Sensors reroute them around pets, children, patio tables and garden decor. Monitoring and caring for plantsUnsure about whether your plants need watering or are getting sufficient sunlight? Hydroponics and beyondSo-called smart gardens are self-watering, self-fertilizing and self-lighting units that enable users to grow herbs and vegetables indoors year-round. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice.