Story
The Smart Plant Guardian is an IoT-enabled, self-sustaining plant care system that automatically monitors and maintains optimal growing conditions for your plants. It combines sensors, automation, and solar power to:
✅ Monitor soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light levels.
✅ Automatically water plants when needed.
✅ Alert you via a mobile app if something’s wrong.
✅ Run on solar + battery power for eco-friendly operation.
Perfect for home gardeners, urban farmers, and electronics enthusiasts who want a hands-off approach to plant care!
System Overview
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Sensors measure soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light.
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Crowduino (Arduino-compatible) processes data and decides when to water.
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Water pump activates when soil is too dry.
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WiFi (ESP8266) sends data to your phone via Blynk/MIT App Inventor.
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Solar panel + battery keep it running without outlets.
Components Needed
Component | Where to Buy |
---|---|
Crowduino (Arduino) | Elecrow |
Soil Moisture Sensor | Elecrow/Amazon |
DHT22 Sensor | Amazon/AliExpress |
5V Water Pump | AliExpress/SparkFun |
ESP8266 (WiFi) | Elecrow/Amazon |
0.96" OLED Display | Elecrow |
Solar Panel (5V 1W) | Adafruit/eBay |
Wiring Guide
Component | Crowduino Pin |
---|---|
Soil Moisture Sensor | A0 |
DHT22 Sensor | D2 |
Light Sensor | A1 |
Water Pump | D5 (via Relay) |
ESP8266 (WiFi) | RX/TX (UART) |
Install Required Libraries
#include <DHT.h> #include <ESP8266WiFi.h> #include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h>
2. Main Logic (Simplified)
void loop() { int moisture = analogRead(A0); if (moisture < 30) { // If soil is dry digitalWrite(PUMP_PIN, HIGH); // Turn on pump delay(2000); // Water for 2 seconds digitalWrite(PUMP_PIN, LOW); } }
Option 1: Blynk (Easiest)
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Download Blynk App (iOS/Android).
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Create a project with:
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Live Soil Moisture Gauge
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Button for Manual Watering
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Alert Notifications
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Option 2: MIT App Inventor (Customizable)
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Drag-and-drop UI with HTTP/MQTT for sensor data.
🔋 Step 4: Power & Enclosure
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Solar Panel → TP4056 Charger → 18650 Battery
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3D-Printed Case (Download STL Files)
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Waterproof electronics compartment.
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Modular sensor mounts.
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Demonstration Video
▶️ Watch How It Works! (Link to YouTube demo)
💡 Why This Project Matters
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Saves Plants from over/under-watering.
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Teaches IoT, Sensors, and Automation in a practical way.
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Open-Source & Hackable – add cameras, AI, or voice control!
⚠️ Common Pitfalls & Fixes
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Pump not turning on | Check relay wiring + power supply. |
WiFi disconnects | Use stable 3.3V for ESP8266. |
Wrong moisture readings | Calibrate sensor in dry/wet soil. |