There’s a lot of controversy surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and whether it’s more of a help or a hindrance. However, we can’t deny that this rising tech has found a place in a number of different industries. That includes the gardening sector, too, where smart technology already had a foothold before this controversial tool came on the scene.
But are these tools friends or foes? That’s still up in the air, for the most part, but there are a number of gardening experts who believe that AI could find a place in the gardening world. There are a number of benefits of using AI, like the simplification of some processes, but there are also some downsides to the technology. We spoke to some experts about what the future of AI in our gardens might look like, for better or for worse.
Types of Smart Technology for Gardening
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Smart technology has come a long way since its inception, and it’s no longer just about the appliances and lights in your home. It’s outside, too, now.
Many gardeners have adopted tools such as soil moisture and plant sensors, weather stations, and smart irrigation systems to ensure plants have the ideal environment. Those tools are making all the difference, according to Eco Gardener, a top-selling gardening solutions store.
Soil moisture sensors help gardeners determine how much water the soil needs at any given point and also help reduce water consumption. Plant sensors track your plants’ health levels, determining if they are in ideal conditions to thrive. Weather stations simplify tracking weather so gardeners can make informed decisions on all aspects of plant care, from planting to daily routines such as watering and providing shelter when storms threaten their livelihood.
Types of AI for Gardening
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AI has been growing over the past few years, so it’s no surprise there are programs in place that can help with various gardening aspects such as design, information on plant care, and actual gardening tasks such as mowing and watering.
These programs can help simplify everyday gardening, according to expert Pam Maynard, in an article from Homes and Gardens.
One real-life example of AI in action in the gardening sector is the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service’s development of a chatbot aimed at helping gardeners get answers to their questions. It pulls accurate information from reputable sources, including multiple Oklahoma State University Extension networks and the US Department of Agriculture, per the press release.
It Can Benefit Plants
Siobhan Shaw, co-founder of Growing to Give, notes that there’s a mixed bag of results when it comes to the introduction of technology into gardening. She touts soil monitoring sensors and smart irrigation systems as “huge wins, especially in climate-stressed areas.”
Shaw also notes AI has its purpose, particularly in “plant identification and disease detection” programs “making it easier for gardeners to troubleshoot issues fast” whereas in the past they had to rely on local garden centers for help.
There’s a Downside, Too
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One of the points Shaw raises is that when you bring in AI, you’re also taking away the human touch. She says “gardening isn’t just about data points and algorithms. It’s about connection, observation, and intuition.” Additionally, overreliance on technology “can pull people away from truly understanding their soil, plants, and the soul of an ecosystem.”
Shaw goes on to explain that in order to garden successfully, you must know your land, your plants, and when circumstances begin to change. AI and technology, in general, cannot do that for you.
So will AI or smart technology eventually overtake gardening? It depends. Plant ecologist Ken Thompson wrote an article for Gardening Illustrated wherein he explores several points brought up by policy-makers and scientists regarding AI for gardening. Thompson acknowledges there are perks to technology in the sector. However, adjusting to the simplistic abilities of programmed intelligence will remove the innately human side that makes gardening an ever-evolving and meaningful venture.
