Black & Decker® Launches PlantSmart™ Digital Plant Care Sensor

TOWSON, Md., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Black & Decker introduced its new PlantSmart digital plant care sensor that provides expert advice for growing and maintaining all types of plants and flowers, both indoors and out.  PlantSmart helps to put an end to the discouraging cycle of trial and error in gardening.  With its easy-to-use technology and advice, PlantSmart creates a satisfying and productive gardening experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100826/PH55399 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100826/PH55399 )

PlantSmart helps gardeners of every level – those with green thumbs and those with not-so-green thumbs – save time, money and frustration.  The sensor provides detailed advice based on your region for growing and maintaining not only plants and flowers, but also vegetables, fruits, trees, shrubs and grasses.

A revolutionary gardening tool, PlantSmart combines the accuracy of a digital sensor with the analytical power of the home computer.  The reusable, water-resistant sensor uses patented technology to measure key environmental information from sunlight and temperature to moisture, soil conditions and more.  Readings are then uploaded to a personal PlantSmart online account and combined with real-time climate and horticultural information from the local area.  Powerful gardening software analyzes the information and provides personalized plant care instruction.

To help gardeners get the right plant care every step of the way, PlantSmart features three easy to use modes:  Recommend, Monitor and Water.  In the "Recommend" mode, the sensor is placed in a selected area to collect key environmental information.  After 24 hours of collecting data, the sensor connects to an online database to provide a personalized recommendation for plants that will thrive in that particular area.  

Users can also narrow the search based on personal criteria (color, blooming season, etc.) and the Website will offer narrowed options from more than 6,000 plants.  Additionally, the Website offers the opportunity to save data and records for future use.    

In its "Monitor" mode, the sensor sits in the soil for a full watering cycle.  After connecting the sensor to a computer and online database, gardeners can review results where a Plant Doctor will offer advice about that specific plant's needs. For an additional monthly subscription, the online service will also provide fertilizer recommendations.

The third mode, "Water," provides immediate feedback. By inserting the sensor into the soil next to the plant, results can be read directly from the PlantSmart sensor to determine the water needs of the plant.

Black & Decker's PlantSmart will be available online beginning September 2010 at Amazon.com and  Target.com.  Additionally, PlantSmart will be available in select regional retail stores in California, Texas and Florida, as well as Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Atlanta and Charlotte.  It will be available in retail stores nationally beginning in Spring 2011 for $49.99.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Easy to use for gardeners of any level
• Advanced technology measures climate and soil conditions
• Provides expert guidance for growing and maintaining all types of plants, flowers, vegetables, fruits, trees, shrubs and grasses
• Includes free access to a personalized web tool with over 6,000 detailed plant species

100 Years of Innovation.  A Legacy of Trust

Since 1910, Black & Decker has been setting the standard for innovation and design of power tools, accessories, outdoor yard care equipment, home cleaning products, automotive and lighting products, hardware and home improvement products, and technology-based fastening systems.  The inventor of the first portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch, Black & Decker has evolved from a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland to a global manufacturing and marketing powerhouse with a broad line of quality products used in and around the home and for commercial applications.  When users need to get work done, they trust Black & Decker for the products that will do the job efficiently and reliably.  For more information on Black & Decker's extensive line of products or its centennial anniversary, visit http://www.BlackandDecker.com or http://www.BlackandDecker.imrepresskit.com.

SOURCE Black & Decker

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