Back to the list

Garden implements: thermometer and rain gauge

Although greenhouses are invaluable to the gardener, it is essential to know how to regulate certain parameters so that your plants can thrive. Temperature is one of these parameters - is it too high or too low? You must be able to achieve the right environment for plants to grow healthily. Water is another parameter -too much or too little are both harmful. Because of this, a thermometer and a rain gauge are essential implements for harmony to reign in the garden.

The right temperature for your plants

In the winter, when plants cope badly if the temperature falls below zero, a greenhouse is a good form of protection against the frost. Depending on the materials used, it can be more or less difficult to keep the cold on the outside and the warmth on the inside.

The optimum temperature for photosynthesis depends on where plants come from.
-For plants from temperate regions the maximum is between 15°C and 25°C.
-For tropical plants, the maximum can be between 30°C and 45°C.

Tolerance levels to cold and heat also vary depending on where plants come from.
-From -2°C to 0°C and 40 - 50°C, for plants from temperate regions.
-From +5°C to 7°C and +50 - 60°C, for tropical plants.

It is essential to measure the temperature your plants are kept in accurately. Choose a thermometer that shows minimum and maximum temperatures so it can be proactive in protecting your plants. The Celsius range of thermometers offers a wide choice of designs. Place it away from draughts and sources of heat to avoid inaccurate readings.

  • Garden implements: thermometer and rain gauge

    Measure rainfall accurately

    It is a given that water is an essential factor in the garden, but have your plants had enough water today? This recurring question, asked by every good gardener, can be resolved by putting a rain ga
    The Pluvio range of gauges gives you a choice of ways to take measurements: gauges can be stood in the ground, hung from a support or placed high on top of a metal stand and by using an LED they can become a practical and decorative feature.   

    Place the gauge in an open area and take readings every day if possible. After every reading, rinse out the water collector and clear it of dead leaves and twigs to make sure you obtain reliable results. To avoid possible evaporation, place the rain gauge in the shade and out of the wind as much as possible.

    Examples of water requirements for certain plant types:
    -Vegetables/low water requirements: potatoes, asparagus, garlic, onions, artichokes, carrots
    -Vegetables/high water requirements: salad, tomatoes, cabbages, any plants with creeping stems or large fruits such as melons, cucumbers, beans and gherkins
    -Plants/low water requirements: rosemary, lavender, box, sedum, tamaris
    - Plants /very high water requirements: willow, ash, poplar, alder

    Observe your garden to work out when and where the sun shines. Which areas are in the shade or sunny, and where do the shadows fall? With a good knowledge of the climatic subtleties of your garden, you can choose the most appropriate plants for your environment. This information is invaluable for knowing when and where to plant, when to water and when to protect.

    Watch nature grow. She offers many clues for you to consider to improve the growth of your plants.