If it has a minimum of 1 inch of water in it, I don’t worry about my perennials that week. Once the sky clears, I check it, take a mental note, and dump it into a plant. It’s in a spot that is easy to see right when I walk out of my door, so I don’t have to go out of my way to check it.ĭecorative options are even available, like this decorative frog, available from Plow & Hearth, to add a touch of whimsy to the landscape.ĭecorative Frog, available from Plow & Hearth The model that I have is bolted to my deck. If you choose one to stick directly into the ground, keep in mind you may get some splashback that could skew the reading.Īmerican Science & Surplus Basic Rain Gauge, available via AmazonĪlso, leaves from any plants overhead can block rain from reaching the cylinder, or even drip moisture from their leaves into the cylinder, throwing off your reading.īecause of these factors, put the gauge a little ways off the ground and in an open area to ensure a more accurate reading. There are several different versions of the standard models, from more expensive ones geared towards professionals to very basic ones that you just stick in the ground.
Stratus Precision Rain Gauge with Mounting Bracket, available on Amazon Rain gauges are great for measuring not only rainfall, but also water put out by sprinkler systems. I’ll be honest – this one is over my head and far beyond what is necessary for gardening purposes. Because it uses mass, it can measure snowfall and hail too.Īnd the optical gauge is crazy advanced and detects optical irregularities. The weighing gauge measures precipitation mass via a sensor. All of these can do more than the standard version, and are used to gain more sophisticated readings.įor instance, the tipping bucket can measure the rate of precipitation. Other models include the tipping bucket, weighing gauge, and optical gauge. When the rain stops, you just read the cylinder much like you would a measuring cup.
It’s marked with measurements, usually inches in the US. The basic model is a graduated cylinder that captures rainfall. There are several types, but as a gardener, you will just need a standard gauge. It’s a tool used to measure precipitation, most often rain. With this basic tool, you’ll be better able to care for your garden and spend less time watering unnecessarily.
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