My DIY Home Assistant Garden Automation System - Climate Control, Dosing, and More. Pt.1 - Hardware

Parts list is now included below. This is a quick peek at the hardware portion of the DIY garden automation system I've been slowly building over the past year or so. Currently, the system is managing climate control, doing pH and nutrient dosing, fertigation schedule, light cycle, and has flood detection capability. It's a work in progress and I'll be sharing more about it as I go.
I'd be happy to hear any comments, questions, or suggestions you might have, and would like to know what you’ve got going on if you're doing something similar.
Part 2 here: • My DIY Home Assistant ...
Here are my home assistant .yaml files (bear with me - I'm new to GitHub): github.com/ledgardener/garden...
PARTS LIST: (I'm currently unemployed so you bet your sweet ass these are Affiliate links):
**CONTROL BOX**
BUD Industries NBF-32026 Plastic ABS NEMA Economy Box with Solid Door, 15-47/64" Length x 11-51/64" Width x 6-9/32" Height, Light Gray Finish:
amzn.to/2XnDMgD
Plastic Internal Panel to Mount Gear:
amzn.to/2VbwtG4
Panel-Mount AC Connector for Box:
amzn.to/3c75OB9
Nylon Standoffs:
amzn.to/3b3fDA4
Cable Glands for Passing Cable In and Out of Control box:
amzn.to/2VotryG
** CONTROL BOX MISC ELECTRONICS **
Amazon Fire Touch Panel Tablet:
amzn.to/2JWE2eN
Right-angle Micro USB Cable for Tablet:
amzn.to/3efeTdk
Mean Well 12VDC Power Supply:
amzn.to/2JUHd6B
Drok Voltage Stepdown Converter with Readout:
amzn.to/2RqgP91
Dupont Cables:
amzn.to/2yQio9M
Breadboards:
amzn.to/3e4jM8K
Screw Terminal Blocks:
amzn.to/2x9F2tl
8 Channel Relay Board:
amzn.to/2JR01DX
** DEVELOPMENT BOARDS (CONTROLLERS) **
Raspberry Pi kit for Home Assistant that I started with:
amzn.to/3a0cIXo
You can also use other hardware, check out this page for a good writeup:
smarthome.university/home-ass...
Arduino Mega:
amzn.to/3eaeNDr
ESP32S WiFi Development Board (Handles WiFi communication between control box and Home Assistant server as well as from inside tent to Home Assistant server):
amzn.to/2JSNdgb
Whitebox Labs Tentacle Shield to Add Atlas Scientific Gear to an Arduino and provide electrical isolation of probes (pH probe needs to be isolated from EC probe):
amzn.to/3aYVzPl
** SENSORS **
BME280 Temperature/Humidity/Pressure Sensors for Tent and Control Box:
amzn.to/3ed8hMb
Waterproof Temperature Sensor for Nute Reservoir:
amzn.to/2yQ8cy2
Atlas Scientific Conductivity Kit K 1.0 5-200,000 μS/cm:
amzn.to/39RFSIo
Atlas Scientific pH Kit 0-14 pH:
amzn.to/2JQVKQV
Moisture Sensors:
amzn.to/34BumA1
Catch Basin Float Sensor:
amzn.to/2XotuNj
** PUMPS AND SOLENOIDS **
Peristaltic Pumps:
amzn.to/3a1UWDg
Motor Drivers to Control Peristaltic Pump Speed:
amzn.to/2yR2MCX
Tubing for Peristaltic Pumps:
amzn.to/2UYHDzc
Nutrient Res Stirring Pump:
amzn.to/2UYGQhI
Nutrient Fertigation Pump:
amzn.to/34qHrM7
Normally-Open 12V Solenoid (Allows water to flow into system until solenoid is activated, which closes it - used for flood protection. Requires 12VDC power supply and 1/4" spade connectors):
amzn.to/3el7qJI
1/4" Spade Connectors:
amzn.to/3efd3Js
Normally-Closed 12V Solenoid (Restricts water between RO res and Nute Res, requires pump in RO res to push water through it):
amzn.to/3aUnyzA
Pump to push water through solenoid:
amzn.to/2UYGQhI
** NUTRIENT JAR STIRRING SYSTEM **
Nutrient Jar Stirring Fans:
amzn.to/2JT0PYR
Nutrient Jar Magnetic Stir Bars:
amzn.to/3aUleZo
Nutrient Jar Magnets:
amzn.to/3aZl4jp
Nutrient Jar Superglue (I used LePage but I don't think it's available in the States so this should work):
amzn.to/3ebdHYb
** RESERVOIRS **
Reservoir Totes:
www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Ga...
1/2" Double-Threaded Bulkhead for Connections to Reservoirs:
amzn.to/2yHAcnh
1/2" Tubing to go between reservoirs and out to plants:
amzn.to/3a0epEp
Sharkbite swivel to attach tubing between 12V solenoid on RO res and 1/2" float valve on nute mix res (requires wormdrive clamp to secure hose to fitting):
amzn.to/2JVwR6s
Wormdrive Clamp:
amzn.to/2Xq5bif
Nut Res Fill Float Valve:
amzn.to/2yIs7yG
1/4" Float valve for DIY Humidifier and RO Res:
amzn.to/2xmtBOX
DIY Weigh Scale Kit for Reservoir:
amzn.to/2RI1BfN
** MISC **
WiFi-Controlled AC Plugs:
amzn.to/3csgVVs
DIY Humidifier Ultrasonic Discs:
amzn.to/39TySKV
Reverse Osmosis System:
amzn.to/2x9MRze
Wire Rack:
www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-72-in...

