I've been growing for years and I completely disagree with not using a moisture meter for someone just starting out. Here's why ... look at all the posts here where incorrect watering practices are the heart of the issue. Light pot/dry pot can be ambiguous to the new grower. For example ... been 3 days since last watering. The pot doesn't feel as light as normal on watering day ... but tomorrow is a busy day so the grower goes ahead and waters on day 3. However if the moisture meter was used, the grower might find that the pot is only half dry and the plant doesn't need watering for another 2 days. Because there's only one method used to determine when to water (light pot vs heavy pot) the grower waters ahead of schedule out of convenience ... which is exactly what we are trying to avoid.
@HerbalEdu - You, personally, have been growing for a number of years. I would trust your judgement regardless of whether or not you use the moisture meter. For someone who is new to growing and has a bunch of plants that look like they are suffering from poor watering practices, it's a necessity as a teaching tool. It belongs in all growers' toolboxes unless they are a hydro grower.
Do I rely on mine? No, not entirely because I look at the leaves and the plant as well. I also pick up the pot to verify. So no, I don't rely on it exclusively ... but it is part of the data that tells me how my plants are growing and how often they need watered/fed. My biggest issue with those who are struggling with the wet/dry cycle is the arrogance we frequently run into on this message board ... "No way its a watering issue." I have been consistently doing xyz. Yet when you look at their plants, the plants don't lie ... they say "we're struggling. We can't breathe."
