How to Build a Simple Auto-Watering System for Houseplants Using an Arduino

Introduction

Keeping houseplants alive can be a challenge, especially when you're away from home for extended periods of time. An auto-watering system powered by an Arduino is a simple DIY project that can help ensure your plants stay happy and healthy while you're gone. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps to build your own Arduino-based auto-watering system for houseplants.

Components Needed

To build this system, you'll need the following components:

• Arduino Uno or compatible microcontroller - This serves as the brains of the operation.

• Soil moisture sensor - This sensor goes in the soil and detects when the soil moisture drops below a certain threshold.

• Submersible water pump - A small pump to pump water from the reservoir to the plants.

• Tubing - To connect the pump to the plants.

• Relay module - To allow the Arduino to control the power to the pump.

• Power adapter - To power the Arduino and relay module.

• Breadboard and jumper wires - For connecting the components.

• Container for water reservoir - Where the water supply for the plants is held.

Optional:

• LCD display - To display system info.

• Real time clock module - To add time-based watering schedules.

Circuit Diagram

Here is a basic circuit diagram showing how to connect all the components:

Assembly Steps

Follow these steps to assemble the system:

1. Connect the soil moisture sensor

• Connect the signal pin on the sensor to an analog input pin on the Arduino.

• Connect power and ground.

2. Connect the water pump

• Connect the pump power cables to the relay module.

• Connect the relay control pin to a digital pin on the Arduino.

3. Optional - Connect the LCD

• Connect the LCD's power, ground, and data pins to the Arduino.

4. Load the Arduino code

• Upload a sketch to the Arduino that reads the soil moisture level and turns the pump on when needed.

5. Power the system

• Connect the Arduino and relay to the power adapter or other power source.

6. Add tubing and water reservoir

• Run tubing from the pump outlet to your plant pots.
• Place the pump in a water reservoir.

Operation

The system works by regularly checking the soil moisture level. When the moisture drops below a threshold, indicating the soil is dry, the Arduino activates the water pump to pump water into the soil until it is rehydrated.

The optional LCD provides feedback on the current status. And a real time clock module allows setting scheduled watering times.

Conclusion

An Arduino-based auto-watering system is simple to build using basic electronics components and Arduino code. The major steps are connecting the sensors and pump to the Arduino, uploading a control program, and adding tubing and a water reservoir. This DIY project ensures plants get the water they need to stay alive while you're away!