A rain gauge is a useful tool for measuring the amount of precipitation that has fallen. We live in a time of constant change. The climate is changing from year to year, and water resources are becoming increasingly scarce.
We cannot rely on rainfall to reliably fill our rain barrels or cisterns every year. So what options do we gardeners have?
We have to resort to using precious drinking water. However, there are increasingly frequent reports that tap water should not be used for gardens or swimming pools in order to avoid jeopardising the public water supply.
Saving water
To save water, a rain gauge is a great way to determine whether watering is necessary. For example, lawns need about 20 litres of water per square metre per week to grow well. If it has already rained enough this week, I can save myself the trouble of watering and don't need to use water or labour. The same applies to our other plants in the garden, on the balcony or on the terrace. Who can estimate how much it has rained? A rain gauge also helps to ensure that you do not overwater your plants. As we know, some plants do not like too much moisture.
How much should I water?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Most of us water our plants according to how we feel, which is definitely the most sensible option. Every gardener, whether small or large, can tell from the condition of the plant whether it is doing well or not. If the leaves are a little limp or the first leaves are already falling off, it is high time to water. But when is this stage reached? This is precisely where it is impossible to make a general statement. There are several factors that make a difference from garden to garden, but also from region to region:
-Is my plant in the shade?
-What type of soil do I have in my garden, sandy or loamy?
-How big is my plant?
-Is the plant growing or currently forming fruit?
Every plant lover can and must assess and decide these various points for themselves, their garden and their plants.
Sustainable option
Forena offers the most sustainable option here with the first rain gauge made of silicone. We've all been there: we left a plastic object filled with water outside during the first frost and the frost damaged the plastic due to the expanding ice. This is where silicone offers unbeatable advantages. The material simply expands slightly and then contracts again. Even hail cannot cause any damage. This means that the rain gauge is suitable for outdoor use all year round.
Best of all, no bracket is required as the rod holder is integrated into the rain gauge. This means that plastic can be completely dispensed with. Simply place the silicone rain gauge on a rod and you're done. Incidentally, cleaning is very easy; all you need is a sponge or cloth and some water. The rain gauge can be turned inside out, allowing you to easily reach and remove any dirt.
As you can see, a rain gauge made of silicone is a very useful tool for saving time, water and money.