Abstract: Methods and systems for using UVI data in plant evaluation applications avail themselves of the correlation between PAR and UVI to estimate PAR based on UVI and apply the PAR estimate in a plant evaluation application, such as a plant selection or plant heath diagnostics application. A UVI-based PAR estimate may be used, for example, to dramatically reduce the time that an environmental probe must be deployed at a plant site by normalizing a sensor-based PAR estimate generated from short-term measurements taken by the environmental probe to produce a faster, more accurate and more reliable plant evaluation.

Abstract: A computerized system for targeted horticultural advertising. In some embodiments, the system comprises a computer. The computer receives environmental data collected at a horticultural site. The computer determines conformance of the environmental data to a plant species profile and directs a user to commercial information regarding a plant associated with the plant species profile based on the conformance. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant selection and purchasing. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant health diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Abstract: A computerized plant selection system comprises a probe and a computer. The probe is installed at a proposed site for a plant. The probe collects environmental data at the site. The environmental data are uploaded to a computer. The computer identifies one or more compatible plant species using the environmental data. Information regarding the compatible plant species is displayed to a user, which advantageously enables the user to select a plant that is environmentally compatible with the proposed site. The compatible plant species may be further identified using user interview data, which enables the user to advantageously select a plant that is compatible with the user's aesthetic and utilitarian preferences. The computer may further identify purchasing information, which advantageously saves the user time and effort in locating a plant and enables the user to purchase a plant that is compatible with the user's budget.

Abstract: A probe for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system comprises a controller having a processor adopted to process environmental data received from a plurality of sensors and a communications interface adapted to transmit environmental data; and a soil mount removably engaged with the controller having a receptacle adapted to snugly receive the communications interface and a stake adapted to removably engage with soil. The receptacle advantageously allows engagement and disengagement of the controller from the soil mount by hand without the need for tools or independent attachment mechanisms, which has heightened importance where portability of the controller is required, and protects sensitive electronic components of the controller, such as the communications interface, from environmental contaminants.

Abstract: A computerized plant selection system comprises a probe and a computer. The probe is installed at a proposed site for a plant. The probe collects environmental data at the site. The environmental data are uploaded to a computer. The computer identifies one or more compatible plant species using the environmental data. Information regarding the compatible plant species is displayed to a user, which advantageously enables the user to select a plant that is environmentally compatible with the proposed site. The compatible plant species may be further identified using user interview data, which enables the user to advantageously select a plant that is compatible with the user's aesthetic and utilitarian preferences. The computer may further identify purchasing information, which advantageously saves the user time and effort in locating a plant and enables the user to purchase a plant that is compatible with the user's budget.

Abstract: A computerized system for targeted horticultural advertising. In some embodiments, the system comprises a computer. The computer receives environmental data collected at a horticultural site. The computer determines conformance of the environmental data to a plant species profile and directs a user to commercial information regarding a plant associated with the plant species profile based on the conformance. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant selection and purchasing. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant health diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Abstract: A real-time plant health monitoring system comprises a probe and a computer. The computer obtains a species profile for the installed plant. The species profile is downloaded to the probe. The probe is installed at a site of a plant. The probe collects environmental data at the site. The probe identifies an adverse environmental condition using the species profile and the environmental data and outputs an alert, which advantageously enables the user to take timely corrective action to improve the health of the installed plant. The nature of the adverse environmental condition may be explicit in the alert. The processed environmental data and/or information regarding the adverse environmental condition may be uploaded to a computer, which may identify the adverse environmental condition and direct the user to troubleshooting information, such as technical information or product purchasing information.

Abstract: A probe for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system comprises a controller having a processor adopted to process environmental data received from a plurality of sensors and a communications interface adapted to transmit environmental data; and a soil mount removably engaged with the controller having a receptacle adapted to snugly receive the communications interface and a stake adapted to removably engage with soil. The receptacle advantageously allows engagement and disengagement of the controller from the soil mount by hand without the need for tools or independent attachment mechanisms, which has heightened importance where portability of the controller is required, and protects sensitive electronic components of the controller, such as the communications interface, from environmental contaminants.

Abstract: A computerized plant health diagnostics system comprises a probe and a computer. The probe is installed at a site of a plant that is in poor health. The probe collects environmental data at the site. The environmental data are uploaded to a computer. The computer obtains a species profile for the installed plant. The computer identifies an adverse environmental condition using the environmental data and the species profile. Information regarding the adverse environmental condition is displayed to a user, which advantageously enables the user to take action to improve the health of the installed plant. The computer may also direct the user to troubleshooting information, such as technical information and purchasing information, which advantageously enable the user to discover and implement an appropriate course of action to improve the health of the installed plant.