, handling and service. Service includes labor & parts as required, except for replacement of externally damaged or lost components.

For service, or information regarding otherLuster Leaf Products, Inc. items,please address:

Luster Leaf Products, Inc.2220 TechcourtWoodstock, Illinois 60098

TROUBLESHOOTINGErratic needle movement

• Stones, organic matter touching the electrode.• Sample area not sufficiently compacted

(light soils and potting soils).• Metal particles adhering to electrode after cleaning.• Soil not adhered to the probe sufficiently.• Probe too close to the side and/or the bottom of the pot.• Soil or potting soil being tested too soon after re-potting.• A houseplant fertilizer stick or tablet near the probe.

Sluggish or no response

• Probe requires cleaning.• Sample area too dry.• Damaged or pitted probe.

Extreme pH conditions (potted plants only)• Nutrient build-up caused by overfeeding.• A houseplant fertilizer stick or tablet near the probe.

This table gives approximate amounts to alter soil pH by up to 1 point up or down the pH scale.Material pH Change Sandy Loamy ClayDolomitic or calcic limestone +0.5 unit (0.5 pH) 2.5 5 5.5 +1 unit (1.0 pH) 5 8.5 11Hydrated Lime +0.5 unit (0.5 pH) 1.5 - 2 3 - 4 4 - 4.5 +1 unit (1.0 pH) 3.5 - 4 6 - 6.5 8 - 8.5Iron Sulfate -0.5 unit (0.5 pH) 0.75 1.5 2 -1 unit (1.0 pH) 1.5 3 4Aluminum Sulfate -0.5 unit (0.5 pH) 0.5 - 0.75 1 - 1.25 1.5 -1 unit (1.0 pH) 1 - 1.25 2.25 3Amounts listed are pounds per 100 square feet. *Do not add more than 5lbs. of lime or sulfur in one application.

