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
- 
Sensors measure soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light.
 - 
Crowduino (Arduino-compatible) processes data and decides when to water.
 - 
Water pump activates when soil is too dry.
 - 
WiFi (ESP8266) sends data to your phone via Blynk/MIT App Inventor.
 - 
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)
- 
Download Blynk App (iOS/Android).
 - 
Create a project with:
- 
Live Soil Moisture Gauge
 - 
Button for Manual Watering
 - 
Alert Notifications
 
 - 
 
Option 2: MIT App Inventor (Customizable)
- 
Drag-and-drop UI with HTTP/MQTT for sensor data.
 
🔋 Step 4: Power & Enclosure
- 
Solar Panel → TP4056 Charger → 18650 Battery
 - 
3D-Printed Case (Download STL Files)
- 
Waterproof electronics compartment.
 - 
Modular sensor mounts.
 
 - 
 
Demonstration Video
▶️ Watch How It Works! (Link to YouTube demo)
💡 Why This Project Matters
- 
Saves Plants from over/under-watering.
 - 
Teaches IoT, Sensors, and Automation in a practical way.
 - 
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. | 
    
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        


                            
                            
                                                                                        
                                            
                                                                                        
                                                                                        
                                                                                        
                                                                                        
                                                                                        
                                                                                        
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                            
                    
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                        
                                                
                                        
                                                
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                                
                                        
                                                
                                        
                                                
                                        
                                                
                                        
                                        
                                                
