Automated Plant Watering System with ESP32: A Complete Guide

Updated at: 22/06/2025

Keep your plants thriving even when you're away! This complete guide details building a smart, automated plant watering system using an ESP32 microcontroller. We'll walk you through the components, wiring, coding, and troubleshooting, empowering you to create a customized system perfectly suited to your greenery. From soil moisture sensing to scheduling, let's get your plants the perfect hydration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Design and Manufacturing

    • Design the schematic and PCB for the automated plant watering system using KiCad. Utilize PCBWay for high-quality manufacturing and assembly.
    Design and PCB Manufacturing: Design the schematic and PCB for the automated plant watering system using KiCad. Utilize PCBWay for high-quality manufacturing and assembly.
    Design and Manufacturing

  2. Hardware Assembly

    • Assemble the ESP32 board, connecting the LiPo battery, OLED display, moisture sensors, pressure sensor, and water pump connectors.
    Hardware Assembly: Assemble the ESP32 board, connecting the LiPo battery, OLED display, moisture sensors, pressure sensor, and water pump connectors.
    Hardware Assembly

  3. Software Setup

    • Install the necessary ESP32 libraries (ESP32 by Espressif Systems and Adafruit libraries: BMP, GFX, SSD1306) in the Arduino IDE.
    Software Setup: Install the necessary ESP32 libraries (ESP32 by Espressif Systems and Adafruit libraries: BMP, GFX, SSD1306) in the Arduino IDE.
    Software Setup

  4. Coding and Programming

    • Write the Arduino code to read data from the moisture sensors and pressure sensor, display data on the OLED, and control the water pumps based on moisture levels.
    Arduino Code: Write the Arduino code to read data from the moisture sensors and pressure sensor, display data on the OLED, and control the water pumps based on moisture levels.
    Coding and Programming

  5. Testing and Calibration

    • Test the system, ensuring the sensors are reading correctly and the pumps are functioning as expected. Calibrate the moisture sensor readings to accurately reflect soil moisture.
    Testing and Calibration: Test the system, ensuring the sensors are reading correctly and the pumps are functioning as expected. Calibrate the moisture sensor readings to accurately reflect soil moisture.
    Testing and Calibration

  6. Advanced Features (Optional)

    • Add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities to enable remote monitoring and control via a mobile app (future development).
    Optional: Add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities to enable remote monitoring and control via a mobile app (future development).
    Advanced Features (Optional)
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Tips

  • Use PCBWay for efficient and high-quality PCB manufacturing and assembly.
  • Calibrate the moisture sensor readings to ensure accurate measurement of soil moisture. A mapping function helps convert raw analog readings into percentage moisture.
  • Consider adding external components like a diode and transistor to protect the motor from back EMF.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Wiring

Reason: Improperly connecting the ESP32, pump, and soil moisture sensor can lead to malfunctions or damage to the components.
Solution: Double-check your wiring diagram and ensure all connections are secure and correctly polarized.

2. Insufficient Water Reservoir Capacity

Reason: A reservoir that's too small will lead to frequent refilling, interrupting the automated watering process and potentially harming the plants if it runs dry.
Solution: Use a reservoir with enough capacity to sustain your plants for a reasonable period between refills based on your plant needs and watering schedule.