This project is a Modular IoT Smart Plant Monitoring and Care System designed for the Elecrow 2nd Electronics Design Contest. It is a scalable, open-source DIY kit that monitors plant health (soil moisture, light, temperature, humidity) and automates watering using an ESP32-based CrowPanel display. Users can view real-time data and control the system via a mobile app over Wi-Fi. The kit is designed for easy assembly, making it ideal for hobbyists, educators, and plant enthusiasts, with high demand potential on Elecrow’s platform due to its relevance in urban gardening and smart home trends.

Features

• Real-Time Monitoring: Tracks soil moisture, light intensity, temperature, and humidity.

• Automated Watering: Activates a water pump when soil moisture falls below a user-defined threshold.

• Mobile App Control: View data and adjust settings remotely via a Blynk-based mobile app.

• Modular Design: Easy-to-assemble kit with plug-and-play sensors and actuators.

• CrowPanel Integration: Displays real-time data and system status on a 4.2” ESP32-based E-paper display.

• Open-Source: Full code and schematics provided for community customization.

• Educational Value: Includes a detailed step-by-step tutorial for learning IoT and electronics.

Target Audience

• Hobbyists: DIY electronics enthusiasts looking for practical IoT projects.

• Educators: Teachers and students exploring IoT, programming, and sensor integration.

• Plant Enthusiasts: Urban gardeners and home growers seeking smart plant care solutions.

• Elecrow Community: Makers looking for scalable, marketable kits to sell or replicate.

Market Demand

The project taps into the growing demand for smart home devices and urban gardening solutions. IoT-based plant care systems are popular due to their convenience and sustainability, with similar products (e.g., Elecrow’s smart watering kits) gaining traction. The modular design and educational focus make it ideal for Elecrow’s Partner Seller program, where makers can sell DIY kits online.

Hardware Components

• Elecrow CrowPanel ESP32 4.2” E-paper Display Module (with built-in ESP32S microcontroller)

• Soil Moisture Sensor (capacitive, corrosion-resistant)

• DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor

• BH1750 Light Intensity Sensor

• Mini Water Pump (5V, submersible) with relay module

• Jumper Wires (male-to-female, female-to-female)

• Breadboard or Custom PCB (optional for prototyping)

• 5V USB Power Supply (for powering the system)

• 3D-Printed Enclosure (optional, for professional assembly)

• Miscellaneous: Resistors (10kΩ for pull-up), tubing for water pump, USB cable

Software Requirements

• Arduino IDE: For programming the ESP32.

• Blynk Platform: For mobile app integration and remote control.

• Libraries:

  • Adafruit_Sensor and DHT for DHT22 sensor

  • BH1750 for light sensor

  • BlynkSimpleEsp32 for IoT connectivity

  • GxEPD2 for CrowPanel E-paper display

• Elecrow CrowPanel Firmware: For display control (available on Elecrow’s GitHub).

Circuit Diagram

Below is the schematic for connecting the components to the ESP32 CrowPanel:

[ESP32 CrowPanel]
   GPIO 27  ----> Soil Moisture Sensor (Analog Pin A0)
   GPIO 26  ----> DHT22 Data Pin (with 10kΩ pull-up resistor)
   GPIO 25  ----> BH1750 SCL (I2C)
   GPIO 33  ----> BH1750 SDA (I2C)
   GPIO 14  ----> Relay Module (IN pin for water pump control)
   VCC (5V) ----> Power for Sensors, Relay, and Pump
   GND      ----> Common Ground for all components

Assembly Instructions

1. Connect Sensors:

   • Attach the soil moisture sensor to GPIO 27 (analog input).

   • Connect the DHT22 data pin to GPIO 26 with a 10kΩ pull-up resistor between VCC and data pin.

   • Wire the BH1750 light sensor to GPIO 25 (SCL) and GPIO 33 (SDA) for I2C communication.

2. Connect Water Pump:

   • Connect the relay module’s IN pin to GPIO 14.

   • Wire the water pump to the relay’s NO (Normally Open) terminal and a 5V power supply.

3. Power the System:

   • Use a 5V USB power supply to power the ESP32 CrowPanel, sensors, and relay.

   • Ensure all components share a common ground.

4. Optional Enclosure:

   • 3D print a custom enclosure to house the CrowPanel, sensors, and pump (design files can be shared on Elecrow’s community).

   • Secure the soil moisture sensor in the plant pot and route tubing from the pump to the soil.