Key Takeaways
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in residential gardens to manage routine tasks, improve decision-making, and enhance the overall gardening experience.
- AI can be used for plant identification, diagnosis, and disease detection, making it a valuable tool for gardeners.
- Various AI tools are available for gardeners, including Google Images, Pl@ntNet, iNaturalist, PictureThis, Plantix, and Plant.Health.
- AI can help gardeners learn more about their plants, understand their natural processes, and make informed decisions about their care.
Introduction to AI in Gardening
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in residential gardens is becoming increasingly popular, and its applications are expanding rapidly. As the creator of this technology notes, AI offers a range of benefits, including improved accuracy and timing of decisions, and enhanced learning from the garden. Gardeners can use AI to manage routine tasks, freeing up time for observation, enjoyment, and creativity. As Tom Karwin, a seasoned gardener and writer, notes, "Gardeners can use AI technology to manage routine tasks, improve the accuracy and timing of decisions, learn faster from the garden, and free up attention for observation, enjoyment and creativity."
Examples of AI Applications in Gardening
Karwin provides several examples of how he has used AI in his own garden. For instance, he used AI to identify a mysterious plant that appeared in his garden, which turned out to be a Common Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Pink Pearl’). He also used AI to diagnose a problem with his Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi), which had stopped growing due to cold weather. As he notes, "I prompted ChatGPT: ‘Does an agave flower stalk pause growth during cold weather?’ The 425-word response… opened with: ‘Agaves are warm-season CAM plants, physiologically tuned to active growth during mild to warm conditions. When temperatures drop… cell expansion slows, carbohydrate mobilization is reduced, and CAM metabolism downshifts.’" This response helped Karwin understand the natural process of his plant and alleviated his concerns.
Designing a Plant Container with AI
Karwin also used AI to design a container for his new Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) houseplant. He prompted ChatGPT to recommend a container color and shape, and received a detailed response that included six photos and suggestions for three shapes, five colors, and three different materials. As he notes, "The response included 447 words and six photos, commenting on three shapes, five colors, and three different materials for the container for this plant. At the bottom line, AI recommended a ‘matte charcoal or warm-gray cylindrical ceramic planter, straight-sided, understated, with drainage.’" While Karwin ultimately chose a different container, he found the AI’s input to be helpful and informative.
AI Tools for Plant Identification and Diagnosis
There are several AI tools available for gardeners to identify plants, diagnose problems, and detect diseases. These include Google Images, Pl@ntNet, iNaturalist, PictureThis, Plantix, and Plant.Health. As Karwin notes, "Gardeners can most often use artificial intelligence to identify plants they discover in nature, a public garden or a friend’s garden. They might even need to recall the name of a plant in their own gardens." These tools can be used to identify plants from photographs, and some also provide information on plant care, cultivation, and disease detection.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The use of AI in gardening is a rapidly evolving field, and its applications are expanding rapidly. As Karwin notes, "In future columns, we will explore other ways you can use AI in the garden." Gardeners can expect to see more AI tools and applications becoming available in the coming years, making it easier to manage and enjoy their gardens. With the help of AI, gardeners can learn more about their plants, understand their natural processes, and make informed decisions about their care. As Karwin concludes, "Gardeners who draw upon AI technology will continue to feel the soil, sense microclimates, make long-term observations, and pursue ethical and aesthetic judgements."
Tom Karwin, On Gardening | Real gardening with artificial intelligence