🌳 Bonsai Assistant Project

Building an automated irrigation system for bonsai trees - A work in progress

Current Project Status

🚧 In Development: I've recently built and tested the initial prototype of the Bonsai Assistant. The core system is functional in testing, but I'm still working on full deployment and refinement.

✅ Complete

Initial Build & Testing

🔄 In Progress

System Refinement

📋 Planned

Full Deployment

Project Overview

The Bonsai Assistant is an IoT project I'm developing to automate the care of bonsai trees. Using a Raspberry Pi, moisture sensors, and custom Python code, the system will monitor soil moisture levels and automatically water plants when needed. I'm passionate about both bonsai cultivation and automation, so this project combines both interests perfectly!

What I've Built So Far

Hardware Setup

I've assembled the core components and successfully tested the circuit:

Raspberry Pi 4B Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensors 5V Relay Module Water Pump (12V DC) ADC Module (ADS1115) Breadboard Prototype

Software Development

I've written the initial Python code for:

  • Reading moisture sensor data through GPIO pins
  • Basic threshold detection for watering triggers
  • Relay control for water pump activation
  • Simple data logging to track moisture levels
  • Initial testing scripts for calibration

Initial Testing Results

What's Working:

  • Sensors accurately read moisture levels
  • Relay successfully controls water pump
  • Basic automation logic functions properly
  • Data logging captures sensor readings

Current Challenges I'm Working On

🔧 Sensor Calibration

Each type of soil has different moisture characteristics. I need to create calibration profiles for different bonsai soil mixes.

💧 Water Distribution

Ensuring even water distribution to multiple plants from a single pump requires careful tubing and flow control design.

🏠 Permanent Installation

Moving from breadboard prototype to a proper enclosed system that looks clean and protects the electronics.

Next Steps

Here's what I'm planning to complete in the coming weeks:

Phase 1: System Refinement (Next 2-3 weeks)

  • Finalize sensor calibration for my specific bonsai soils
  • Build proper enclosure for electronics
  • Set up permanent wiring (moving off breadboard)
  • Create water reservoir with level monitoring

Phase 2: Software Enhancement (Following month)

  • Develop web interface for monitoring
  • Add data visualization for moisture trends
  • Implement notification system
  • Create mobile-responsive dashboard

Phase 3: Full Deployment (2-3 months)

  • Deploy system for all my bonsai trees
  • Long-term testing and optimization
  • Document results and create guide
  • Share project with bonsai community

Project Photos (Coming Soon)

I'll be adding photos as I progress with the build. Here's what I'm planning to document:

Current Breadboard Prototype

My Bonsai Collection

Testing & Calibration

What I'm Learning

This project has been a great learning experience so far! Here are some key skills I'm developing:

  • IoT Development: Working with sensors, actuators, and real-time data
  • Python Programming: GPIO control, data logging, and automation scripts
  • Hardware Integration: Circuit design, power management, and component selection
  • Problem Solving: Debugging hardware/software issues and finding creative solutions
  • Project Management: Planning phases, setting realistic goals, and iterative development

Project Resources

Follow my progress and see the code:

View on GitHub Back to Portfolio