Support

Known Issues

Mac users: Whenever I plug my sensor in, I get a message saying "A new network interface has been detected." What is this?

Symptom:

Mac users upgrading to Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6) will experience a nagging dialog box every time you insert your sensor, directing you to Network Preferences.

Solution:

Although this has no effect on your sensor's functionality (you could simply press Cancel and ignore it if you preferred), we recommend you go to our main Support page to download the latest version of our Mac client. This quirk is resolved in our latest release.

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I'm trying to print my results, but all I get is a blank page! What am I doing wrong?

We apologize for this inconvenience. We will implement a more elegant printing solution in the future. Until then, please follow the steps below in order to print your results.

Note: We do realize this procedure is tedious; it is not intended to be a long-term solution!
1. If you are not signed in to our website yet, click Sign in on the upper-right corner of the EasyBloom website. Enter your email address and password. (As an alternative, you can simply insert your sensor, which will automatically log you into the website.)
2. Click on My Readings, then choose the reading whose results you would like to print.
3. In your My Readings tab, click on Top Recommendations or All Recommendations, depending on how many results you would like to print (Top Recommendations shows you only the most popular varieties that would thrive in your location).
4. Choose List View, if you prefer to have your recommendations print as a tidy chart.
5. From the drop-down menu to the left, you can choose Show 48 (or Show 24) in order to increase the number of plants appearing on each page.
6. Select all the plant recommendations you would like to print, then press Ctrl+C (⌘+C on a Mac).
7. Open your favorite word processor (i.e. Microsoft Word).
8. To paste your recommendations, press Ctrl+V (⌘+V on a Mac).
9. Repeat steps 6-8 for each additional page and/or reading you would like to print.
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My readings are uploading with crazy timestamps and dates. What's going on?

If your battery is approaching the end of its life (1.1 V or lower), the reduced voltage can cause your sensor to skew the timestamps for your reading. You can easily check your battery voltage by following the steps in this FAQ.

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I accidentally stopped my sensor before 24 hours passed on my Recommend reading. When I realized this after an hour or so, I then turned it back on for the remaining hours. Will this affect my reading?

Our recommendation algorithms are optimized for an uninterrupted 24-hour reading. Unfortunately, an interrupted reading can result in skewed data, which affects the reliability of your plant recommendation results.

We hope to fix this to adjust for skewed data in the coming months. In the meantime, however, if your reading is accidentally interrupted we strongly recommend that you simply start the reading again and allow it to collect data for another 24 hours.

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My sensor isn't responding when I try to turn it on. It worked yesterday.. What's going on?

We are aware of this issue occurring in some of our earlier units. The battery terminal contact (the metal tab on the top) in those units was too easily bent, causing the battery to more easily lose contact.

In all of those earlier units, this problem occurs only if dropped upside-down. All of the sensor's functions will be restored once the following workaroundis applied:
1. Open the battery door and take out the battery.
2. Look for the silver clip in the battery compartment, which is located at the top of the sensor.
3. Using needle-nose pliers or a flathead screwdriver, gently bend the clip down a bit so that the battery fits snugly.
4. Re-insert a known good battery and carefully close the battery door; make sure the door is fully sealed by pressing down on its edges.
5. Connect the sensor to your computer's USB port and set it to the desired mode.
If you still experience intermittent power issues after following the steps above, please contact us. We'll be happy to send you a replacement unit.

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I can't set my sensor to Recommend mode in Internet Explorer 7 with McAfee Security Center running. Also, my dashboard looks strange when I attempt Monitor mode. How can I fix this?

McAfee Security Center's phishing protection appears to be conflicting with Internet Explorer 7 browser's functionality. This can be fixed by doing the following:
1. Double-click on the McAfee Security Center icon (red M logo) in the Windows taskbar (usually at the bottom-right of your screen)
2. Click Advanced Menu at the bottom left of the screen
3. In the resulting menu choose Configure, then Internet & Network
4. Under Phishing protection is disabled, select Off.
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I set my EasyBloom Plant Sensor in Recommend mode right next to a plant that is doing very well. When I upload the reading, that plant does not appear in my Recommended Plants list. How is this possible?

