Why Your Garden Needs a Pro-Grade Rain Gauge And How To Choose The Right One
While tech startups push $300 smart irrigation systems, farmers still swear by a simple tool that costs under $30. The humble rain gauge—when built right—remains the gardener’s reliable water management device. Here’s why that matters for your garden.
The backyard gardening boom isn't slowing down, but most gardeners are missing a critical tool that commercial farmers rely on. Smart gardens and IoT devices may grab headlines, but your garden could do with this simple upgrade: a rain gauge.
A simple fence-mounted rain gauge does a lot to save water, and home and garden brand OutdoorHome talks about choosing the right product and setting it up properly.
The Math Behind Overwatering
Amateur gardeners typically overwater by 30-50% - that's thousands of litres wasted. The Australian Bureau of Statistics notes that households use an average of 175 kilolitres of water annually - nearly $600 per household at current rates. As a gardener, this represents a significant portion of your annual water expenses.
So choosing the correct rain measurement gauge can save you hundreds of dollars - but there are thousands of brands on the market. How do you choose the right one?
What Sets Pro-Grade Equipment Apart
Hardware store rain gauges tend to fail in Australia's harsh conditions, but that doesn't mean you need to buy the most expensive one you see.
UV exposure clouds or discolours cheap plastic within months, so you need a rain gauge made from UV-stabilised plastic that stays clear and gives you an accurate reading.
Your rain gauge should be easy to install and must come with a mounting bracket and fasteners.
A quality rain gauge like the one by OutdoorHome differentiates itself from cheap products in several ways, so choose one with the following:
- UV-stabilized materials that won't yellow or cloud over time
- Dual-scale measurements (imperial and metric)
- Mounting systems designed for real-world conditions
- Frost-resistant construction
Location Trumps Price
A rain gauge in the wrong spot gives useless data. Agricultural guidelines require:
- Distance from obstacles at twice their height
- Consistent height (60-90cm above ground)
- Protection from prevailing winds
- Clear sky exposure
Queensland-based LouRoss Technology built its reputation supplying commercial growers. Its OutdoorHome 6-inch rain gauge now brings that same tech to home gardens.
The rain gauge features a precision dual-scale system that measures up to 6 inches (150mm) of rainfall and is suitable for areas that experience light precipitation and heavy downpours. Precisely raised measurement indicators improve readability and accuracy, especially when you're taking a reading on a foggy or rainy morning.
Skip the Apps, Trust the Numbers
Smart garden tech keeps getting more complex, but commercial growers still base irrigation choices on actual rainfall data from a rain gauge. It works for acres of crops, and it works for backyard gardens. Get yours today!
Check it out at https://www.amazon.com/outdoorhome?maas=maas_adg_1D5BDC8E6B4A4663A4132D15941D3CA6_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
OutdoorHome is a brand of LouRoss Technology, a family-owned Australian manufacturer with over 20 years of experience developing professional-grade outdoor products. Based in Teddington, Queensland, the company specializes in weather monitoring equipment and outdoor accessories under its flagship brands: Outdoor Home Made Outdoor Tough and Outback Blue.
