Arduino Controlled Greenhouse!

You might like this

http://www.sparkfun.com/news/598

Hi, I have done PC-controlled "Grow Labs" and will convert mine to Arduino next Summer when I get back to USA.

You might like to find these guys: http://yourduino.com/home-automation.htm

And when you get to controlling things like watering and passive and active ventilation you'll need to do "Arduino Power!"

More sensors and stuff here too:

Please let us know how your project goes!

DISCLAIMER: I mentioned stuff from my own Shop...

Regards, Terry King

...In The Woods In Vermont

terry@yourduino.com

This is another of those projects I have been wanting to get around to. I will at some point make an Arduino (smarter) version of this for night heating.

http://www.reuk.co.uk/Solar-Greenhouse-Heat-Sink.htm

Hi Andrew, I too am interested in greenhouse automation.  Have had any sucess with the soil moisture detection / measurement ? I would appreciate any information you can share.

Thanks

Bob 

Hi, I have not tried this one personaly, but I read this project (link below) where someone used two nails planted in the soil, and read the resistance between the two nails (the electricity will travel more free in wet soil, and less in dry soil).  Tell me if it works or not

http://revoltlab.com/projects/plantduino-greenhouse/

Hey Andrew,

I think you would need two concucting plates to build al little capacity. Its value would depend from the moisture between it.

Sorry to bring up a somewhat dead thread, but google brings it up often for me... I made something along those lines that used temperature and humidity data to control relays as well as different timers. It used an arduino and connected computer system (I was also running motion security cameras on same server...).

All the sources are available at:  https://github.com/pleasuretek/openGreenHouse  . I am currently upgrading the project to the beaglebone, all sensor logging is put into a postgres database and the relays are controlled using gpio. Check out the version for arduino though, I feel like I took it as far as it could go ( I had started a version with RTC, and ethernet shield and sd card (csv data logging, and relay state machine)).

I am big into open sourcing the project, as I grow microgreens in greenhouses, and if we could record all of the environment data and feeding data, anyone could take the seeds and grow healthy food anywhere in the world, as long as they replicate the environment. Open source cropware (symbiosis of software, hardware, genetics, and community)

I used to grow Chilis in mine, and found that it`s Not a good idea to use metals in the soil as these will potentially contaminate it with metal salts, and/or form a oxide layer that will alter the readings over time making them less stable.

the best thing to use if Carbon (graphite) rods, these wont alter anything, And you can get them quite easily from most Welding suppliers as Gouging Rods, I used the 12mm diameter rods.

you must peel off the copper foil!

it`s easy to do with a knife to get started and the rest just peels off, you Can leave a bit of copper on the end to solder your wires to, but these must stay above the surface and idealy put some self amalgamting tape over the copper and wire join to prevent humidity corroding it.

These should last you for Years!

all the best

I fully agree about the using nails as moisture sensors. They will alter the metals (make unwanted salt buildup) and PH. I have seen professional sensors for this, but I still use the old fashioned way to tell how often to water or feed - test them by hand and know your genetics.  Greenhouse automation can help with some things, but you will always have a long list of chores when caring for plants.

To my knowledge commercial growers do not measure soil water levels, aside from the issue of remembering to take the things out when harvesting, there are too many variables and potential contamination. They have trouble with soil temperature for much the same reasons. See priva.nl as a commercial agricultural control supplier.

Concentrate on temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels for your best crop.