[@LEDGardener]

I've now shared all my Home Assistant and Arduino code, as well as a system wiring diagram and parts list! It's covered in this update video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX66e4t_nc6fopo

[@h82fail]

Awesome!

[@TheBinxer]

dude this is awesome, great job

[@richeagleton5285]

Is there anyway you can help me program and make an automated system like this I am will to pay you for any and all help thank you

[@richeagleton5285]

Or how much would you charge me for a whole unit ore made I have 6 units I would want you to build for me if the work as good as I hope they do please contact me

[@jamesabrahamson5079]

.XOXO

[@richardlibby2407]

“Right away you notice that [the inside of the project box] is not beautiful...” What are you crazy?!?! That ROCKS! Very nice job! Outstanding project, lots of great work done!

[@LEDGardener]

Hahaha. Thank you. I had a picture of what I wanted it to look like in my head and I found I ended up having to reroute some stuff, hide some ugliness, etc. and didn't quite hit the mark.

[@RodCornholio]

Congrads...you "scienced the shit out of that". Mars trip guaranteed.

[@_general_error]

I=This is not science, this is engineering. He engineered the s**t out of it. I don't want to be obnoxious detailist, but maybe you can read something about the scientific method. It is a good thing to get right early.

[@RodCornholio]

@@_general_error It was a movie reference. I'm extremely aware of the method (I use it, I read research papers, etc.). In case you're interested in the movie (based on a book) referenced in the joke, the title is "The Martian" (2015). Thanks for educating other readers.

[@dizzlethe7346]

@@_general_error I mean really did he not do both tho? When you get to the details he did the exact meaning of science... He took the body of knowledge on a particular subject. An is engineering a system to get the best results he can, In his observation and experiment an always build on his own studies to get better results. I am SURE as rain he runs, What most would call "the scientific method" in his head every time he adds or adjust's aspects of his grow. I mean he ran the method to take himself out of the grow right?

[@AlanMcKay]

I think the breadboards are awesome! I just finally made the decision to use them in my project boxes and it was a great decision that I don't regret. Glad to see it works so well on a larger scale!

