Project DotSlashGarden: A Computer-Controlled Hydrogarden

A few weeks ago, I had an awesome idea: a portable hydrogarden that could be controlled with a computer. This device would be more sophisticated then the commercially available models (which were the inspiration of this project) in that I could operate it from my laptop. I call it "Project DotSlashGarden," or simply "./garden."

The idea of this blog is to be able to hear the thought's of others on this project. I also believe that the Internet is a valuable teaching tool and the documentation that I create may help someone later. My notes at home are also very disorganized, so this blog forces me to write in a neat, succinct manner that I can understand later.

I presume that you have a few questions about DotSlashGarden:

Whoa, wait a second! What exactly is a hydrogarden?

A hydrogarden is a garden that uses hydroponics, a planting technique that does not use dirt. Instead, water with a nutrient solution is used to feed the plants. It supposedly causes faster growth and, in my opinion, it is much easier to control. What I want to create is a fairly autonomous, indoor device that can grow plants regardless of outdoor conditions.

The aforementioned commercial models seem to want to call themselves "aerogardens" even though, to my knowledge, they do not use aeroponics (a system that uses mist instead of standing water).

How will this project progress?

I plan to use the Unified Process as outlined in C++ for Dummies by John Paul Mueller and Jeff Cogswell. Basically, it works through four phases (inception, elaboration, construction, and transition) that include multiple of the five workflows (requirements, analysis, design, implementation, and testing). This method allows one to focus on small parts at a time so the overall affair becomes a lot easier. This methodology will become more clear as the project progresses.

Those familiar with UP will probably know that it is used mainly in programming. However, I think it will do just fine because object-oriented programming is basically the same as building a physical object.

Why are you doing this?

I am doing this mostly because I want to practice my programming skills. I am also not a very good gardener, therefore any type of automation will make gardening a lot simpler for me.

If you have any other questions, please ask them in the comments!

In regards to the blog as a whole, I should be posting quite regularly over the next few months as I want to complete the hydrogarden by the end of the summer. I hope you enjoy reading this blog! Feel free to introduce yourself and express your thoughts in the comments.