Build a garden that thinks.
hydroMazing is a fully open-source smart garden system built with Raspberry Pi and Arduino. It makes localized, data-driven decisions about your growing environment — so you don't have to.
DHT sensors
BH1750 sensor
Float sensors
Nutrient monitoring
How hydroMazing works.
hydroMazing uses a two-tier architecture: an Arduino controller handles real-time sensor readings and appliance control, while a Raspberry Pi runs the web interface, data logging, and notification system.
Everything runs locally on your network. No cloud dependency. No subscription fees. Your data stays yours.
The algorithm.
hydroMazing uses a smart decision-making system called TheDecider to automatically control appliances based on sensor data. Instead of static thresholds, TheDecider uses configurable ranges and relationships between variables to make intelligent decisions.
For example, if the light is on but temperature gets too high, TheDecider will automatically turn on the exhaust fan — and only turn it off when temperature returns to the optimal range.
TheDecider supports:
- Temperature, humidity, light, and CO₂ monitoring
- Appliance chaining (fan only activates when light is on)
- Hysteresis bands to prevent rapid cycling
- Schedule-based and sensor-based triggers
How everything connects.
Arduino Nano Connections
| A0 | Photocell / Light sensor |
| D2-D7 | DHT22 temperature/humidity |
| D8-D13 | Dallas temperature sensors |
| D10 | nRF24L01 CE |
| D11 | nRF24L01 MOSI |
| D12 | nRF24L01 MISO |
| D13 | nRF24L01 SCK |
433MHz Appliance Control
Use a 433MHz RF transmitter to control wireless AC outlets. Capture codes from your existing remotes using the RCswitchReader.ino sketch.
- Compatible with 3-5 pack wireless outlets
- Uses RCSwitch library for Arduino
- Can also use direct relay/MOSFET control
Hydroponics Sensors
Analog sensors for nutrient solution monitoring connected to A0-A3 pins.
- pH probe with Atlas Scientific circuit
- EC/TDS probe for nutrient concentration
- Water level float switches
- Flow rate sensors for circulation monitoring
What hydroMazing does.
Environmental Monitoring
Real-time tracking of temperature, humidity, light intensity, and more — all displayed on your local dashboard.
Automated Control
Automatically control fans, heaters, water pumps, and lights via 433MHz remote-controlled AC outlets or direct relay connections.
Hydroponics Support
Monitor nutrient pH, EC levels, water temperature, and reservoir levels. Automated dosing and top-off systems supported.
Data Logging
MySQL database stores all sensor readings for historical analysis, trend charts, and optimization insights.
Smart Alerts
Email or SMS notifications when conditions fall outside your defined thresholds — know immediately when something's wrong.
Time-Lapse Camera
Optional USB webcam support for automated growth documentation and time-lapse video generation.
Core components.
Arduino Nano Controller
The brain of the operation| Microcontroller | Arduino Nano (ATmega328P) |
| Wireless Control | 433MHz transmitter module |
| Communication | USB serial to Raspberry Pi |
| Power | 5V via USB or VIN pin |
| Outputs | 433MHz AC outlets, relays, servos |
Raspberry Pi Web Services
Dashboard & data hub| Model | Raspberry Pi 3/4/5 (any model) |
| Web Server | Apache 2 with PHP |
| Database | MySQL / MariaDB |
| Interface | PHP/HTML dashboard |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, WiFi, or local-only |
Monitor everything that matters.
Temperature & Humidity
DHT11/DHT22 sensors for accurate ambient readings. Critical for climate control and VPD calculations.
DHT11 / DHT22Light Intensity
BH1750 digital lux meter for precise PAR estimation and grow light scheduling optimization.
BH1750Water Level
Floating ball sensors or ultrasonic distance sensors for reservoir monitoring and auto top-off triggers.
Float / HC-SR04pH Monitoring
Analog pH probe with Atlas Scientific or generic pH circuit. Essential for hydroponic nutrient management.
Analog pH probeEC / TDS
Electrical conductivity sensor for nutrient concentration monitoring. Prevent over/under feeding.
EC / TDS probeCO₂ Levels
MH-Z19B or CCS811 for CO₂ monitoring. Optimize enrichment for maximum growth rates.
MH-Z19BFrom soil to dashboard.
The Arduino reads all sensors on a configurable interval (default: every 60 seconds), packages the data, and sends it to the Raspberry Pi via USB serial connection.
The Pi's Python daemon receives the data, validates it, and inserts it into the MySQL database. The PHP dashboard queries the database to display real-time values and historical charts.
Learn how to build and optimize.
Water Level & Flow Rate Sensors
Install and calibrate float switches and flow meters. Automatic top-off system setup.
Hardware GuideControlling Appliances
433MHz wireless outlet control and direct relay wiring. Capture remote codes with RCswitch.
Automation GuideNutrient Solution Management
pH and EC/TDS monitoring, calibration, and automated dosing systems for hydroponics.
Hydroponics GuideIndoor Gardening Fundamentals
VPD, DLI, and environmental management. Common problems and how to fix them.
EducationalComplete Guides Library
12+ WordPress blog posts transformed into searchable, organized guides.
ArchivedHardware to get started.
Everything you need to build your own hydroMazing system. These are the exact components used in the reference build.
CrowPi Compact Raspberry Pi Educational Kit
All-in-one portable Pi learning station with built-in screen, keyboard, touchpad, and 20+ sensor modules. Ideal for STEM education and hands-on Pi exploration.
View on CrowPi →
CrowPi L
A Raspberry Pi 5 laptop that doubles as an electronics lab. Built-in GPIO breakout, breadboard, and sensor modules — code, tinker, and learn anywhere.
View on CrowPi →
433MHz Wireless AC Outlets
3-5 pack remote-controlled outlets for lights, fans, and pumps. Use the RCSwitch library to control them directly from the Arduino.
View on Amazon →
ELEGOO Electronics Fun Kit
Upgraded starter kit with sensors, motors, and tutorials — compatible with Arduino. The perfect build-it-yourself intro to the electronics behind hydroMazing.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, CoreConduit earns from qualifying purchases.
Ready to build your own hydroMazing system?
Full documentation, wiring diagrams, Arduino firmware, and Raspberry Pi setup scripts are available. Start small and scale up as you go.
About hydroMazing
hydroMazing was built by Cory Potter at CoreConduit as a fully open-source alternative to cloud-dependent smart garden systems. The philosophy is simple: your garden data should live where you can see it, on hardware you control, with software you can modify.