EVP MAN wrote:
I think a decent rain gauge would be a very useful gardening tool. I
plan to put one right where my irrigation system (soaker hoses) begin.
With the rain gauge, I can keep a log of the rain we get each week
and determine how long to water my vegetables using the soaker hoses.
I'd like to see my garden have between 1" to 1 1/2" of water a week.

Before you buy check the maximum capacity of the commercial models and
compare to the maximum rainfall event you are likely to get in 24 hours.
Some cheapo units only hold 30-50 mls (1 1/2 to 2 in) which can fall in an
hour or two, or in some places a few minutes. You don't want to be faced
with choice of wildly inaccurate figures or going out in the rain to empty
the gauge.

Also allow for evapotranspiration in your irrigation figuring. A cool
overcast week is much different to a sunny week of hot dry winds.

David

The gauge I'm getting will handle 5" of rain. That should work pretty
well for me here in PA. I plan to keep a daily log and make sure the
gauge is empty at the start of each day. Or at least make sure I empty
it the same time every day. I like the digital gauges but I'm not sure
how well or for how long they may work before problems arise. So, with
that being said, I decided to keep it simple and just go with the good
old time tested model that you still need to empty by hand. No
batteries to buy or replace either

Rich

EVP MAN wrote:
The gauge I'm getting will handle 5" of rain. That should work pretty
well for me here in PA. I plan to keep a daily log and make sure the
gauge is empty at the start of each day. Or at least make sure I
empty it the same time every day. I like the digital gauges but I'm
not sure how well or for how long they may work before problems
arise. So, with that being said, I decided to keep it simple and
just go with the good old time tested model that you still need to
empty by hand. No batteries to buy or replace either


Somehow, I get by with a simple straight sided plastic cup. Just glance at it
near the walk as I walk outside, and dump it if it has water in it, mentally
noting how much water was in it. Might be cheaper?

Yep, a straight sided cup would work fine also. You could even use a
ruler to measure the amount of rain in the cup if you needed a real
accurate measurement. I was aware of using a cup like you mention and
even thought about it. The fact is, it's not only my legs that are
bad, my eyes aren't much better either. I call it old age.......LOL
The rain gauge I bought is large at 13" high and it also magnifies when
it has water in it with nice big numbers. Hopefully this should serve
me well in the garden.

Rich

Yep, a straight sided cup would work fine also. You could even use a
ruler to measure the amount of rain in the cup if you needed a real
accurate measurement. I was aware of using a cup like you mention and
even thought about it. The fact is, it's not only my legs that are
bad, my eyes aren't much better either. I call it old age.......LOL
The rain gauge I bought is large at 13" high and it also magnifies when
it has water in it with nice big numbers. Hopefully this should serve
me well in the garden.

Rich

Well, I guess I'll LOL right along with you, Rich, as age has taken it's
toll on my eyes as well.

I find it amazing the conversations on the top topic of "rain gauges" .

There are many weather station that would more then welcome
any daily/weekly measurement you obtain from your home. That's
how "they" learn what's changing out there when it comes to the
weather. And I'm sure they wouldn't take any measurements
gathered by a cup.

Donna
in WA
zoning is area 8-9