Rose....... "in the ballpark" is not what you want. Everyone who plants needs the best and most accurate sol info to have the best plots possible. There are too many uncontrollable events (Mother Nature) that can cause problems already. Take advantage of a "real test" or I can almost guarantee you problems.

By the way, I tried the pH tester, and from the same dirt sample, I sent off for a university test. The pH tester showed a pH of 7.0 and the actual test showed 5.6. In soil testing that's missing it by a mile.

The main problem, besides being incorrect and not by just a little, is the fact that the meter can't use the type soil (sand or clay) which can greatly impact the amount of lime to use. It also can't tell you which fertilizer is correct for the crop you have chosen. Actual soil tests do both.

I think anyone who would trust their plots to a meter of this type is making a mistake that could cost them their fields and something to hunt over for a year or two.

Rose....don't waste your money and if you have send it back.