The EasyBloom Plant Sensor considers multiple factors in recommending plants for your outdoor microclimates.

One of these factors is the general climate in your area, which we determine based on your ZIP code. The United States Department of Agriculture and the American Horticultural Society have mapped out cold hardiness zones and heat zones based on climatic patterns plotted for all the regions in North America. These zones determine which plants tend to thrive in a given location. Using data from horticultural organizations such as Ball Horticulture, we then fine-tune the recommendation data based on your sensor’s environmental reading to gage your own garden’s microclimate more accurately.

EasyBloom’s recommendation algorithms were calibrated to recommend plants that are known to thrive, not merely survive, in your specific microclimate. If your sensor’s environmental readings fall just outside of the appropriate zone for a particular plant, it may very well survive. However, since we cannot confidently predict the plant will thrive in the long term, we do not recommend it.

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When I insert my sensor, I get an error saying "There was an issue with the server..." How do I fix this?

There have been isolated cases of the following error:

There was an issue with the server.

Please unplug your sensor, close this dialog, and then plug your sensor back into your USB port to upload your reading.

If you encounter this error again, please note the date and time that it occurred and contact customer support.

If you encounter this error, please do the following:
1. Right-click on the EasyBloom flower icon in your system tray (bottom-right of your screen).
2. Click Exit.
3. Now click Start -> All Programs -> EasyBloom -> EasyBloom Companion.
4. Use your sensor as usual. The error should no longer occur.
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The plant library says my ivy geranium likes Full sun. When I monitored it with my sensor, though, the Expert Feedback claimed it was getting too much sun. How is this possible?

EasyBloom's botanical algorithms is based on Burpee and Ball Horticulture plant databases. The algorithms we use in recommending plants are quite precise, but the standard light labels (i.e. Full sun, Partial sun, etc.) specified in the plant databases are not as specific as our data.

Currently, your Expert Feedback may occasionally seem to contradict the entries in our plant library. This is because the term Full sun is defined by a relatively wide spectrum. The high/low limits of Full sun are quite far from each other. This means that a plant like the ivy geranium, which thrives in the lower end of the Full sun spectrum (as per our plant database), will not thrive if exposed to the higher end of the Full sun spectrum. You can see how close you were to the recommended sunlight level by checking out your reading's Plant Doctor feedback.

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Overview

How long will my EasyBloom Plant Sensor's battery last?

The supplied AAA battery should last you about 6 months with regular use.

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How many readings do I need to take in my garden or house?

You need to take a reading for every spot you want to plant a plant. For instance, if you wanted to plant 3 new plants in different locations in your backyard, you will want to take 3 different readings:
1. One for the plant that may be up near your house which gets some shade during the morning because of the shade the house provides.
2. One reading for the plant on the patio which gets sun all day and gets no shade.
3. One for the plant in the border near the lawn which gets afternoon shade from the large oak tree in your yard.
Remember every spot in your yard probably receives a different amount of light and has slightly different soil. If you have ever wondered why the same plant in two different locations faired differently - that's why. Using the sensor in multiple locations gives you a plant's view of every location.

EasyBloom takes into consideration things like changing sun due to shade you might get from a building or tree, how much more heat a plant might get from being near a concrete wall, and other external factors that make more specific microclimates in and around your home.

However, if you have a new area that you are planting, and it gets the same shade/light throughout the day, you can take one reading and then choose multiple plants. The only thing you need to consider is that sometimes we think we know the environmental conditions in our yard, for instance "My yard is south facing and it gets sunlight all day." If in doubt, take a few readings just to make sure.

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Do I need to install software or drivers?

You need to install the EasyBloom Companion Software, which allows the sensor to talk to the EasyBloom website. Once the sensor is inserted in a USB port to upload a reading, the Companion Software reads the data from the sensor and then uploads it to the website. The rest of the "software" is on the web.

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What are the hours for EasyBloom's telephone support?

EasyBloom's customer support hours are 7am-7pm PST (10am-10pm EST).

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Will the EasyBloom Plant Sensor work outside the United States?

