Step 1 – Gather Your Supplies: What you will need to build the watering system.
These instructions for setting up an auto-watering system are mainly for use indoors or in a greenhouse. Still, they can be used on container-grown plants outside (e.g., patio gardens) if additional precautions are taken to protect the electronics.
Gather Your Supplies
- A potted plant with a drainage saucer. Healthy plants in 1- or 2- gallon pots are optimal.
- IoT datalogger
- Soil moisture sensor
- Water level sensor
- Water pump and solenoid valve; tubing for water deliver, filter, and drip emitter
- 5-gallon bucket or other water reservoir with a lid or makeshift top covering
- Power supply (5V) for the datalogger and pump (aka wall wart), might need an extension cord or power strip
- Meter stick or measuring tape
- Optional: Grow light
- Optional: Soluble fertilizer
- Optional: Wi-Fi connection for remote monitoring on the browser dashboard