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Arduino Controlled Greenhouse!

Former Member

Hi everyone, while surfing the nets I came across this website (which I think is absolutly wonderful by the way) and I just decided to post one of my project ideas and see if anyone has any input.

 

Im (attempting) to build an arduino controlled greenhouse (Garduino?).  Right now I am just starting out with a basic temperature sensor ( a TC74A0 running throug an I2C bus) and a humidity sensor (its a capacitance humidity sensor, wired up to an astable 555 chip circut).  In the future I am hoping to add relays that control heating elements of some sort, lights, and a humidifier, all of these would be adjusted with what the Arduino is getting from its sensors.

 

In the future I am planning to add a PH sensor, and soil dampness sensor.

 

So what do you guys think? Any suggestions for me?

Parents

  • 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 image

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  • 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 image

Children
  • in reply to YT2095

    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.