1. Remove any obstruction to the soil that requires testing, such as surface soil, grass, leaves,pebbles, etc. If the soil is dry or contains too much fertilizer, sprinkle some water onto the soil and leave for 25-30 minutes before testing 2. Before using the tester, be sure to thoroughly clean its metallic surface with a piece of whetting cloth. When using a brand-new tester, we advise you to insert it into the soil a few times before taking your reading. This is in order to remove any oily impurities from its metallic surface that may affect the accuracy of your soil pH or moisture reading. 3. Insert the meter directly into the soil that requires testing, embedding its metallic surface completely and tamping down the surrounding soil so that it adheres closely to the meter's metallic electrode surface. http://www.unigreen-tech.com/