SolarGrow

Inspiration

We noticed that most plant apps offer general care tips without accounting for where users live or what their plants actually experience day to day. We wanted to build something that adapts to real conditions—something that helps both farmers and casual gardeners make smarter, data-driven decisions for healthier plants.

What it does

An app that helps farmers and home gardeners optimize their plant growth based on real-time UV index and environmental conditions in their location. Instead of generic plant advice, it uses celestial (sunlight/UV) and terrestrial (weather/humidity) data to give personalized care plans for each plant.

How we built it

We developed SolarGrow using React and Chakra UI for a clean and responsive interface. Our backend connects to weather and UV APIs to fetch live environmental data, which is then processed through a custom recommendation algorithm to adjust watering and care plans dynamically. Data is stored and managed via Supabase, ensuring seamless syncing between user profiles and their virtual gardens.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was linking multiple APIs reliably—each had different data formats and response times. We also struggled with validating recommendations, making sure that what the algorithm suggested actually reflected good horticultural practices. Balancing simplicity with scientific accuracy pushed us to test, iterate, and refine continuously.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud of creating a fully functional prototype that integrates live environmental data into actionable plant care tips. Seeing the app adjust watering recommendations based on the weather in real time was incredibly rewarding. We also built a beautiful, intuitive UI that feels both educational and accessible to users of all experience levels.

What we learned

We learned how to work with complex API integrations, manage asynchronous data flow in React, and design for usability first. More importantly, we discovered how combining climate data and machine learning logic can create sustainable solutions that bridge technology and agriculture.

What's next for SolarGrow

We plan to expand SolarGrow with a community-driven plant database, allowing users to share insights and track local trends. We’re also exploring IoT sensor integration for soil moisture and light tracking, making care recommendations even more precise. Ultimately, we hope SolarGrow empowers a new generation of gardeners to grow smarter, not harder.