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best rain gauge to accurately track every rain drop

If you're a gardener or farmer, your plants and crops aren't just your passion, they're likely your livelihood too! Eliminate guesswork when watering plants with this handy tool. Read More →

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 Outback Blue and 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 Outdoor Home 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 Outback Blue 11-inch capacity rain gauge or the Outdoor Home 6-inch rain gauge now brings that same tech to home gardens.

Both rain gauges features a precision dual-scale system that measures up to 11 inches (280mm) or 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 Outdoor Home at https://www.amazon.com/outdoorhome?maas=maas_adg_1D5BDC8E6B4A4663A4132D15941D3CA6_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

OutdoorHome and Outback Blue 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.

Don’t Let Winter Weather Stop Your Rain Gauge: Replacement Parts Now Available!

We understand that winter can be tough on your Outback Blue rain gauge. After hearing from many customers who experienced damage from freezing conditions, we're excited to announce that individual replacement parts are now available for purchase.

You can order here: Outback Blue Rain Gauge Replacement Parts | Outback Blue

Whether your inner tube cracked, the outer tube sustained damage, or the funnel lid went missing during those harsh winter months, we've got you covered. You can now order exactly what you need to get your rain gauge back in working order:

  • Inner collection tube
  • Outer measurement tube
  • Funnel lid
  • Mounting bracket

Remember, to prevent future damage, we recommend bringing your rain gauge indoors when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. However, we know accidents happen, and that's why we're committed to providing these replacement options.

To order replacement parts click here to go to the replacement parts order page and specify which components you need.

Our team is ready to help you get your rain gauge back to perfect working condition.

Quick Tip: Consider setting a reminder on your phone or calendar to bring in your rain gauge before the first freeze of the season. This simple step can help prevent damage and extend the life of your weather monitoring equipment.

Have questions about replacement parts or maintenance? Our customer service team is here to help!

Email us at admin@lourosstechnology.com