Building an outdoor plant box with a copper sensor is a fantastic DIY project for gardening enthusiasts who want to monitor soil moisture levels smartly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own:

1. Materials Needed:

- Wooden planks (cedar or redwood for durability)

- Copper rods or strips (for the sensor)

- Arduino or similar microcontroller

- Moisture sensor module

- Screws, nails, and basic woodworking tools

- Waterproof sealant

2. Construct the Plant Box:

- Cut the wooden planks to your desired size (e.g., 24"x12"x12").

- Assemble the box using screws and reinforce the corners for stability.

- Apply a waterproof sealant to protect the wood from moisture damage.

3. Create the Copper Sensor:

- Insert two copper rods into the soil, spaced about 2-3 inches apart.

- Connect the rods to the moisture sensor module, which will measure the electrical resistance between them (higher resistance indicates drier soil).

4. Set Up the Electronics:

- Connect the moisture sensor to an Arduino or microcontroller.

- Program the Arduino to read the sensor data and trigger alerts (e.g., LED or buzzer) when the soil is too dry.

5. Test and Adjust:

- Fill the box with soil and plant your chosen greenery.

- Calibrate the sensor by testing it in both wet and dry conditions.

This project combines traditional gardening with modern technology, ensuring your plants thrive with minimal effort. Happy building!