Earthquakes are unpredictable natural disasters, but innovative DIY methods like plant-based predictors can offer early warnings. By leveraging outdoor plant boxes, you can create an eco-friendly earthquake detection system. Here’s how:

1. Select Sensitive Plants: Choose plants like mimosa pudica or ferns, which react to subtle vibrations and changes in electromagnetic fields. Place them in sturdy outdoor plant boxes with well-draining soil.

2. Install Sensors: Embed low-cost vibration or moisture sensors near the roots. These can detect unusual soil movement or electrical changes linked to seismic activity.

3. Monitor Plant Behavior: Use a camera or IoT device to track unusual plant movements, such as sudden wilting or leaf folding, which may precede earthquakes.

4. Analyze Data: Connect sensors to a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi) to log anomalies. Pair with weather data to rule out false alarms.

5. Set Up Alerts: Program the system to send notifications via SMS or app when abnormal patterns are detected.

This low-tech, sustainable approach complements traditional seismic tools. While not foolproof, it’s a creative way to harness nature’s signals for disaster preparedness. Always pair it with official warnings for safety.