[@dertythegrower]

Very impressive... imagine this large scale. You can feed lots of people man, smart moves💯

[@ashleydavies282]

Thanks for sharing this buddy. An automated hydroponics system is an idea that's been floating around in my head for a long time now and this is really inspiring.

[@ronsum232]

I've been contemplating doing a project like this... so far I'm only controlling irrigation schedule. You sir are a boss! Great job! An inspiration to up my game :)

[@pr19580]

That is the neatest prototype I have ever seen. Nice work!

[@c31979839]

Very impressive setup. I love how most of the individual components are off the shelf, but you had the insight and creativity to put it all together into a really functional system.

[@xiiibujinkan]

Awesome set up. Very informative and well explained. Very distinct colored fan in the project box. Thanks for sharing with everyone.

[@Mattboy300]

I have to say, that box of electronics looks beautiful to me. So much good stuff and wires in one spot. I've literally never considered gardening, let alone smart gardening but now I want to lol

[@LEDGardener]

Hahaha that's great, man. KZbin must be recommending this video to a pretty diverse audience since a lot of people are saying the same thing.

[@karounkapedrokilombo2374]

you did an amazing job with this diy... it seems like you learned a lot on automation subject in general during the last year.. Good job

[@gregson8533]

Dude this is my dream, I'm considering building something like that but smaller scale - This dude must grow the most impressive buds.

[@vijayvjn6874]

lol i laughed when he said "works like a hot dam" for the load cell he made,subbed and will find time to see the second episode this might have made my day as i find these very interesting

[@paswanravi5888]

W😍W you have such an amazing automatic system like this for managing your plant stuff 👌👌

[@bluezone4783]

This was in my mind . The very big project I will do in my life . I found out u have done it . Its beautiful thanks. I will see if I will do it some time .

[@Squidsvids]

2min in and looks badass! Awesome design man!! Love the water solenoids!

[@Bosscvbig]

Wow, I loved it! I have been working on an automation project for hydroponics cultivation. And luckily after a year that you made this video, I find this share. I'm from the African Continent and this idea I want, to help my country. Thank you very much!

[@LEDGardener]

Hey, that's awesome. Good luck on your project.

[@tonysicily2687]

Wow, Not only is this an incredible build, it is also so well built.

[@LEDGardener]

Thank you. Wiring got away from me a bit but I was really happy with how the box holes and mounts turned out.

[@r3drumg33k3]

The fact this is legit for tomatoes and peppers blows my mind....either way man great job!! Love it.

[@Grrrnthumb]

You had me at the dedicated temp/humidity sensor for just inside the box alone. Who does that? A serious automation geek!. Awesome setup. That was fun to watch. Thanks!

[@kylez2141]

Absolutely love it! Keep it growing 🤙

[@pawe2247]

Wow, this is absolutely amaizing!

[@shadowmodsrecovery7668]

You my friend are a genius with your creativity & ingenuity. When you have completed your prototype & thoroughly tested it to where you are satisfied, then you need to approach the businesses in the horticulture field for commercial & residential applications & you will be rich. I'm glad that you share your inventive endeavors & share your parts list to help give others the list of things to try themselves, but you should really keep this under your hat all your components, because in this current world you might find that some people & business teams might try to replicate or exceed your work & beat you to the marketing & patent punch. I applaud your desire to make things easier for yourself & others with your intricate precision in a field that many of us find near & dear to our hearts. God speed, good luck.

[@brogannicholas1599]

Wow! This is great! I'm I DIYer myself and this year I decided to do hydroponics, mostly so I can gene splice plants. You sir have earned a subscriber who is about to binge watch all your stuff! Keep it up!

[@LEDGardener]

Hey, thanks for the kind words. Good luck with your hydro.

