How AI Can Help Your Green Thumb
Jeremy Dodge Interviews Katrina German on CTV Morning Live about AI for Gardening. Click the photo to watch the segment.
Embracing AI for the Perfect Garden: Tips from Tech Expert Katrina German
It's gardening season across Canada, and as the snow melts away and the days get longer, people are getting ready to bring their gardens to life. This year, there’s a big difference: AI tools are making gardening more accessible, personalized, and exciting than ever before.
We asked Katrina German, our tech expert and garden lover, to share how she’s using AI to prepare for the best gardening season yet.
Katrina, what's new in gardening tech this year?
This is an incredibly exciting time for gardeners, as AI tools can help you re-envision your garden like never before. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete newbie, platforms like ChatGPT and image generators are taking the guesswork out of gardening and turning it into a fun, creative process.
So what's your first trick for using AI in gardening?
ChatGPT is my top recommendation! I’ve been amazed at how many gardening tasks it can help with. For example, I recently used the paid version of ChatGPT for an exercise that showcases just how fun and efficient this tool can be for garden planning. I took a photo of an outdoor area where I wanted to plant, and within two minutes, ChatGPT gave me a beautiful rendering of what the space could look like. But that’s not all – you can ask ChatGPT to provide a list of flowers, tips on where to buy them, and even guide you on how to care for them. It’s like having a personal garden consultant at your fingertips!
What other cool things can ChatGPT do for gardeners?
One of the most frequent questions I see in gardening communities is about plant identification. Whether it's a tree in your backyard or a mystery flower you've found, AI can help you identify it and give you the necessary care instructions. For example, I uploaded a photo of a tree in my yard, and within moments, ChatGPT identified the tree species and provided helpful information on how to care for it.
Can I use AI for indoor plants too?
Absolutely! Although I’m a little embarrassed to show this one, I did the same thing with one of my indoor plants that wasn’t looking so healthy. ChatGPT not only identified the plant but also gave me a detailed recovery plan. It’s like having a gardening expert on call – without the judgment!
Now that you're mastering gardening with tech, what are your plans for this year’s garden?
I’ve got two big ideas that I’m really excited about! First, I’m going to experiment with creating recipes, like a fresh salsa, and work backward to figure out what plants I need to grow in order to create that perfect dish. ChatGPT can help me plan the quantities of each plant I need, based on the recipe I input. Second, once my perennials come in, I plan to create a map of my entire garden to make it easier for others to care for the plants in the future. I may even turn that map into a piece of art!
Where can people find more tips for using AI in their everyday lives?
If you're looking for more ideas on how to make AI work for you, you can follow me for more gardening tips, tech advice, and creative ways to use AI in everyday life. Whether it's making your home more efficient or helping with gardening projects, there’s a world of possibilities at your fingertips!
AI is making gardening smarter, easier, and more fun than ever. Whether you’re planning a new garden, identifying plants, or mapping your space, these AI tools offer endless possibilities for both seasoned gardeners and those just starting out. Ready to try it out? It’s time to bring your garden dreams to life!