Building an outdoor plant box with a sun tracker is a fantastic way to ensure your plants receive optimal sunlight throughout the day. This DIY project combines gardening with simple technology to create a self-adjusting system that follows the sun’s movement. Here’s how you can make one:

Materials Needed:

- Wooden planks (cedar or redwood for durability)

- Screws and a drill

- Small solar panel

- Light-dependent resistors (LDRs)

- Arduino or a basic sun-tracking kit

- Servo motor

- Waterproof sealant

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Construct the Plant Box:

Cut the wooden planks to your desired size and assemble them into a rectangular box. Secure the corners with screws and apply waterproof sealant to protect the wood.

2. Install the Sun Tracker:

Attach the solar panel to the top of the plant box. Connect the LDRs to the Arduino and position them on either side of the panel. The LDRs will detect sunlight intensity and send signals to the servo motor.

3. Set Up the Servo Motor:

Mount the servo motor at the base of the plant box. The motor will rotate the box based on the LDR readings, ensuring the plants always face the sun.

4. Test the System:

Place the plant box in a sunny spot and observe the movement. Adjust the sensitivity of the LDRs if needed to ensure smooth tracking.

5. Add Plants:

Fill the box with soil and your favorite plants. The sun tracker will now automatically adjust the box’s position for maximum sunlight exposure.

This project is perfect for gardeners who want to maximize plant growth with minimal effort. Happy gardening!