Rebecca Lee takes a look at some apps that are helping gardeners keep plants growing
With so many of us continuing with new hobbies and summer in full swing, we thought it was ample time to look at some apps that have been helping us with DIY both inside and outside the house.
Designed for green fingers, the pandemic saw an onslaught of gardening apps crop up across the globe. Gardentech looks set to stay as, according to Gardenpals, the number of households engaging in food gardening globally has grown from 36 million households to 42 million. In addition to this, the study found that in the US alone, 55% of American households now engage in gardening activities.
Whether you’re a novice or a pro-gardener, there’s never been a greener time to start using garden tech. We looked at some of the best apps available for those looking to get their hands dirty.
As an online plant encyclopedia and identifier, this is one of the more technical apps on the market. Available on both iOS and Android, it can identify over 10,000 plant species and has a reputation for being one of the most accurate identifiers available. Users just need to download the app, enable camera access and take a snap of their shrub, which can be identified in seconds. Boasting a ‘plantpedia,’ can help you keep your plants alive with helpful information on watering, pest control, and favorable growth conditions. Its super-rich database and use of AI means it has become one of the better-known apps, with over three million users across 209 countries. Although subscription based, you can trail it for free for seven days. PictureThis is powered by the Chinese AI company Glority.
With over two million users and eight million plants, Planta is the ‘go-to’ app for novice gardeners. Its AI-powered technology means you can wave goodbye to all your plant problems by using watering, light, and growing condition advice. You can even get online advice from ‘Dr.Planta.’ Available on both Android and iOS, the free version is quite generous in terms of capabilities. Watering tips are said to be its greatest asset, with Planta providing detailed instructions on different methods, from water bath and water over the soil to bottom watering!
Possibly the most straightforward app available due to its no-frills tech, Plantiary is focused purely on plant care, watering, and fertilization. However, according to users, its most popular feature is its ‘plant care reminder,’ which alerts you to when and how your greenery should be watered. It will also inform you on how much plant food, sun, and H20 is required. It also has a plant identification tool. Plantiary is available on Android and iOS and has both free and subscription versions.
