You probably don't think of your computer as just another gardening tool. The EasyBloom™ Plant Sensor by PlantSense, a California-based company, will change that opinion. Even the most horticulturally-challenged can use their computers as tools to help grow plants that will flourish in conditions specific to their garden.
Don't let its appearance fool you. While the EasyBloom Plant Sensor looks like a white-stemmed, green petal garden decoration, it is a powerful tool for even the most inexperienced gardener. The EasyBloom Plant Sensor is a device that takes multiple readings of four different measurements over a period of, at least, 24 hours. The measurements include temperature, light, humidity and soil moisture. After placing the EasyBloom Plant Sensor in the soil of a plant bed, plug the Plant Sensor into a USB port of your computer. You will receive personalized recommendations specific to your environmental conditions. It's that simple.
The data that the Sensor has gathered will be uploaded to the EasyBloom website. Once uploaded, the database will either recommend a plant or diagnose what it wrong with a plant that isn't thriving. There is even a Water Mode which lets you know if your plant needs more or less water. When monitoring an ailing plant, the EasyBloom website gives visual cues on how to care for it. You will also have access to detailed information on over 5000+ plants. In addition, you can create a custom library of your favorite plants and track those that you currently own.
EasyBloom's database is comprised of information from a variety of sources including: The National Gardening Association; W. Atlee Burpee, the leading U.S. seed supplier for over 120 years; Ball Horticulture, a leader in all facets of floriculture; as well as other plant growers with an interest in seeing gardeners succeed in growing their favorite plants. PlantSense also collaborates with botanists from various universities to continually expand and enrich their plant database.
The EasyBloom Plant Sensor is designed for outdoor exposure to normal weather conditions in North America and is calibrated based on data specific to the 50 United States. EasyBloom Plant Sensor is Windows XP and Windows Vista compatible. In January 2009, Mac OS X Tiger (v10.4) and Leopard (v10.5) users will also be supported.
The EasyBloom Plant Sensor can be purchased for $59.95 from EasyBloom.com, Burpee, Frontgate and Smart Home. The product ships in a recyclable cardboard box and includes a AAA battery, USB extension cable, stand/hanger, set of wall mount hanger, two extra petals, user manual and quick start card.
