Do you need a rain gauge for your garden? Yes — if you're growing tomatoes, vegetables, or any plants with specific water requirements, guessing how much rain fell is costing you yield and plant health. The Stratus® Professional Precision Rain Gauge measures rainfall to 0.01-inch accuracy, is endorsed by NOAA, and is the official gauge of the CoCoRaHS weather observation network. Made in USA.
Tom's Quick Answer: I guessed at rainfall for 20 years. I overwatered after light showers and underwatered after what felt like heavy rain. A $20 rain gauge fixed both problems permanently. Mount it, check it after every rain, and adjust your Tomato Crater watering schedule accordingly.
Tom's Real-World Advice
Most gardeners water on a schedule — Monday, Wednesday, Friday, regardless of what fell from the sky. That's how you get blossom end rot in a wet week and drought stress in a dry one. The Stratus® Professional Precision Rain Gauge changed how I think about watering entirely. Now I check it every morning. If it rained 0.8 inches overnight, my Tomato Crater plants don't need supplemental water that day. If it rained 0.2 inches, they do.
Why Rainfall Guessing Hurts Your Garden
- Overwatering after light rain. A shower that feels substantial often delivers less than 0.25 inches — not enough to skip supplemental watering for tomatoes needing 1–2 inches per week.
- Underwatering after heavy rain. A hard 20-minute downpour can deliver 1.5 inches — more than enough for the week, but most gardeners water anyway out of habit.
- Blossom end rot. Caused by inconsistent calcium uptake triggered by irregular watering. Stratus + Tomato Crater together eliminate the inconsistency.
- Fruit cracking. Dry period followed by sudden heavy watering causes rapid fruit expansion and cracking.
- Wasted water. Overwatering is the most common garden mistake. A rain gauge pays for itself in water savings in a single season.
What Makes Stratus Different from a Standard Rain Gauge
| Feature | Stratus® Professional Precision | Standard Hardware Store Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | 0.01-inch increments | Typically 0.1-inch increments |
| NOAA endorsed | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| CoCoRaHS official gauge | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Tube diameter | 4-inch wide-mouth opening | Typically 1–2 inch |
| Accuracy in light rain | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Poor — misses light events |
| Made in USA | ✅ Yes | Varies |
Stratus + Tomato Crater: The Precision Watering System
Stratus and Tomato Crater are a natural pairing. Tomato Crater delivers water precisely to the root zone. Stratus tells you exactly how much nature already delivered. Tom's rule: tomatoes need 1–2 inches per week. Check Stratus after every rain. Subtract rainfall from the weekly target. Deliver the remainder through the Tomato Crater moat.
How to Mount Your Stratus® Professional Precision Rain Gauge
- Choose an open location. Mount at least 10 feet from any structure, tree, or obstruction.
- Mount at the right height. CoCoRaHS standard is 1–3 feet above the ground.
- Level the gauge. A tilted gauge gives inaccurate readings.
- Check after every rain event. Read the inner measuring tube at eye level, record, then empty.
- Empty within 24 hours. Evaporation affects readings if you wait too long.
FAQs
What is the most accurate rain gauge for home gardeners?
The Stratus® Professional Precision Rain Gauge — measuring to 0.01-inch precision with a 4-inch wide-mouth opening. NOAA endorsed and the official gauge of the CoCoRaHS weather observation network.
How often should I check my rain gauge?
After every rain event, ideally within 24 hours. Tom checks his every morning as part of his garden routine.
What is CoCoRaHS?
CoCoRaHS is a volunteer weather observation network that collects precipitation data for NOAA, the National Weather Service, and local water utilities. The Stratus® Professional Precision Rain Gauge is the official CoCoRaHS gauge.
How much rain do tomatoes need per week?
Tomatoes need 1–2 inches of water per week, increasing to 1.5–2 inches during flowering and fruit set. Use Stratus to track rainfall and Tomato Crater to deliver supplemental water directly to the root zone.
Is the Stratus Rain Gauge Made in USA?
Yes. The Stratus® Professional Precision Rain Gauge is manufactured in the United States.
Shop Stratus® Professional Precision Rain Gauge →
Also available at: Walmart · Amazon · Tractor Supply · Wayfair · Zoro
More Stratus Resources: Stratus Rain Gauge Hub | Shop Tomato Crater | Learn From Tom
