🌱 Auto Garden
Automated garden monitoring and control system using Raspberry Pi Pico W
Overview
This project automates garden monitoring using a Raspberry Pi Pico W with temperature sensors, Discord notifications, and planned expansion for humidity, soil moisture, and environmental controls.
Features
- ✅ WiFi connectivity with auto-reconnect
- ✅ Inside/Outside temperature monitoring (DS18B20 sensors)
- ✅ Discord notifications for temperature readings
- ✅ Separate alert channel for critical temperatures
- ✅ Temperature logging to CSV file
- ✅ Configurable alert thresholds
- 🚧 Humidity monitoring (planned)
- 🚧 Soil moisture monitoring (planned)
- 🚧 Relay control for fans, AC, heaters (planned)
Quick Start
1. Hardware Setup
Required Components:
- Raspberry Pi Pico W
- DS18B20 temperature sensors (waterproof recommended)
- 4.7kΩ resistor (pull-up for 1-Wire bus)
- Momentary button (optional, for easy reset)
See the Items Needed Wiki for full parts list.
2. Wiring
DS18B20 Temperature Sensors:
Sensor Wire → Pico Pin
─────────────────────────────
Red (VDD) → 3V3 (OUT) - Pin 36
Black (GND) → GND - Any ground pin
Yellow (Data) → GP10 (Inside) - Pin 14
→ GP11 (Outside) - Pin 15
Add 4.7kΩ resistor between Data line and 3.3V
Optional Reset Button:
RUN pin → Button → GND
Pressing button grounds RUN and resets the Pico.
3. Software Setup
Install MicroPython:
- Download MicroPython firmware
- Hold BOOTSEL button while plugging in Pico
- Copy
.uf2file to the Pico drive
IDE Setup:
- Recommended: VS Code with MicroPico extension by paulober
- Alternative: Thonny IDE
4. Configuration
Create secrets.py (copy from secrets.example.py):
secrets = {
'ssid': 'YOUR_WIFI_NAME',
'password': 'YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD',
'discord_webhook_url': 'https://discord.com/api/webhooks/...',
'discord_alert_webhook_url': 'https://discord.com/api/webhooks/...',
}
Configure sensors in scripts/temperature_sensor.py:
SENSOR_CONFIG = {
'inside': {
'pin': 10,
'label': 'Inside',
'alert_high': 85.0,
'alert_low': 32.0
},
'outside': {
'pin': 11,
'label': 'Outside',
'alert_high': 100.0,
'alert_low': 20.0
}
}
5. Upload & Run
Upload all files to your Pico:
/
├── main.py
├── secrets.py
└── scripts/
├── discord_webhook.py
├── monitors.py
├── networking.py
└── temperature_sensor.py
The Pico will auto-start main.py on boot.
Project Structure
Auto-Garden/
├── main.py # Entry point, sets up monitors
├── secrets.py # WiFi & Discord credentials (gitignored)
├── secrets.example.py # Template for secrets.py
└── scripts/
├── discord_webhook.py # Discord notification handling
├── monitors.py # Monitor base class & implementations
├── networking.py # WiFi connection management
└── temperature_sensor.py # DS18B20 sensor interface & config
Monitoring Behavior
- Every 10 seconds: Check temperatures, send alerts if out of range
- Every 30 seconds: Regular temperature reports to Discord + log to file
- Every 5 seconds: WiFi connection check with auto-reconnect
Discord Channels:
discord_webhook_url: Regular temperature updates, connection statusdiscord_alert_webhook_url: Critical temperature alerts (Inside sensor only)
Temperature Logs
Logs are saved to /temp_logs.csv on the Pico:
2025-11-05 14:30:00,Inside,28000012,72.50
2025-11-05 14:30:00,Outside,28000034,45.30
Format: timestamp,location,sensor_id,temperature_f
Future Expansion
Planned Features
- Humidity Sensors: DHT22 or SHT31 for air humidity monitoring
- Soil Moisture: Capacitive sensors for plant watering automation
- Relay Control: 3V-32VDC SSR relays for switching AC, fans, heaters
- Smart Ventilation: Auto-open windows when outside air is optimal
- Light Monitoring: LDR or BH1750 for grow light automation
Relay Wiring (Future)
Pico 3.3V output → SSR relay input → High voltage device (120V/240V)
Use solid-state relays (SSR) rated for your voltage/current needs.
Troubleshooting
No temperature readings:
- Check 4.7kΩ pull-up resistor is connected
- Verify sensor wiring (VDD to 3.3V, not 5V)
- Check GPIO pin numbers in
SENSOR_CONFIG
WiFi not connecting:
- Verify SSID/password in
secrets.py - Check 2.4GHz WiFi (Pico W doesn't support 5GHz)
- Look for connection messages in serial console
Discord messages not sending:
- Verify webhook URLs are correct
- Test webhooks with curl/Postman first
- Check Pico has internet access (ping test)
Contributing
Feel free to open issues or submit pull requests for improvements!
License
MIT License - See LICENSE file for details
Resources
- Raspberry Pi Pico W Documentation
- MicroPython Documentation
- DS18B20 Datasheet
- Discord Webhooks Guide
Note: Always ensure proper electrical safety when working with high-voltage relays and AC power. Consult a licensed electrician if unsure.