Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best soil testers for maximizing your garden, lawn, and plant health

Another critical factor to monitor is the pH value. Knowing the acidity levels of your lawn will help you choose the perfect crops and plants for your type of soil. Also, with the help of one of our recommended soil pH testing kits, you will be able to fine-tune the perfect living conditions for your backyard nursery.

Keeping track of moisture in your soil is really important. If you don’t, you are risking overwatering your crops and hurting the root system. Even worse, you might fail to provide enough water for them to grow and blossom. Avoid such a sad gardening fate with one of our curated soil meters. They all have scientific-grade accuracy and are easy to use.

Yoyomax Soil Test Kit

Easiest to Use

The Yoyomax Soil Test Kit provides an affordable and easy way to measure critical aspects of your soil quality. It is one of the most diverse kits out there, thanks to its comprehensive testing. The same device can measure soil moisture, sunlight levels, and pH levels. Get accurate readings every time with this high-quality instrument.

Atree Soil pH Meter

Most Sensitive Probe

If you are looking for highly accurate measurements, the Atree Soil pH Meter has the most sensitive probes in our selection. This highly accurate reader gives scientific-grade precision on moisture, pH, and sunlight levels. It has a simple, battery-free operation and is the easiest way to keep track of changes in soil quality.

Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Strips Kit

Best Test Strips

For precise and dedicated acidity readings, the Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Strips Kit is the way to go. This strip-based kit has a color-coded system that lets you know the current state of your soil. You have 100 tests in each box and can get fast and accurate results. It includes an informational booklet with lime and sulfur application charts.

It is time to know with certainty what your garden needs. You won’t need to guess what your next move should be to grow big and healthy plants. Just get one of our recommended soil test kits and rest assured that your crops are growing in the best environment possible.

21Oak Contributor
21Oak Contributor
How to clean your gross bathroom in 20 minutes flat
This overused space deserves a deep refresh
A clean, modern bathroom with a soaking tub

You want your bathroom to be a spa-like retreat, but it sees a lot of use throughout the week. While it's best to freshen as you go to prevent a build-up of dirt and grime, sometimes it just needs a deep clean. The thought of diving into the sink, toilet, and shower can be a bit overwhelming, though, especially at the end of a long week.

Take a deep breath — there's no need to fear. By tackling your dirty bathroom in stages, you can clean your bathroom, from top to bottom, in 20 minutes flat. We'll walk through all the tips and tricks you need to scrub your bathroom and still have time left on your podcast.
How to clean a bathroom: Step by step

Read more
How to eliminate that musty ‘basement’ smell
Mold and mildew are big basement problems, but they can be solved
Finished basement with wood paneling

Do you avoid spending time in your basement because of its unpleasant odors? Whether it's finished or not, basements are typically cool, damp, and have little airflow going through them, which are all factors that contribute to its musty smell. Unfortunately, it takes more than general cleaning practices and air fresheners to rid the space of mustiness for good. Take a look at some of these tried-and-true methods for how to get rid of musty smell in basement spaces, so you can keep it smelling light, airy, and fresh.
1. Find the culprit of the musty smell

If you smell that common musty stench, the culprit is often mold or mildew. Since basements tend to be damp and have little airflow, they are common hot spots for mold and mildew growth. The first step in preventing further growth by sealing any leaky spots and inefficient drains.
Leaking windows and doors
Check your basement's exterior doors and windows for signs of moisture. Since leaks on the first floor can often drain into the basement, check the windows and doors on the main floor as well. If you find moisture around these entry points from rain or condensation, re-seal the area or call a professional to repair it.
Leaking pipes
Whether pipes are visible in your basement or not, you need to check them regularly for leaks. Examine any water and sewage pipes for signs of leaks and repair any cracks or poor seals. If plumber's tape or epoxy putty can't repair the leak, it's time to call a professional.
Dried-up drains
Basement floor drains direct water out of the home to keep the floors dry and prevent them from flooding. The stagnant water in this drain also traps bad odors emanating from the sewage system below. However, these drains can dry up from infrequent use, releasing stench into the air. If you notice smells arising near your floor drains, just pour a few cups of water into the drain to block the gases from escaping.
2. Clean up the basement

Read more
How to fix laminate countertops without calling a professional
You may not need to hire the pros to get your counters looking new
Modern kitchen with porcelain countertops

If your laminate countertops are stained, dated, cracked, or damaged, they can be an eyesore. If you want to give your kitchen or bathroom a quick DIY facelift, addressing a drab-looking countertop is a great first step. If you feel your countertop is salvageable with some DIY love, however, here's how to fix laminate countertops without calling a professional.

While some minor damage or basic refinishing can go a long way, there is a certain point where the damage should be addressed by a professional. If your countertop has major cracks or stains and damage covering a large portion of the surface, it may be a good idea to call in some help to repair or replace it entirely.
Removing stains

Read more