Rapidit mini ph tester - How to test

TerrysWorld

I'v had a Rapidit mini ph tester for quite a few years.

Recently used it in the lawn in various areas and in the ericaceous compost which my camellia sits in a pot.

The lawn shows between 5 & 6 and the compost 5.

As old as this may be, would it accurate and how could I test it to check its accuracy. 

Ladybird4

Hi TerrysWorld. I'm assuming your pH tester is a probe. You could try dipping it in vinegar and you should get a reading of about pH 2.4.

TerrysWorld

Hi, Tried both Malt and White vinegar and the reading was between 4 and 5.

This meter is a Rapitest a analog version with a moving needle and coloured background scale with the ph values.

Sorry for the miss spelling. 

Ladybird4

I think I would have concerns about its accuracy now TerrysWorld as it showed a similar pH for your compost and lawn soil.

Pete.8

See what it says about the soil in your postcode area by tapping it in to this DEFRA related site.
It covers England and Wales, but not Scotland.
It seems accurate for me

TerrysWorld

Pete.8 said:

See what it says about the soil in your postcode area by tapping it in to this DEFRA related site.
It covers England and Wales, but not Scotland.

Not totally true. Says we have free draining acid soil, where the soil is actually loamy clay with poor drainage which drys and cracks in summer and the Hydrangea's are more pink than blue.

I will get a soil testing kit.

thanks

TerrysWorld

Tested an area in my garden with a Thompson & Morgan soil tester using a test tube and capsule and bottled water.

From the test colour the soil has a pH of 8.0 (alkaline).

Shows the Rapitest tester is totally incorrect and going into the bin.

Ladybird4

Glad you got it sorted TW