Tagging Plants With Smart NFC Plant Labels
Monday, 24th March 2025
When I first set out to create what would become Petals smart plant labels, I knew I wanted a system that combined practical gardening needs with modern technology. My goal was to simplify how gardeners, especially enthusiastic hobbyists, could manage and document their plants in an organised, digital way. This was more than just cataloguing - it was about merging gardening memories with data-driven plant management.
Initially, I experimented by taking ordinary garden markers and glueing small, circular NFC discs onto them. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, commonly used in contactless payments and access control, offered the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Each NFC disc contained a tiny chip capable of storing and transmitting information to a smartphone, activated by a simple tap.
This early DIY approach allowed me to test whether NFC technology was robust enough to survive the varied British weather. It was crucial for these smart labels to withstand rain, frost, intense sunlight, and general outdoor wear and tear. Over several months, these prototypes proved resilient, providing a seamless, reliable method for linking physical plants to a digital platform.
The NFC discs made it effortless to tag each plant with extensive data: species details, planting dates, care instructions, growth history, photographs, and even sentimental notes about the plant's origin or significance. By tapping a smartphone against the label, users could instantly retrieve or update information, making the garden's detailed history easily accessible at any moment.
Encouraged by the successful trial, I refined the design into the durable, weather-resistant labels available today - purpose-built for gardeners who appreciate technology's role in enhancing their gardening experience. Petals smart plant labels now provide gardeners with an innovative, efficient way to manage their gardens, document growth, preserve memories, and connect with a wider gardening community online.
From humble DIY experiments to a fully realised gardening solution, Petals embodies the fusion of traditional horticulture with modern asset management, making every gardener's journey simpler, smarter, and more memorable.
Initially, I experimented by taking ordinary garden markers and glueing small, circular NFC discs onto them. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, commonly used in contactless payments and access control, offered the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Each NFC disc contained a tiny chip capable of storing and transmitting information to a smartphone, activated by a simple tap.
This early DIY approach allowed me to test whether NFC technology was robust enough to survive the varied British weather. It was crucial for these smart labels to withstand rain, frost, intense sunlight, and general outdoor wear and tear. Over several months, these prototypes proved resilient, providing a seamless, reliable method for linking physical plants to a digital platform.
The NFC discs made it effortless to tag each plant with extensive data: species details, planting dates, care instructions, growth history, photographs, and even sentimental notes about the plant's origin or significance. By tapping a smartphone against the label, users could instantly retrieve or update information, making the garden's detailed history easily accessible at any moment.
Encouraged by the successful trial, I refined the design into the durable, weather-resistant labels available today - purpose-built for gardeners who appreciate technology's role in enhancing their gardening experience. Petals smart plant labels now provide gardeners with an innovative, efficient way to manage their gardens, document growth, preserve memories, and connect with a wider gardening community online.
From humble DIY experiments to a fully realised gardening solution, Petals embodies the fusion of traditional horticulture with modern asset management, making every gardener's journey simpler, smarter, and more memorable.