Ok... I am brand new to this board and very much a beginner with the Bonsai.. so I have a question about watering the bansai.

I have a juniper bonsai, and I am worried that I am going to kill the plant very quickly by either overwatering or underwatering the plant. *I also go on vacation quite often and do not want to neglect the bansai. *With that being said, I am very fluent with electronics... so I came up with an idea.

Generally... this is what my system does. *It monitors the moisture level of the soil and depending on this level, will add water to the plant using an auxilliary water basin. *This unit is also able to mist the plant.

Now for the programming of this unit... and my question.

I have four possible ways of watering the plant... but I don't know which way is best.

1. *I can constantly monitor the moisture level of the soil and add water whenever it dips. *This will only add enough water to get the level back to acceptable levels. *This will assure a constant moisture level of the plant.

2. *I can contantly monitor the moisture level of the soil and add a predetermined amount of water (ie. 16 oz.). *This will allow the soil to dry out more than the above system, but will never allow it to drop below a predetermined level.

3. *Monitor the moisture level once per day (or two days) and add water to meet acceptable levels, but never over a certain moisture level. *If the water levelis acceptable, no water would be added.

4. *Monitor the moisture level once per day, and if needed water using a predetermined amount of water. *If the water level for that day is acceptable, no water will be added until the next day. *I feel this system is most like how I water the plant now.

Any input on this system would be greatly appreciated. *Once I work out the system and get it perfect.. I will probably add a system that will allow it to be added to a outdoor spigot so you would never run out of water.

My next stage is to monitor acid and base levels of the soil and give a warning when levels are unacceptable.

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My other question... would anyone be interested in purchasing such unit? *Can I sell these things or would this be just for my own meandering.

Thanks in advanced!!!

Russ

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