pH PREFENCE LIST

FLOWERS, TREES & SHRUBS ABELIA 6.0 - 8.0ACACIA 6.0 - 8.0ACANTHUS 6.0 - 7.0ACONITUM 5.0 - 6.0ADONIS 6.0 - 8.0AGERATUM 6.0 - 7.5AILANTHUS 6.0 - 7.5AJUGA 4.0 - 6.0ALTHEA 6.0 - 7.5ALYSSUM 6.0 - 7.5AMARANTHUS 6.0 - 6.5ANCHUSA 6.0 - 7.5ANDROSACE 5.0 - 6.0ANEMONE 6.0 - 7.5ANTHYLLIS 5.0 - 6.0ARBUTUS 4.0 - 6.0ARENARIA 6.0 - 8.0ARISTEA 6.0 - 7.5ARMERIA 6.0 - 7.5ARNICA 5.0 - 6.5ASPERULA 6.0 - 8.0ASPHODOLINE 6.0 - 8.0ASTER 5.5 - 7.5AUBRITA 6.0 - 7.5AZALEA 4.5 - 6.0BALLOON FLOWER 6.0 - 6.5BAYBERRY 4.0 - 6.0BERGENIA 6.0 - 7.5BLEEDING HEART 6.0 - 7.5BLUEBELL 6.0 - 7.6BROOM 5.0 - 6.0BUDDLEIA 6.0 - 7.0BUPHTHALUM 6.0 - 8.0BUTTERFLY BUSH 4.0 - 6.0CALENDULA 5.5 - 7.0CAMASSIA 6.0 - 8.0CANDYTUFT 6.0 - 7.5CANNA 6.0 - 8.0CANTERBURY BELLS 7.0 - 7.5CARDINAL FLOWER 4.0 - 6.0CARNATION 6.0 - 7.5CATALPA 6.0 - 8.0CELOSIA 6.0 - 7.0CENTAUREA 5.0 - 6.5CERASTIUM 6.0 - 7.0CHRYSANTHEMUM 6.0 - 7.0CISSUS 6.0 - 7.5CISTUS 6.0 - 7.5CLARKIA 6.0 - 6.5CLIANTHUS 6.0 - 7.5CLEMATIS 5.5 - 7.0COLCHICUM 5.5 - 6.5COLUMBINE 6.0 - 7.0CONVOLVULUS 6.0 - 8.0COREOPSIS 5.0 - 6.0CORONILLA 6.5 - 7.5CORYDALIS 6.0 - 8.0COSMOS 5.0 - 8.0COTTONEASTER 6.0 - 8.0CRAB APPLE 6.0 - 7.5CROCUS 6.0 - 8.0CYNOGLOSSUM 6.0 - 7.5DAFFODIL 6.0 - 6.5DAHLIA 6.0 - 7.5DAY LILY 6.0 - 8.0DELPHINIUM 6.0 - 7.5DEUTZIA 6.0 - 7.5DIANTHUS 6.0 - 7.5DOGWOOD 5.0 - 7.0EDELWEISS 6.5 - 7.5ELAEAGNUS 5.0 - 7.5ENKIANTHUS 5.0 - 6.0EUPHORBIA 6.0 - 7.0EVERLASTINGS 5.0 - 6.0FIRETHORN 6.0 - 8.0FORGET-ME-NOTS 6.0 - 7.0FORSYTHIA 6.0 - 8.0FOXGLOVE 6.0 - 7.5FRITILLARIA 6.0 - 7.5FUCHSIA 5.5 - 7.5GAILLARDIA 6.0 - 7.5GAZANIA 5.5 - 7.0GENTIANA 5.0 - 7.5GEUM 6.0 - 7.5GLADIOILI 6.0 - 7.0GLOBULARIA 5.5 - 7.0GODETIA 6.0 - 7.5GOLDEN ROD 5.0 - 7.0GYPSOPHILIA 6.0 - 7.5HAWTHORN 6.0 - 7.0HEATH 4.5 - 6.0HEATHER 4.0 - 6.0HELIANTHUS 5.0 - 7.0HELLEBORUS 6.0 - 7.5HOLLY 5.0 - 6.5HOLLYHOCK 6.0 - 7.5HONEYSUCKLE 6.0 - 7.5HYACINTH 6.5 - 7.5HYDRANGEA (BLUE) 4.0 - 5.0HYDRANGEA (PINK) 6.0 - 7.0HYDRANGEA (WHITE) 6.5 - 8.0HYPERICUM 5.5 - 7.0IRIS 5.0 - 6.5IVY 6.0 - 7.5JUNIPER 5.0 - 6.5KALMIA 4.5 - 5.0KERRIA 6.0 - 7.0LAUREL 6.5 - 7.5LAVENDER 6.5 - 7.5LIATRIS 5.5 - 7.5

LIGUSTRUM 5.0 - 7.5LILAC 6.0 - 7.5LILY OF THE VALLEY 4.5 - 6.0LITHOSPERMUM 5.0 - 6.5LOBELIA 6.5 - 7.5LUPINUS 5.5 - 7.0MAGNOLIA 5.0 - 6.0MAHONIA 6.0 - 7.0MARIGOLD 5.5 - 7.0MOLINIA 4.0 - 5.0MORAEA 5.5 - 6.5MORNING GLORY 6.0 - 7.5MOSS 6.0 - 8.0MOSS, SPHAGNUM 3.5 - 5.0MYOSOTIS 6.0 - 7.0NARCISSUS 6.0 - 8.5NASTURTIUM 5.5 - 7.5NICOTIANA 5.5 - 6.5PACHYSANDRA 5.0 - 8.0PAEONIA 6.0 - 7.5PANSY 5.5 - 7.0PASSION FLOWER 6.0 - 8.0PASQUE FLOWER 5.0 - 6.0PAULOWNIA 6.0 - 8.0PENSTEMON 5.5 0 7.0PERIWINKLE 6.0 - 7.5PETUNIA 6.0 - 7.5PINKS 6.0 - 7.5POLYGONUM 6.0 - 7.5POLYANTHUS 6.0 - 7.5POPPY 6.0 - 7.5PORTULACA 5.5 - 7.5PRIMROSE 5.5 - 6.5PRIMULA 6.0 - 7.5PRIVET 5.0 - 7.5PRUNELLA 6.0 - 7.5PRUNUS 6.5 - 7.5PYRETHRUM 6.0 - 7.5RED HOT POKER 6.0 - 7.5RHODODENDREN 4.5 - 6.0ROSES, HYBRID TEA 5.5 - 7.0ROSES, CLIMBING 6.0 - 7.0ROSES, RAMBLING 5.5 - 7.0SALVIA 6.0 - 7.5SCABIOSA 5.0 - 7.5SEDUM 6.0 - 7.5SNAPDRAGON 5.5 - 7.0SNOWDROP 6.0 - 8.0SOAPWORT 6. 0 7.5SPEEDWELL 5.5 - 6.5SPIRAEA 6.0 - 7.5SPRUCE 4.0 - 5.0STOCK 6.0 - 7.5STONECROP 6.5 - 7.5SUMACK 5.0 - 6.5SUNFLOWER 5.0 - 7.0SWEET PEA 6.0 - 7.5SWEET WILLIAM 6.0 - 7.5TAMARIX 6.5 - 8.0TRILLIUM 5.0 - 6.5TULIP 6.0 - 7.0VIBERNUM 5.0 - 7.5VIOLA 5.5 - 6.5VIRGINIA CREEPER 5.0 - 7.5WALLFLOWER 5.5 - 7.5WATER LILY 5.5 - 6.5WEIGELIA 6.0 - 7.5WISTARIA 6.0 - 8.0ZINNIA 5.5 - 7.5

