Forget the Trowel, Grab Your Phone: 5 Must-Have Smart Gadgets for Modern Gardeners

By Elisabeth Christ
Updated July 2024

In an age where smartphones control everything from our homes to our health, it's no surprise that they're now revolutionizing our gardens too. While some of these gadgets are still on the verge of release, their potential to transform gardening practices is undeniable. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these five smart gadgets promise to make your gardening tasks easier and more efficient than ever before. Let’s explore how technology is bringing a fresh, innovative approach to tending your green spaces.

#1 Advanced Soil Sensor Systems

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

Gardening has never been more precise, thanks to advanced soil sensor systems. These nifty devices are the epitome of smart gardening, offering real-time data on your soil's moisture levels, temperature, and even nutrient content. Imagine having a personal garden assistant that constantly monitors the conditions of your soil and sends you updates directly to your phone. It's like having a green thumb on autopilot! With these sensors, you can tailor your gardening efforts to exactly what your plants need, ensuring they receive the optimal amount of water and nutrients. This technology transforms the way you care for your garden, making it more efficient and effective. No more guesswork or overwatering – just happy, healthy plants flourishing in the perfect environment.

We recommend the XLUX Soil Moisture Meter for anyone looking to maintain perfect soil conditions with ease. This device is incredibly user-friendly and precise, featuring a simple analog display that indicates soil moisture levels that are divided into three main categories; red iIndicates dry soil, green iIndicates moist soil, blue indicates wet soil. With its long, 5.5 inches or 14cm probe, the XLUX meter can be inserted deep into the soil to get accurate readings at the root level, which is crucial for proper plant hydration.

Using the XLUX Soil Moisture Meter is straightforward: insert the probe into the soil near the plant roots and wait for a few seconds to get an instant reading. The moisture meter doesn’t require batteries, making it a low-maintenance tool. It's perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and its waterproof design ensures durability. 

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

Smart Soil Sensor Systems

✓ Three main main color indicators for soil moisture levels
✓ 5.5 inches or 14cm probe
✓ Eco-friendly and low-maintenance
✓ Made of corrosion-resistant metal probe

Buy on Amazon

#2 Robotic Lawn Mowers

Husqvarna Automower 430XH

Meet the ultimate garden helper: the robotic lawn mower. These autonomous mowers handle the tedious task of lawn maintenance, navigating your yard with precision and efficiency. Equipped with sensors and GPS, they avoid obstacles and even return to their charging station when their battery is low. Robotic lawn mowers operate quietly and can be programmed to mow your lawn at specific times, ensuring your grass is always neatly trimmed. With app connectivity, you can monitor and control your mower from anywhere, making lawn care a hassle-free experience. Let a robotic lawn mower take care of your grass, so you can spend more time enjoying your beautiful garden.

We highly recommend the Husqvarna Automower 430XH for effortless lawn maintenance. This robotic mower is packed with advanced technology, including GPS-assisted navigation, which ensures precise mowing patterns and efficient coverage of up to 0.8 acres. The Automower 430XH can handle slopes of up to 24 degrees, making it suitable for a variety of terrains. With its cutting height adjustable from 2 to 3.6 inches, you can customize the lawn height to your preference.

Setting up the Automower 430XH involves laying boundary wires to define the mowing area and installing the charging station. The mower operates quietly at 58 decibels, allowing it to work day or night without disturbing your peace. The Automower Connect app lets you control and monitor the mower remotely, providing features like start, stop, and schedule adjustments. The app also includes GPS tracking, ensuring you always know the mower's location. 

Husqvarna Automower 430XH

Robotic Lawn Mowers

✓ Up to 0.8 acres coverage area
✓ 24 degrees (45%) inclines handling
✓ Cutting height ranging from 2 inches to 3.6 inches
✓ Operating at a quiet 58 decibels

Buy on Amazon

#3 Automated Smart Watering System 

Orbit Gen 2 B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer

Gone are the days of manually watering your garden with a hose or traditional sprinkler. Automated smart watering systems take the guesswork out of garden hydration, using weather data and soil moisture sensors to deliver the perfect amount of water to your plants. These systems connect to your home's Wi-Fi and can be controlled through an app, allowing you to adjust settings and monitor water usage remotely. By optimizing water delivery, these systems help conserve water and reduce your utility bills, all while keeping your plants healthy and thriving. Whether you have a small urban garden or a sprawling backyard, automated smart watering systems are a game-changer for any modern gardener.

