Install a rain gauge to track natural precipitation

What to Do

Place a simple rain gauge in an open area of your yard (away from trees and structures) and check it after each rainfall. Subtract the recorded amount from your weekly watering target.

Why It Works

Without a rain gauge, most homeowners either overwater (wasting money and promoting disease) or water on a fixed schedule regardless of recent rainfall. A $5 rain gauge pays for itself in a single month of avoided unnecessary irrigation.

Tips

• Empty the gauge after each reading to keep measurements accurate.
• Digital wireless rain gauges ($15-30) display readings inside your home for convenience.
• Even a straight-sided container (like a jar) marked with a ruler works in a pinch.