VEGETABLES & HERBSARTICHOKE 6.5 - 7.5ASPARAGUS 6.0 - 8.0BASIL 5.5 - 6.5BEAN, RUNNER 6.0 - 7.5BEAN, RUNNER 6.0 - 7.5BEAN, FRENCH 6.0 - 7.5BEETROOT 6.0 - 7.5BROCCOLI 6.0 - 7.0BRUSSELS SPROUTS 6.0 - 7.5CABBAGE 6.0 - 7.5CALABRESE 6.5 - 7.5CARROT 5.5 - 7.0CAULIFLOWER 5.5 - 7.5CELERY 6.0 - 7.0CHICORY 5. 0 - 6.5CHINESE CABBAGE 6.0 - 7.5CHIVES 6.0 - 7.0CORN - SWEET 5.5 - 7.0CRESS 6.0 - 7.0COURGETTES 5.5 - 7.0CUCUMBER 5.5 - 7.5FENNEL 5.0 - 6.0GARLIC 5.5 - 7.5GINGER 6.0 - 8.0HORSERADISH 6.0 - 7.0KALE 6.0 - 7.5KOHLRABI 6.0 - 7.5LEEK 6.0 - 8.0LENTIL 5.5 - 7.0LETTUCE 6.0 - 7.0MARJORAM 6.0 - 8.0MARROW 6.0 - 7.5MILLET 6.0 - 6.5MINT 7.0 - 8.0MUSHROOM 6.5 - 7.5MUSTARD 6.0 - 7.5OLIVE 5.5 - 6.5ONION 6.0 - 7.0PAPRIKA 7.0 - 8.5PARSLEY 5.0 - 7.0

PARSNIP 5.5 - 7.5PEA 6.0 - 7.5PEANUT 5.0 - 6.5PECAN 4.0 - 6.0PEPPER 5.5 - 7.0PEPPERMINT 6.0 - 7.5PISTACHIO 5.0 - 6.0POTATO 4.5 - 6.0POTATO - SWEET 5.5 - 6.0PUMPKIN 5.5 - 7.5RADISH 6.0 - 7.0RICE 5.0 - 6.5ROSEMARY 5.0 - 6.0SAGE 5.5 - 6.5SHALLOT 5.5 - 7.0SORGHUM 5.5 - 7.5SOYBEAN 5.5 - 6.5SPEARMINT 5.5 - 7.5SPINACH 6.0 - 7.5SWEDE 5.0 - 7.0THYME 5.5 - 7.0TOMATO 5.5 - 7.5TURNIP 5.5 - 7.0WATER CRESS 6.0 - 8.0

