Measuring Precipitation

It's a good idea to keep a rain gauge in your vegetable garden to help determine whether plants are receiving enough water. Place a rain gauge or several straight-sided coffee cans in the garden away from plants that may hang over the container. Keep a record of the amount of rain that has fallen and supplement nature with irrigation.

Measuring precipitation in your vegetable garden helps you determine whether your plants need more water.
Measuring precipitation in your vegetable garden helps you determine
whether your plants need more water.

Typical garden soil will need about an inch of rain a week. If overhead irrigation is used, time a few waterings to determine how long it takes to supply the garden with one inch of water. By using several measuring cans, you can determine if the garden is being irrigated evenly. To encourage deep rooting, it's better to apply one heavy watering to the garden than several light waterings.

Want more information about vegetable gardens? Visit these links:
  • Caring for a Vegetable Garden: Read our guide to nurturing your vegetable plants for the best harvest.
  • Vegetable Gardens: Find out everything you wanted to know about vegetable gardening.
  • Vegetables: Pick out your favorite vegetables to plant in next year's garden.
  • Gardening: We answer all of your general gardening questions in this section.
  • Garden Care: Whether you're growing cucumbers or columbines, we have all the information you need to nurture a thriving garden.