Smart Pot V1

Smart Pot V1 was an early attempt to build a fully self-contained, automated planter using an ESP32. The goal was to integrate soil monitoring and automated watering into a single, sleek package — complete with a touchscreen interface.

Why Build a Smart Pot?

Managing plant care can be inconsistent, especially with busy schedules or forgetfulness. By combining a capacitive moisture sensor with automated watering and local feedback via a touchscreen, the idea was to reduce guesswork and keep plants healthier with minimal effort.

Key Features

• ESP32 microcontroller for connectivity and control
• Capacitive soil moisture sensor to detect dryness levels
• Integrated water storage for on-demand watering
• Touchscreen display for real-time status and manual control
• Designed for ESPHome + Home Assistant integration

Challenges Faced

Despite the concept, Smart Pot V1 had several design flaws:

• The 3D printed body leaked without heavy sealing, making long-term use impractical
• Internal wiring was cramped and messy, especially around the water reservoir
• The overall structure lacked modularity and ease of maintenance

Lessons Learned & What’s Next

While the first version wasn’t perfect, it provided a solid foundation for improvement. Smart Pot V2 is currently in the works, with a focus on:

• Better waterproofing
• Simplified wiring layout
• A more modular and serviceable design