Technology helps gardeners navigate the natural world
The era of Smart Gardening is in full bloom. While gardening is enjoyable for plant enthusiasts, the activity requires a considerable amount of time and manual labor. And, for farmers, landscapers, and garden center operators the process of caring for plants is even more complex. However, Digital technology is revolutionizing the gardening experience by introducing equipment and gadgets that automate processes, deliver critical information, and conserve energy. Smart gardening tools attract Millennials and consumers who prefer purchasing eco-friendly products that reduce carbon emissions and lower our carbon footprint. The primary goal of the tools is to optimize plant care and make it easier home gardeners and pros to manage each stage of the growing process.
Something for Everyone
Some might think that Smart Gardening devices are best left to “techies” or professional gardeners. However, anyone who uses a smartphone, or downloads apps will feel comfortable using these tools. While there may be a momentary learning curb, the benefits of using these devices are worth the effort. Prices run the gamut—from inexpensive to costly. However, someone who is growing a small home garden won’t require the same types of equipment as a farmer who is growing hundreds of acres of crops. So, the devices are offered at price points that fit into most consumers budgets. While there are many tools in the marketplace with a variety of uses, here are a few of the most popular ones.
Soil Moisture Sensors
These handy gadgets take the guesswork out of watering plants. Soil sensors measure the moisture content in soil to prevent overwatering or underwatering. The device is planted in the garden soil and monitor PH balance, nutrient content, in addition to moisture levels. Real-time data is sent directly to a person’s smartphone or computer to inform them of soil conditions.
Solar-powered Garden Pest Deterrents
Using technology to provide gardeners with a human and environmentally friendly solutions for outdoor pest control solves an age-old problem. The devices use ultrasonic sounds and bright flashing lights to ward off pests, rodents, birds, or deer.
Self-watering Planters
These planters are designed based on the principles of basic botany. During the transpiration process plants absorb water by osmosis and the water then moves through out the capillaries of the plant. Smart planters have a reservoir of water at the bottom of the planter to ensure that the plant draws enough water to maintain a healthy moisture balance. The sub-irrigation system eliminates the guesswork and signals when the reservoir is empty and prompts plant parents to add more water.
Expandable Pots
Imagine having shoes that expand when your feet grow or swell. The expandable pot is a relatively new concept in the gardening industry. The containers expand as the plants grow so there’s no need for plant owners to continuously buy larger pots.
Smart Mowers
Although this equipment is relatively expensive, more homeowners are turning to smart mowers to help save time and effort and give their lawns a professional appearance. mowers are rising in popularity. This sophisticated machinery can even mow the lawn while homeowners are away since schedules can be pre-programmed using a smartphone app.
Smart Electric Composters
Turning old fruits, vegetables, and scraps into nutrient-rich compost takes time. Smart electric composters speed up the process by using heat and aeration. Gardners can leisurely compost smaller quantities of food scraps based on the amount of compost they need at one time.
Smart Indoor Gardens
Indoor Smart Gardens are beautiful accents for the home. These self-contained systems are ideal for growing nutritious herbs and other foods that thrive in smaller containers. The gardens are easy to operate and maintain since they provide light, automatic watering, fertilizer, and monitored heat levels. Gardeners only need to plant seeds or sow plants, and the unit does the rest of the work.
Smart Sprinklers
Smart sprinklers can be lifesavers when it comes to assisting farmers, greenhouse owners, and planters in scheduling irrigation and monitoring water usage and other variables. The equipment can detect breaks and leaks in the system and save water. The watering schedule can be adjusted to accommodate weather conditions, and it can be updated using the app on a smartphone or computer.
Gardening Apps
Consumers use gardening apps to get tips and expert advice on the care and maintenance of their gardens and natural spaces. These online resources can help with garden design, plant identification, problem-solving, and much more. Many of the apps are free or offered at nominal costs.
Robotic weeders
Weeding may become a thing of the past. Although it’s still in development, Tertill is a solar-powered weeding robot. The robot is powered by placing it in a sunny location in the garden. When ready, it will do the weeding it will weed for you. Organic gardeners and anyone who dreads weeding will appreciate the help since it eliminates stopping the use of chemicals.
Smart Garden tools are game changers. New technology has given new and experienced gardeners the confidence to take their passion for plants to the next level. Smart Gardening tools are making gardening more enjoyable and less labor-intensive for homeowners. Farmers and garden center owners appreciate the ability to monitor water usage and grow healthier plants. Gardening using technology can be a winning combination.
