Week 0 - Final Project: Automated Nutrient Dosing and Watering System

Introduction and Motivation

My passion for horticulture and the desire to ease the time commitment involved in gardening have led me to this final project. The goal is to automate aspects of gardening, particularly watering and nutrient dosing, while preserving the fulfilling experience of working with soil.

Background Research

Existing solutions in home garden automation typically employ hydroponic or aquaponic systems. However, these methods alter the fundamental gardening experience. My project will focus on automating the nutrient dosing and watering process for soil-based gardens, offering a solution that is both practical and aligned with traditional gardening practices.

Project Scope and Challenges

One of the most time-consuming tasks in gardening is the preparation and application of nutrient solutions. This project aims to automate this process, considering the specific requirements of different growth stages of plants. Commercial solutions exist, but their cost is prohibitive for home gardeners. This project seeks to develop an affordable, efficient, and reliable alternative.

Initial Brainstorming and Planning

Below are my initial brainstorming notes and a draft plan for the nutrient dosing system. The plan approaches the project in a modular fashion, prioritizing essential features and functionalities.