AI as a gardening tool
Artificial intelligence is the use of technology that allows computer systems to execute complex tasks that were only performed by humans. These tasks include reasoning, decision-making, creating and other cognitive (thinking) functions.
AI is unique in that it learns from itself instead of having its software upgraded by human programmers and engineers. Our search engines (e.g. Google) use AI, and there are AI apps (e.g. ChatGPT) for complex work.
AI is not new, having its origins in the 1950s when computers and their technology were in their early stages. Ask your AI source a question, and in seconds, you have an answer. With this rapid response capability, can AI be a tool in our gardening toolbox? Yes! AI is useful as a “ground-breaking” approach to finding the answer to your gardening question.
AI programs can answer basic questions, design landscapes, calculate the amount of mulch based on square footage, and identify plants and their diseases and pests.
For example, you may want to know the best fertilizer for your white pine (Pinus strobus) tree. The answer you receive will most likely be correct (slow-release, balanced fertilizer 10-10-10). You can decide on the brand of fertilizer to apply. Complex questions require analysis and decision-making. “Calculate the volume of mulch I need to cover an area 10 feet by 20 feet” is a question that gives you an answer with calculations (2 cubic yards at a depth of 3 inches). AI gives the formula, calculations and answer; armed with this information, you can purchase your mulch.
Designing a landscape is possible as well. “Design a perennial garden for part shade and dry soil.” You may be able to upload a photograph of the area, and the AI can draw a design for you. Your AI software may dialogue with you to refine your landscape design. Having this visual representation gives you an opportunity to see what the design would look like before purchasing your perennials.
When using AI as a gardening tool, there are several factors to consider. Always” dig deeper” into the AI responses. AI uses many resources, and as users, we do not know the breadth and veracity of these resources. Your next step is to verify the AI response by exploring websites that are extension-, education- or government-based (those with “extension,” “.edu,” or “.gov” in the website name). Penn State University and Penn State Extension expect the responsible use of AI (https://ai.psu.edu/guidelines/) among its staff, including Penn State Extension Master Gardeners.
AI-generated answers reflect the precision of your question. The more specific your question, the greater the accuracy of the AI-generated response. Include in your question information about your garden, including soil conditions, sun exposure, USDA Zone, rainfall and other helpful information that will generate a meaningful AI response. Cultivate a process with AI where you are using the AI to its fullest potential while meeting your gardening needs.
AI cannot replace human judgment and decision-making, including your own. Seek gardening advice from reputable online and in- person resources to guide your evidence and research-based directions for solving gardening problems.
Learn more about AI through Penn State Extension (https://extension.psu.edu/you-might-already-be-using-artificial-intelligence-without-knowing-it; https://extension.psu.edu/artificial-intelligence-its-been-around-longer-than-you-might-think). Penn State Extension has additional information about using AI resources for home garden designs ( https://extension.psu.edu/intelligent-choices-for-ai-home-garden-design). Keep AI in your garden tool box to enrich your gardening endeavors.
Lisa Marie Bernardo is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.