We recommend the Orbit Gen 2 B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer for efficient and intelligent garden irrigation. This device connects to your hose and can be controlled via the B-hyve app, which is available on both iOS and Android platforms. The Gen 2 model supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to manage your watering schedule from anywhere. It uses WeatherSense technology to adjust watering based on local weather data, ensuring optimal hydration while conserving water.

Installing the B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer is simple: attach it to your outdoor faucet, connect your hose, and download the app. Once set up, you can create custom watering schedules or let the WeatherSense technology handle it for you. 

Orbit Gen 2 B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer

Smart Watering System

✓ Wi-Fi and bluetooth connectivity
✓ WeatherSense Technology
✓ Integrated flow meter provides real-time data on water usage
✓ IPX-5 certified weather resistance

Buy on Amazon

#4 Plant Monitors 

EarthOne Plant Monitor

Imagine having a device that tells you exactly what your plants need to thrive. Plant monitors are small, unobtrusive gadgets that track vital data such as soil moisture, light intensity, temperature, and humidity. These monitors sync with your smartphone, providing real-time updates and tailored advice on how to care for each of your plants. With plant monitors, you can create the ideal conditions for growth, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these gadgets take the mystery out of plant care, helping you nurture a lush, vibrant garden effortlessly.

The EarthOne Plant Monitor is a top choice for detailed plant care. This sleek device measures soil moisture, light intensity, temperature, and humidity, providing comprehensive data to help you maintain the ideal growing conditions. With Bluetooth connectivity, the EarthOne Plant Monitor syncs with your smartphone, delivering real-time insights and care recommendations through its dedicated app. To use the EarthOne Plant Monitor, insert the sensor into the soil near your plant's roots. The app will guide you through the setup process and allow you to select the type of plant you're monitoring. The EarthOne app includes a vast plant database, offering specific care tips tailored to your plant's needs. By monitoring environmental factors continuously, this device ensures your plants receive the right amount of water, light, and nutrients, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

EarthOne Plant Monitor

Smart Plant Monitors

✓ Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD) metrics
✓ Seamless smart home integration
✓ Modular design
✓ Durable and withstand regular exposure to soil, water, and sun

Buy on EarthOne

#5 Solar-Powered Garden Lights 

Otdair Solar Lights Outdoor

Illuminate your garden with the power of the sun using solar-powered garden lights. These eco-friendly lights charge during the day and automatically turn on at dusk, casting a beautiful glow over your garden without adding to your electricity bill. Available in a variety of styles and colors, solar-powered garden lights can enhance the ambiance of any outdoor space. Not only do these lights add aesthetic appeal, but they also improve safety by lighting pathways and garden areas. With no wiring or external power source needed, they are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Solar-powered garden lights are a brilliant way to make your garden shine, both literally and figuratively.

We recommend the Otdair Solar Lights for illuminating your garden with eco-friendly charm. These solar-powered LED lights come in a pack of eight, providing ample coverage for pathways, flower beds, or patios. Each light features a durable, weather-resistant design and a built-in solar panel that charges during the day, ensuring up to 8-10 hours of illumination at night.

Setting up the Otdair Solar Lights is a breeze: simply stake them into the ground in a sunny spot, and they’ll automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. The LED globes emit a warm, inviting glow, enhancing the ambiance of your outdoor space. These lights are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making them a fantastic addition to any garden. With no wiring or external power required, the Otdair Solar Lights are an easy and attractive way to brighten your garden sustainably.

Otdair Solar Lights Outdoor

Solar-Powered Garden Lights

✓ Made of high-strength ABS material
✓ IP65 waterproof design
✓ Solar-powered
✓ Adjustable angle

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Final Thoughts

EarthOne Plant Monitor

The fusion of technology and gardening is not just a trend; it’s a game-changer. With advanced soil sensor systems, robotic lawn mowers, automated watering systems, plant monitors, and solar-powered garden lights, modern gardening has never been more exciting and accessible. These smart gadgets do more than just simplify tasks – they offer precision, efficiency, and a new level of control over your gardening efforts. Embrace the future of gardening and watch your garden thrive like never before.