[@aidennymes6335]

really like the idea with the converted fans/magnetic stir bars :D

[@TheJacklwilliams]

This is like taking a tour of the Pyramid just as it's completed. While the guide explains all of the features.... It would've been hella cool to follow from the beginning as you built this from the ground up. I'm hella curious what you do for a living, what your path has been with electronics, etc... This, my good man, is no small accomplishment. Kudos to you, humbled. I'm just looking at getting started.

[@MisterDoro]

Dude this is seriously impressive. Nicely done.

[@mvcg-cl4cr]

Ive watched this video many times. Fascinating and very well thought out system

[@satnslefthandley420s]

i feel the beginning of this video so much i have spent a fortune setting up my system

[@faridsattari6005]

How does this channel only have 7 K subs? You deserve hundreds of thousands with the effort you put into your videos. I just saw your series on Meanwell drivers and I am so grateful that you took the time to explain in such educational way. Subscribed for sure and hope more videos are coming soon :)

[@LEDGardener]

Thanks man, glad you found it helpful.

[@ukaszwacawek9171]

Lot of work done! Congratulations !

[@stefanotherisod3311]

Water weight is 1kg per liter. 😁 Amazing job!!!

[@xiconfjs]

shhh...Americans must not know this

[@afewdeer6627]

0.157473 Stone

[@_Mitchell_YT]

0,998 kg actually

[@c31979839]

Gotta love the metric system!

[@crusaderanimation6967]

Ahhh i see you're civilized men as well.

[@andrewlhoover]

Very nicely done! I found this video on the Home Assistant facebook group. Posted by someone else. Pretty well received. I found the ultrasonic disc links very useful for another project. Thanks for all of the references in the description!

[@LEDGardener]

Oh that’s awesome! Thanks for letting me know. It’s times like these that I wish I was still on FB.

[@andrewlhoover]

@@LEDGardener I understand. I only use it for the groups. No personal stuff at all.

[@liquidpower]

you are living the dream! this is so cool. with this level of control and the amount of data you can collect your like half way to having some machine learning AI system just running the whole thing for you! this is cool.

[@LEDGardener]

And then my goddamn garden will go Westworld on me

[@RobGregory]

@@LEDGardener Yep, Automation will do that (one day)

[@alanmcrae8594]

Super diy automated growing system that is a work in progress. Hope you are getting thru the Covid-19 lockdown & recession okay. You have an excellent skill set that could be helpful in certain employment situations. Best of luck!

[@jasonp9951]

This is so awesome and gives me some ideas, THANK YOU!!!!

[@limmass3685]

Long time brother. Always great info. Stay safe and keep growing 🙏👊

[@limmass3685]

Led_builder.org was tryn some of this too

[@LEDGardener]

Hey man, great to see you again. Hope you’re doing well!

[@purplethumb5585]

First thing is WOW dude what a setup. I can’t believe you have all that running just a 4x4. Time to make a greenhouse. I’m so confused on all that computer, sensors and all that lol. Good job man 👍

[@dmanm85]

You can buy these already made from a few companies, but it's pretty sweet that you made your own!

[@scaletownmodels]

Your wiring box actually looks pretty nice. Neat and tidy. We are our own worst critic. I love using the Noctua fans for cooling too, so quiet. This is the first video of yours I've watched so I didn't know what you were growing. From looking at all the care and how tricked out the system is that when you eventually showed the plants in the tent I was completely expecting a pot farm. lol. No one loves their plants like a pot farmer.

[@e.a.steutel7874]

You are gifted. Beautiful work

[@yearofthegarden]

your garden has much to be desired in production, but the detail of automation you created is astonishing. I have been farming for 12 years, and am moving towards indoor and hydroponic growing. I purchased a $50 optiplex and now am on a mission to spend all winter trying to set this machine up to automate my mushroom grow room as well as that emergency water sensor to save my ass. Plus having the ability to mix hydroponic solution would take away all my clumsy habits that are in my current system caused by me and my lack of attention to detail from over working. Thanks! if you sell a system or one like it, let us know!

