Hey Growmie,
When you're checking EC in a soil culture, the timing and method matter to get accurate results. If you're using the slurry method, it's best to take your reading after mixing soil from the root zone (not just the surface) with distilled water in a 1:2 ratio (1 part soil to 2 parts water). Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, stir it well before inserting your EC pen, and then take the reading. Stirring is important because it helps evenly distribute any salts or nutrients in the mix. Skipping that step can give you a false reading. If you’re doing a runoff EC test, make sure to collect the first bit of runoff water right after watering (about 10-20% of the total). You can just put your EC pen straight into that, but again, if it’s been sitting for a minute, give it a quick stir first. Always use a calibrated pen and clean it after use for best results. Keep growing strong!