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Never guess how much water your garden needs again.

Best Rain Gauges

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

This data can also cut down thecost of your water billsince youre only distributing water thats needed.

It’s a bit more complicated to put together than simpler units.

There’s also a cleaning brush included in the package.

rain gauge

Credit: Climalytic

All of the pieces make it a bit more complicated to put together compared to simpler units.

Product Details: pop in:Standard cylinder |Dimensions:5 x 7.75 x 20.75 in.

|Measurement Intervals:.01 in.

AcuRite 5 in. Easy-Read Magnifying Rain Gauge

Credit: Amazon

It is not designed to be used in freezing temperatures.

To avoidoverwatering your plantswithout too many bells and whistles, it doesnt get simpler than this AcuRite rain gauge.

The gauge collects up to 5 inches of water, showing the measurements in both inches and centimeters.

AcuRite Wireless Digital Rain Gauge

Credit: Amazon

Setup is easy, as there are no screws or extra parts necessary.

Or, opt for the quickest route and drive its pointed base into the ground.

Otherwise, its an affordable option that makes quick work of getting an accurate rainfall reading.

Ambient Weather WS-2902 WiFi Smart Weather Station

Credit: Amazon

Product Details:key in:Standard cylinder |Dimensions:1.5 x 2.8 x 12.4 in.

The tipping bucket requires a battery to work.

you’ve got the option to also set an alarm that lets you know when rain has started.

Jannibird Copper Rain Gauge

Credit: Etsy

You have to mount it on a pole, which is not included.

you could see the forecast on the color LCD console, or on your mobile equipment.

The downside is that it has to be mounted on a pole, which is not included.

Youll either need to have one already or buy one separately.

Product Details: jot down:Sensor reading |Dimensions:7.5 x 0.75 x 4.5 in.

Its not heavy, and might blow away in high winds.

This rain gauge is bigger than other options on our list, measuring up to 7 inches of water.

Larger versions are also available, but this model is adequate for mosthome gardens.

It features bold black numbers in 1/10 increments to give you the most accurate measurements.

Product Details: jot down:Standard cylinder |Dimensions:2.35 x 2 x 12 in.

|Measurement Intervals: 0.1 in.

The glass cylinder is breakable.

If youd like to avoid an eyesore of a rain gauge, this handcrafted option is absolutely gorgeous.

The brass faucet design can easily be incorporated into yourbackyard decorwithout creating a distraction.

We also think it makes a greatgift for gardenersin your life.

The piece is 32 inches long and solidly constructed out of copper, brass, and glass.

The actual gauge can hold 5 inches of rainstandard forgarden bedsand lawns.

Its an eco-friendly choice, as its mostly made from upcycled materials.

Copper also tends to patina with age, so you may want toclean it with vinegarto retain its shine.

Product Details: key in:Standard cylinder |Dimensions:32 x 0.75 x 5.5 in.

|Measurement Intervals: 0.1 in.

The standard cylindrical gauge is what youll find in most yards.

A tipping bucket rain gauge is also common, but usually more expensive than a basic cylindrical model.

It works bycollecting rainwaterin a small bucket.

Once it reaches a certain level, the bucketempties into the rain gaugeand records the amount.

A weighing rain gauge measures rainfall bycollecting the rainwaterin a container on top of a scale.

Compared to the other two types, these tend to provide the most precise measurements.

But, they are primarily research instruments and are not typically used by home gardeners.

Placement

You cant just plunk a rain gauge anywhere and expect to get an accurate reading.

The effectiveness depends on the key in you have, the installation method, and where its located.

Wireless rain gauges can be disrupted if they are too far away from a Wi-Fi signal.

Special Features

Some rain gauges are equipped with temperature sensors, GPS, and wind vanes.

minutes, days, weeks, or months).

Additionally, ensure that its regularly cleaned, as dirt and other debris can lead to inaccurate readings.

Your Questions, Answered

Do the dimensions of a rain gauge matter?

How high off the ground should a rain gauge be?

The funnel ensures the water is accurately collected, and the design ensures complete accuracy should the funnel overflow.

It will display data in either millimeters or inches, depending on the model.

The two other popular options available are a tipping bucket and a weighing precipitation gauge.

This helps you figure out how much rain might fall in a short amount of time, for instance.

A weighing precipitation gauge uses springs to accurately weigh rainfall or snowfall.

Does the diameter of a rain gauge matter?

According to Shahan, a rain gauge should be at least 2 feet off the ground to be effective.