The season's weekly rain watch begins. Weeks start on Monday. The big 25 on the rain gauge is the magic 25mm/1" mark, the rule-of-thumb ideal for a week—an inch of slow and steady rain over a few hours, and of course all the rest, sunshine, that's just...beautiful. A 1/2" is an … [Read more...] about Rain watch begins
rain gauge
Planting the rain gauge
The field is way dry enough to till, so it's time to get on the rain watch (yeah, and like as not there will be some snow in there)! Picked a new spot, just for variety, and set out the rain gauge once again. Hopefully it won't fill up, then freeze and explode in some freakish … [Read more...] about Planting the rain gauge
The rain watch begins (once again)
Another rite of spring on this tiny farm: setting out the (jumbo) rain gauge. I did it today. This model, with its big numbers and fluorescent red float, can be "read at 50 feet"! Or something like that. It's...jumbo. I stake it in a convenient spot that I pass by several times a … [Read more...] about The rain watch begins (once again)
First rain (just a little)
The first official rain of the gardening season happened overnight, an unimpressive 3mm or so. I suppose I shouldn't sneer at ANY rain... Still, it's hardly enough to do anything but help along the pigweed. On the positive side, it's a start! … [Read more...] about First rain (just a little)
It’s all about the rain…
The jumbo rain gauge is something to keep an eye on. Once in a while, that little red disc floats upwards, and then, you're looking for the magic 25 (millimeters, that is, a nice inch of rain). … [Read more...] about It’s all about the rain…