[@Tabooza]

Damn bro you have inspired me. Thank you. And you are moving in the right direction

[@ignaciotorojimenez7042]

SO GOOOD WORK BRo! noctua fan killed me, nice psu, nice com, lovely components

[@Joshua-jx4lt]

Great Project, I really enjoyed watching this!

[@emiliojohannes5271]

coolest set up ive ever seen! Legendary!!!!

[@certified-forklifter]

Wow, very cool video. Really enjoyed!

[@cyclemoto8744]

Really well done. Thanks for your time. Cheers from OZ

[@TheLittleSpoon1982]

Love the passion man. It comes across.

[@lachlanmackay6586]

That's as bush mechanic as it is impressive. Great stuff

[@perotross]

Wow, very impressive setup! And I thought I was going high tech by controlling my lights with my Domoticz server and Tasmota plug. I'm going to use your idea with the moisture sensors for flood detection on my IR break beam sump pump controller. Telegram notification upon any water problems! Thanks for the video, great job!

[@cannaporium420]

Awesome DIY automated grow setup!

[@jrjr9292]

I appreciate this! I have built my own contraptions I was proud of a 4 ft light I made with uv blue royal blue yellow warm white deep red far red infrared. I have so many parts from my light builds i can do so much more with the wifi sensors

[@Mr_Bugshan]

Thanks man very nice of you to upload and share I have been thinking of doing the same project with no luck I didn't know where to start and I have found some companies that sell you a built up machine with the same concept but will cost you much more and with limited functionality where you cant expand on them.

[@KT-de2on]

U built my dream dosing system respect man

[@markdavis7402]

Genius man, I still see room for improvement but your knowledge of what you’ve done is something to be proud of

[@wader669]

You are living my dream. Awesome project

[@LEDGardener]

Get on it!

[@wader669]

@@LEDGardener No worries. Small steps. Getting done my new apartment. Next small automated hydroponic set for window farming. Of course I will open source it. Stay healthy

[@westhyphy]

This is pretty high tech for some plants! Good stuff

[@crazynell3501]

Awesome project, thanks for sharing.

[@tablatronix]

Omg those stirrers are brilliant.

[@overtheedge23]

Must be one of the sickest DIY setups I have seen. Incredible!

[@tdtrecordsmusic]

Cool. Thanks for sharing ! Good work mang

[@maxionvideo]

Great job, man. Congratulations.

[@chroniccare409]

By far the best hobby set up I’ve ever seen! Wish I was half as smart as you dude

[@LEDGardener]

Thanks! I wouldn’t say I’m particularly smart... Maybe resourceful is a better word hahaha

[@chroniccare409]

LED Gardener So I just got my raspberry pie and relays from Amazon where do I start? LOL do you have any videos for initial set up? Mind you I have no tech skills at all

[@scp8412]

that must be the coolest system ive ever seen!

[@LEDGardener]

Thanks :D

[@MArifinDobson]

This is wonderful, awesome and genius!

[@derektata]

I've been automating my grow/house for the last two years using Home Assistant, and it's amazing. It's completely customizable, and the results have been very consistent in the garden.

[@LEDGardener]

There are literally dozens of us!

[@traptinaphonebooth]

@@LEDGardener I'm working on a cloud/iot platform for arduino growers - would love to integrate a system like this into it

[@Humbulla93]

@@traptinaphonebooth i tinkered with an ESP32 and the Blynk app, i was able to do simple things but for those complicated things i wasn´t able to make it work. you can hook up a Bosch sensor for humidity and temperature, theres also a CO2 sensor altough a bit pricey,

[@SmartSolutionsForHome]

WoW! I found a Ph.D. in gardening! Amazing project! Keep it up!

[@area73blog]

I'm setting up an automatic watering system for my tent right now,, and what I have set up for checking water level is one of those HC-SR04 sonic distance sensors mounted on the lid of the reservoir so I can tell how high the water level is. But this so so freaking cool, it's basically what my end goal is once I get the basics working.