FRUIT APPLE 5.0 - 6.5APRICOT 6.0 - 7.0AVOCADO 6.0 - 7.5BANANA 5.0 - 7.0BLACKBERRY 5.0 - 6.0BLUEBERRY 4.0 - 6.0CANTALOUPE 6.5 - 7.5CHERRY 6.0 - 7.5CRANBERRY 5.5 - 6.5CURRENT, BLACK 6.0 - 8.0CURRENT, RED 5.5 - 7.0CURRENT, WHITE 6.0 - 8.0DAMSON 6.0 - 7.5GOOSEBERRY 5.0 - 6.5GRAPEVINE 6.0 - 7.0GRAPEFRUIT 6.0 - 7.5HAZELNUT 6.0 - 7.0HOP 6.0 - 7.5HUCKLEBERRY 4.0 - 6.0LEMON 6.0 - 7.0LYCHEE 6.0 - 7.0MANGO 5.0 - 6.0MELON 5.5 - 6.5MULBERRY 6.0 - 7.5NECTARINE 6.0 - 7.5PEACH 6.0 - 7.5PEAR 6.0 - 7.5PINEAPPLE 5.0 - 6.0PLUM 6.0 - 7.5POMEGRANATE 5.5 - 6.5QUINCE 6.0 - 7.5RASPBERRY 5.0 - 7.5RHUBARB 5.5 - 7.0STRAWBERRY 5.0 - 7.5WATERMELON 5.5 - 6.5

HOUSE & GREENHOUSE PLANTS ABUTILON 5.5 - 6.5ACORUS 5.0 - 6.5AECHMEA 5.0 - 5.5AFRICAN VIOLET 6.0 - 7.0AGLAONEMA 5.0 - 6.0AMARYLIS 5.5 - 6.5ANTHURIUM 5.0 - 6.0APHELANDRA 5.0 - 6.0ARAUCARIA 5.0 - 6.0ASPARAGUS FERN 6.0 - 8.0ASPIDISTRA 4.0 - 5.5AZAELA 4.5 - 6.0BABY'S BREATH 6.0 - 7.5BABY'S TEARS 5.0 - 6.0BEGONIA 5.5 - 7.0BIRD OF PARADISE 6.0 - 6.5BISHOP‘S CAP 5.0 - 6.0BLACK-EYED SUSAN 5.5 - 7.5BLOOD LEAF 5.5 - 6.5BOTTLEBRUSH 6.0 - 7.5BOUGAINVILLEA 5.5 - 7.5BOXWOOD 6.0 - 7.5BROMELIADS 5. 0 - 7.5BUTTERFLY FLOWER 6.0 - 7.5CACTI 4.5 - 6.0CALCAOLARIA 6.0 - 7.0CALADIUM 5.0 - 6.0CALLA LILY 6.0 - 7.0CAMELIA 4.5 - 5.5CAMPANULA 5.5 - 6.5CAPSICUM 5.0 - 6.5CARDINAL FLOWER 5.0 - 6.0CASTOR OIL PLANT 5.5 - 6.5CANTURY PLANT 5.0 - 6.5CHINESE EVERGREEN 5.0 - 6.0CHINESE PRIMROSE 6.0 - 7.5CHRISTMAS CACTUS 5.0 - 6.5CINERARIA 5.5 - 7.0CLERODENDRUM 5.0 - 6.0CLIVIA 5.5 - 6.5COCKSCOMB 6.0 - 7.0COFFEE PLANT 5.0 - 6.0COLEUS 6.0 - 7.0COLUMNEA 4.5 - 5.5CORAL BERRY 5.5 - 7.5CRASSULA 5.0 - 6.0CREEPING FIG 5.0 - 6.0CROTON 5.0 - 6.0

