Watering question

Hey guys, so I've had some watering issues lately overwatering to be specific. I typically lift the pot and water when it feels light. I recently tried to do the "stick my finger in it a couple inches and see if dry technique". They did seem dry there but after I took out some soil and ventured down into the soil, I noticed it was still very wet and compact the deeper I got.

Why do people say to stick your finger in it to check it when that seems inaccurate?

Get a $10 moisture meter. Most have ph testing as well. I let my soil get DRY before I water. Like powder. The roots go deeper for soil. Also make sure you have adequate drainage. Water sitting in the base equals root rot. Water less frequently. Don't be afraid if it droops...it'll spring right back.

If doing organic you want to keep the top part under your mulch moist. I started out weighing my pots to get a feel how much they need ea day. My 2 g pots get about 150-200 grams/ml a day. My scale won’t do a 5 gallon so I use about 4-500 ml a day. Then once a week I water to runoff.

"Why do people say to stick your finger in it to check it when that seems inaccurate?"

It's not you.

The more experienced grower can tell when using fingers. I tested the finger method. I used two fingers and I'd pinch some dirt out. When I let the dirt go if it stayed caked, it's too wet. Wait another day.

I use the weight method. If you aren't sure by weight wait another day. When your plant begins to wilt, you know it needs water and maybe the pot is too light so memorize.

Myke has a great idea by using a scale. If you use a scale now you can keep a log.

You may be using more soil or medium than your plant is ready for. Try using a smaller pot when you up pot. If your running to much medium your roots won’t be able to breath. Overwatering is an issue of frequency. Not letting your root zone completely dry before watering again. Let your plant leaves droop before watering again and completely soak medium. Droopy leaves needs water. Droopy stem over water.

Also fill a pot of the same size your running and feel weight. Water fully and see how long it takes to dry without plant. Feeling the weight as it dries