Smart Grow: IoT-based Real-time Plant Care Assistant with Telegram Alerts
Abstract
Smart Grow is a low-cost internet of things (IoT)-based plant-care assistant designed to simplify indoor plant maintenance through continuous environmental monitoring and instant user communication. The system employs an ESP32 microcontroller integrated with a capacitive soil‑moisture sensor and a BH1750 digital light sensor to measure two critical parameters affecting plant growth: water availability and light intensity. Sensor readings are processed locally, filtered, and compared against predefined thresholds to determine plant health conditions in real time. Whenever abnormal conditions such as dry soil or insufficient illumination are detected, the system sends immediate notifications and care suggestions to the user through a Telegram bot interface. Unlike conventional monitoring dashboards, the messaging‑based interaction allows users to receive updates, request live readings, and customize thresholds without technical expertise. Experimental evaluation demonstrated stable measurements, rapid alert delivery, and reliable Wi‑Fi reconnection during interruptions. The modular architecture enables future expansion with temperature, humidity, and automated irrigation modules. Overall, Smart Grow provides an accessible and scalable solution for students, households, and beginner gardeners by combining sensing, wireless communication, and user‑friendly alerts to minimize plant neglect and promote sustainable plant care practices.
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