CROWN OF THORNS 6.0 - 7.5CUPHEA 6.0 - 7.5CYCLAMEN 6.0 - 7.0CYPERUS 5.0 - 7.5DIEFFENBACHIA 5.0 - 6.0DIPLADENIA 6.0 - 7.5DIZGOTHECA 6.0 - 7.5DRACAENA 5.0 - 6.0EASTER LILY 6.0 - 7.0ELEPHANT‘S EAR 5.0 - 6.0EPISCIA 6.0 - 7.0EUONYMOUS 6.0 - 8.0FERN, BIRD‘S NEST 5.0 - 5.5FERN, BOSTON 5.5 - 6.5FERN, BUTTON 6.0 - 8.0FERN, CHRISTMAS 6.0 - 7.5FERN, CLOAK 6.0 - 7.5FERN, FEATHER 5.5 - 6.5FERN, HART‘S TONGUE 7.0 - 8.0FERN, HOLLY 4.5 - 6.0FERN, MAIDENHAIR 6.0 - 8.0FERN, RABBITS FOOT 6.0 - 7.5FERN, SPLEENWORT 6.0 - 7.5FIG 5.0 - 6.0FITTONIA 5.5 - 6.5FREESIA 6.0 - 7.5GARDENIA 5.0 - 6.0GENISTA 6.5 - 7.5GERANIUM 6.0 - 8.0GLOXINIA 5.5 - 6.5GRAPE IVY 5.0 - 6.5GRAPE HYACINTH 6.0 - 7.5GREVILLEA 5.5 - 6.5GYNURA 5.5 - 6.5HEDERA (IVY) 6.0 - 8.0HELIOTROPIUM 5.0 - 6.0HENS AND CHICKENS 6.0 - 7.0HERRINGBONE PLANT 6.0 - 6.0HIBISCUS PLANT 6.0 - 8.0HOYA 5.0 - 6.5IMPATIENS 5.5 - 6.5IVY TREE 6.0 - 7.0JACARANDA 6.0 - 7.5JAPANESE SEDGE 6.0 - 8.0JASMINUM 5.5 - 7.0JERUSALEM CHERRY 5.5 - 6.5JESSAMONE 5.0 - 6.0KALANCHOE 6.0 - 7.5KANGAROO THORN 6.0 - 8.0KANGAROO VINE 5.0 - 6.5LANTANA 5.5 - 7.0LAURUS (BAY TREE) 5.0 - 6.0LEMON PLANT 6.0 - 7.5MIMOSA 5.0 - 7.0MIND YOUR OWN 5.0 - 5.5BUSINESSMONSTERA 5.0 - 6.0MYRTLE 6.0 - 8.0NEVER NEVER PLANT 5.0 - 6.0NICODEMIA 6.0 - 8.0(INDOOR OAK)NORFOLK ISLAND PINE 5.0 - 6.0OLEANDER 6.0 - 7.5OPLISMENUS 5.0 - 6.0ORCHID 4.5 - 5.5OXALIS 6.0 - 8.0PALMS 6.0 - 7.5PANDANUS 5.0 - 6.0PEACOCK PLANT 5.0 - 6.0PELLIONIA 5.0 - 6.0PEPEROMIA 5.0 - 6.0PHILODENDRON 5.0 - 6.0PILEA 6.0 - 8.0PLUMBAGO 5.5 - 6.5PODACARPUS 5.0 - 6.5POINTSETTIA 6.0 - 7.5POLYSCIAS 6.0 - 7.5POTHOS 5.0 - 6.0PRAYER PLANT 5.0 - 6.0PUNICA 5.5 - 6.5SANSERIERIA 4.5 - 7.0SAXIFRAGA 6.0 - 8.0SCINDAPSUS 5.0 - 6.0SHRIMP PLANT 6.0 - 7.0SPANISH BAYONET 6.0 - 7.5SPIDER PLANT 6.0 - 7.5SUCCULENTS 5.0 - 6.5SYNOGONIUM 5.0 - 6.0TOLMIEA 5.0 - 6.0TRADESCANTIA 5.0 - 6.0UMBRELLA TREE 5.0 - 7.5VENUS FLYTRAP 4.0 - 5.0WEEPING FIG 5.0 - 6.0YUCCA 6.0 - 7.5ZEBRINA 5.0 - 6.0

TURF & ORNAMENTAL GRASSES BAHAI 6.5 - 7.5BENT 5.5 - 6.5BERMUDA 6.0 - 7.0CANADA BLUE 4.5 - 6.4CLOVER 6.0 - 7.0KENTUCKY BLUE 6.0 - 7.5MEADOW 6.0 - 7.5PAMPAS 6.0 - 8.0RED TOP 6.0 - 6.5RYE 6.0 - 7.0ST. AUGUSTINE 6.5 - 7.5TALL FESCUE 6.0 - 7.0VELVET BENT 5.0 - 6.0ZOYSIA 6.0 - 7.0

NAME pH RANGE NAME pH RANGE NAME pH RANGE NAME pH RANGE