After spending a delightful afternoon in the garden, I successfully set up a smart garden system for my wife’s surprise! 
The project involved installing two arch planters and a large green planter, all filled with beautiful flowers. To make it even more special, I integrated some smart home tech to automate watering and lighting. Here’s how I did it and some tips for anyone looking to do something similar!
Project Overview
I used a combination of Krispol garage door opener for the automated watering system and Shelly 2.5 relays to control the garden lights. The goal was to create a system that my wife could control remotely via her smartphone. While the initial setup was smooth, I encountered a few hiccups along the way.
Challenges and Solutions
-
Device Compatibility: Initially, I struggled with getting the Shelly 2.5 relays to work seamlessly with my existing smart home ecosystem. After some research, I realized that disabling authentication temporarily helped me configure them properly. Once set up, I re-enabled security features to ensure everything was secure.
-
Automation Logic: I wanted the garden lights to turn on automatically at sunset and off at midnight. Using Homey, I created a simple automation that checks the sunset time via the Sunrise/Sunset plugin and triggers the lights accordingly. It took a few iterations to get the timing just right, but now it works like clockwork!
Tips for a Smooth Setup
- Test Individually First: Before integrating everything, test each component (like the garage door opener and relays) separately to ensure they work as expected.
- Use a Reliable Hub: A stable hub like Homey or SmartThings is essential for managing multiple devices and automations without lag.
- Plan for Power Supply: Ensure all your smart devices have a reliable power source. I used a small UPS to keep everything running smoothly during power outages.
Final Thoughts
Seeing my wife’s face light up when she discovered the surprise was worth every minute of troubleshooting! 
The garden now looks stunning, and the automation makes maintenance a breeze. If you’re thinking of adding some smart tech to your outdoor space, I highly recommend starting small and gradually expanding. Happy gardening! 