Final Project – AndrewG

Background:

Caring for plants can often be difficult, they can die from lack of water, overwatering, too much sun exposure, not enough sun, the list goes on. I want to make an automated plant pot.

Explanation:

I will use an Arduino, LEDs, a small water pump, and a moisture sensor. Using the internet to research different plant species and their individual needs, I will be able to program specific watering cycles and adjust the amount of light that the plants receive. The biggest setback to building this project will be the cost of the water pump and the tubing, even if I could purchase this right away, shipping might be an issue with finals just around the corner due to this issue, the Water pump may be traded for an RGB LED indicator that shines blue when the plant needs water. This solution takes some of the autonomous aspects out of having an autonomous flower pot, however, this adds an aspect of cooperation between the user and the device, creating a relationship between the plant, the pot, and the user.

Credits:

Personal interest, Open source DIY planters, class comments.

Simple Budget:

Arduino: Owned

LEDs: Owned

Moisture sensor: Owned

Clock sensor to keep time intervals: Owned

LCD Screen for updates: Owned

Water pump/ Tubing: $45+

Unit Materials: Flowerpot, Laser cut wood for the unit housing.

Time: 3 days coding, 4 days assembling, 1-day tweaking.