Abstract: A soil moisture indicator including a rigid planar base member having sufficient strength to permit its partial insertion into soil adjacent growing plants and a water absorbent member, such as blotter paper, secured to the base member. Overlying the water absorbent sheet adhesively secured thereto is a transparent water impervious layer, the layer having an increment extending beyond the longitudinal extremities of the water absorbent sheet, the incremental portions being adhesively secured to the base member so that abrasive forces on the water absorbent sheet during insertion into the soil are avoided. An improved method for manufacturing the devices in a highly efficient and automated fashion.