Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my current project: a minimalist, enclosed cube for soil-based microgreens. The goal is to make it look like a piece of furniture rather than a utility tray.
The Setup:
– Size: 33x33x39cm (designed to fit into standard shelving IKEA KALLAX).
– Method: Soil-based with automated bottom watering.
– Components: Two GN 1/2 trays and a custom 3D-printed reservoir.
– Electronics: An ESP32 acts as the brain of the system.
I’m using it to automate the lighting and airflow based on real-time data from soil moisture and temperature sensors. The goal is to create a fully autonomous micro-climate that reacts to the plants' needs.
Current Challenges I’m facing:
– Internal Space: Fitting the pump and reservoir into the base is proving to be very difficult. Thinking of drilling a hole in the bottom tray to connect the pump to it.
– Airflow/Humidity: I need to balance the fans to prevent mold without drying out the soil too quickly. While also managing the vibrations and noise of the fan.
– The Door: Still figuring out a seamless front cover that allows easy access.
I’d love some feedback: Does anyone here have experience with small-scale automated bottom watering? How do you manage airflow in enclosed microgreen setups?
Note: This is an early wooden prototype, the final goal is to build it from waterproof HPL.
by grovahome
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