| How Can We Leverage Technology to Make Gardening More Sustainable and Efficient? I’ve been profoundly exploring this fascinating and timely topic throughout the year. With the ongoing changes and adaptations required at Plot 17, Earthly Comforts’ gardening business, and even on the Earthly Comforts blog, the need to integrate new technologies into our green spaces has never felt more essential. We all need to move forward with emerging technologies and more intelligent systems. The key is to embrace these innovations rather than resist them. By incorporating technology, we empower ourselves to make gardening more sustainable, efficient, and rewarding. Artificial Intelligence (AI), environmental sensors, and even drones offer opportunities to garden with greater precision and care. |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI can process vast amounts of data—from weather forecasts to plant growth patterns—and turn that information into actionable insights. For example: AI can predict optimal plant, water, or harvest times based on local climate trends and historical data. Image recognition tools can help identify early signs of plant stress, disease, or pests simply by analysing a photo. Apps like Picture This or Pl@nt Identifier can provide personalised advice based on soil type, plant goals, or microclimate—minimising trial and error and reducing waste of water, seeds, and time. |
| Sensors Garden and soil sensors collect real-time data around the clock, measuring: Soil moisture to avoid over- or under-watering. Nutrient levels to guide fertilisation efforts. Temperature and light exposure to reveal microclimates and inform planting decisions. This year, we’ll be using solar-powered sensors at the allotment. These tools support healthier plants, reduce unnecessary resource use, and promote a more environmentally conscious approach to gardening. |
| Drones Although more common in large-scale agriculture, drones are becoming increasingly valuable for community plots and more extensive home gardens. While I’ve found them intrusive in specific spaces, they’re convenient for allotments or gardens where consent has been granted. Drones can: Scan gardens from above using visual or thermal imaging to detect issues early. Map layouts in large or hard-to-reach spaces. Distribute seeds or spray treatments in targeted areas, reducing effort and minimising environmental impact. |
| Sustainability Impact Altogether, these technologies reduce waste—less water, fewer chemicals, and less energy—and support healthier plants. This means more food or flowers with a lighter environmental footprint. By being more informed and precise, gardeners can cultivate vibrant, thriving gardens with less intervention and more extraordinary care. |
| In Summary Technology allows us to garden smarter. It makes our work more precise, efficient, and eco-friendly, transforming our spaces into responsive, self-monitoring ecosystems. As gardeners, whether professional or domestic, we have a responsibility to stay informed and empowered. Embracing progressive technologies like AI can enhance our practice—so long as we remember to manage them thoughtfully and responsibly. |
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