Gardening and Horticulture - temp/humidity

Anyone know where to pick up a temp/relative humidity gauge that is moderately priced?

Hello JRRR

I found a wet/dry bulb one at a yard sale - the people selling it didn't know what it was, so I got it for a real steal ($4.00). It's the kind with two thermometers with a wick in a water source on the bulb of one. There is a chart right on the instrument where you just read the dry bulb temperature, subtract the wet bulb temp and find the corresponding RH for the difference.

I wrote Taylor Instruments and they sent a lot of information on the theory and how to properly use and care for the unit.

Here's a link to a page showing an industrial product similar to what I found ( #5522): http://www.taylorusa.com/indust/root/hygro.html

The unit I have is kinda' low tech by today's standards, you have to keep the vail of water topped up, the wick needs occasional replacing and you can't let the water in the vail freeze, but it gives me a very good read of the current RH in my immediate area. There are a lot of neat digital units on the marken now, also.

Maybe you could write or email Taylor to find out if they are still making the hygrometers, what the price range is and where you could start looking... (or you could go to lots of yard sales, flea markets, etc and hope to happen upon one like I did. :)

Good Luck with your search

Howie

Depends on what you consider moderately priced. Try www.oregonscientific.com I got my wirless thermometer/hygrometer from there, and can monitor temp and humidity in 3 different locations.

Hi Howie,

I hope you keep promoting garage sales for useful garden items. :) There'nothing like the fun of bargain hunting and finding a treasure at the same time. :)

Gami