Archimedes of Syracuse was an ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, and inventor whose principle of water displacement inspired the design of the World’s Coolest Rain Gauge®. He wrote about the discovery in his famous work On Floating Bodies — and more than 2,000 years later, here we are, still having fun watching things float in water.

Archimedes Backyard: Resources For The Modern Gardener

heavy rain in garden

How Can Rainfall Vary So Much Just a Few Miles ...

One neighborhood gets a downpour while another a few miles away barely gets wet. Here's why rainfall can vary so much over surprisingly short distances.

How Can Rainfall Vary So Much Just a Few Miles ...

One neighborhood gets a downpour while another a few miles away barely gets wet. Here's why rainfall can vary so much over surprisingly short distances.

sprinkler watering grass

Do I Need a Rain Gauge If I Have an Irrigation ...

Already have a sprinkler or irrigation system? A rain gauge can still help you make better watering decisions. Learn how measuring rainfall can help you avoid overwatering, check your irrigation...

Do I Need a Rain Gauge If I Have an Irrigation ...

Already have a sprinkler or irrigation system? A rain gauge can still help you make better watering decisions. Learn how measuring rainfall can help you avoid overwatering, check your irrigation...

kid laughing in rain

Do Non-Gardeners Need A Rain Gauge?

Do you need a rain gauge? Maybe more than you think. Rain gauges are useful for gardeners and homeowners, but plenty of people simply enjoy knowing how much rain they...

Do Non-Gardeners Need A Rain Gauge?

Do you need a rain gauge? Maybe more than you think. Rain gauges are useful for gardeners and homeowners, but plenty of people simply enjoy knowing how much rain they...

copper rain gauge in a fall yard

When Should I Stop Measuring Rainfall in the Fall?

When should you stop measuring rainfall in the fall? Learn why the first frost isn't the cutoff, which plants still need water before winter, and how a winter-safe rain gauge...

When Should I Stop Measuring Rainfall in the Fall?

When should you stop measuring rainfall in the fall? Learn why the first frost isn't the cutoff, which plants still need water before winter, and how a winter-safe rain gauge...

lush vegetable garden

How to Protect Your Vegetable Garden During a H...

Extreme heat can quickly stress vegetable gardens, causing wilting, blossom drop, sunscald, and reduced harvests. Learn how to protect your vegetables during a heat wave with practical watering, shading, mulching,...

How to Protect Your Vegetable Garden During a H...

Extreme heat can quickly stress vegetable gardens, causing wilting, blossom drop, sunscald, and reduced harvests. Learn how to protect your vegetables during a heat wave with practical watering, shading, mulching,...

applying fertilizer

Should You Fertilize Plants During A Heat Wave?

Hot weather changes how plants respond to fertilizer. Learn when fertilizing is helpful, when it can do more harm than good, and how to protect your lawn and garden during...

Should You Fertilize Plants During A Heat Wave?

Hot weather changes how plants respond to fertilizer. Learn when fertilizing is helpful, when it can do more harm than good, and how to protect your lawn and garden during...