[@chimpofm]

i upgrade to the tof laser sensor for measuing waterlevel

[@WillW]

Very good work. I think your wiring is great.

[@userhandle3378]

Thank you, been looking for a parts list to get this started!

[@LEDGardener]

Do iiiiiiiiiit

[@leozendo3500]

very beautiful work. I know things are real when i saw the esp32

[@RoadRunnerMeep]

Great work, bringing tech to plants :)

[@j4sun161]

So cool. Thank you for making this video.

[@myopictopics7258]

I think you need to give yourself some credit man, that box looks neat and organized inside. I have seen professionally installed industrial control boxes that aren't that organized. Sure you might not have printed boards, but everything is wire tied neatly and organize; for someone doing this as an amateur project in your home it is impressive. Nice work.

[@mathewmartinez7487]

great setup. I'm interested in more detailed explanations on the components and parts list..

[@1234andrew1234]

This is actually amazing. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@axelgretarsson4115]

Thanks Very good video, love the setup

[@ps6k4trk33]

Very very good job, i'am very interested by this project, con gratulation

[@frankeckhardt3655]

No idea what you are talking about 😂, but watching, and not understanding , just inspired me to learn and catch up.... Thank you...

[@AaronHuslage]

Amazing work!

[@RK-hello]

This is beautiful!

[@christianbureau6732]

Great video and project!

[@ElementalMaker]

Absolutely awesome!

[@growdoctor3440]

Epic setup

[@FranciscoJGomez-CHSM]

Excelent job, congratulations!!!!!

[@jameswwright]

Very cool. Interestingly I used a similar BOM for my cocktail machine, pumps, drivers, hardware are all very similar, even used mason jars for the reservoirs. You obviously have much more advanced problem and solution but cool to see how similar the setup ends up!

[@LEDGardener]

Nice! I noticed a lot of people in the amazon reviews for the gear I bought had mentioned they were buying that part for a drink system as well.

[@scubieman]

Looks amazing.

[@TronSAHeroXYZ]

1 word to describe this. EPIC I'm doing the same thing, but I am using a raspberryPi3b+ and python. I figure its a good time to learn how to code, and this is the best excuse to learn it. Probably upgrade to raspberry pi 4. This video got me all giddy. If that's a word. Superb! I'll probably write an application in Qtcreator, and Visual Studio. Integrating OpenCV may have some applications for this setup, and I'll probably look into it over the next couple months. Control everything from a phone, computer, or remote desktop it. Setup a timelapse as well to have a constant monitor on the plants.

[@realserhataslan]

man you are awesome! you did my dream job.

[@chrissilva5659]

Dude this is amazing

[@harezy]

Holy crap. Top job and work. !! Make it a kit and make some $. Cheers gave me a few ideas!!

[@tubingtomtom]

I love a mad scientist that isn’t crazy. Fkn awesome 👏 👍🏻

[@cree983]

Outstanding video I didn’t understand most of it but I wanna.

[@quebirt]

Very cool. Thanks for the tour. I just decided I wanted to do a small indoor automated garden of some sort (not weed, honestly). I actually want to do nearly the exact plants you have. One bell pepper, one or two tomatoes, one habanero, and one jalapeno. Anyway, I love your setup, but I think it served to help me realize that it isn't a small project. It's very cool, but I think I'll wait until I can do it right.

[@Unknown1880]

Very nice done!! I just have one tip. Plants need water when light are on. They have a better natural cycle if the water is off at night.

[@michael_the_chef]

Great project, i have done something similar in my greenhouse. I am working with node red for Software stuff, works perfectly stable and is pretty easy to use. Next step is to implement openweathermap to it

[@drekpaprika]

I rarely say this but I am truly impressed!

[@LEDGardener]

Truly an honor from the great drekpaprika!

[@Mr91caprice]

Badass set-up