EasyBloom WILL NOT WORK outside of the 50 United States. EasyBloom uses more information than the raw sensor data to give the best possible horticultural advice. Local growing zones, climate, hourly weather and instantaneous solar position are all taken into account. Currently this information is all tied to US zipcodes. The sensor will currently NOT work in US Territories, nor APO/FPO (military) zip codes. Sorry for the inconvenience!

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I live outside of the United States and own an EasyBloom Plant Sensor, but it won't work!

Please return your sensor to the vendor for a refund. EasyBloom works ONLY IN THE UNITED STATES.

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Getting Started

How do I get started using the EasyBloom Plant Sensor?

Follow the instructions on the Quick Start card included in your EasyBloom Plant Sensor's package. For more information, check out our videos and User's Guide, all located on the Support page.

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How do I know if my battery is installed correctly?

Make sure you insert the included AAA battery positive (+) side down. Close the battery door. When the door closes, you will hear a quick succession of tones, letting you know that your battery is properly installed.

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It says in the user's guide that I should monitor my plant for at least one watering cycle. What does this mean?

A watering cycle lasts from the initial watering at the beginning of a reading, to the first time your sensor lets you know the plant wants water (yellow flash and chirp).

Remember: When you stick your sensor into the soil next to the plant to be monitored and push Start, it is best that you water the plant soon after. When you hear the sensor chirping (NOTE it only chirps between 8am and 8pm to avoid disrupting your sleep) and blinking yellow, this means the plant needs more water. At this point it is safe to stop the reading and water the plant. You can also water the plant and continue the reading, for extra accuracy).

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How do I use my sensor in Recommend mode indoors if I have no soil to put the sensor into?

In Recommend mode you can simply set the top part of your sensor in its stand. The soil sensor attachment is not necessary for Recommend mode. It is only used in Water and Monitor modes. Please see our user's manual for further details on the sensor's functions.

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My sensor makes all sorts of beeps and flashes. What do they mean?

Click here for an explanation of all the sounds and flashes your EasyBloom sensor makes.

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How do I get the EasyBloom Plant Sensor into the soil without breaking the sensor?

If your soil is dry, we recommend that you use a tool (e.g. screwdriver) to loosen the soil a little so the sensor can more easily be put in the ground.

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Can I save multiple readings in one spot?

You can take multiple readings, but they are saved as separate readings. You can save them with names such as "Left Backyard Corner Spring" or "Left Backyard Corner Summer", etc. However, the EasyBloom algorithms do take into consideration the various weather changes throughout the year based on your heat zone and cold zone information to make sure the plants will do well in your specific locations.

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Using Your Sensor

How do I upgrade my sensor firmware and companion software?

Every time you plug your EasyBloom Plant Sensor into your computer's USB port, our software checks to ensure both your sensor's firmware and companion software are the latest versions available. If the latest version is not found, we will automatically prompt you to install the latest version.

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Can I have my sensor take readings next to my sprinkler?

We don't recommend setting your EasyBloom Plant Sensor within range of sprinkler jets.

The sensor is not waterproof, but water-resistant. It can withstand heavy rains and most gentle irrigation systems, but many sprinkler jets emit horizontal streams of pressurized water that can potentially penetrate the air intake's protective membrane and damage the sensor's circuitry.

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Does my sensor self-charge off of the USB port?

No it does not. It is powered through the AAA battery. When the AAA battery is depleted of power, you need to replace the battery. We recommend that you dispose of the depleted battery in an appropriate manner for your area. Many local hardware stores accept batteries for recycling. Check with a hardware store near you.

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If I set my sensor to Recommend mode for less than the recommended 24 hours, how will this affect my reading?

You will still get plant recommendations based on the data that was collected. However, because the sensor did not record a full day's data, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of your plant recommendations.

We urge you to leave your sensor to collect data for at least 24 hours.

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I noticed my impatiens appears in the plant library as both an annual and a perennial. How is this possible?

Some plants, such as impatiens, are technically perennials in the botanical world. This means they would continue to grow for several years in their native habitat.

Since impatiens don't typically flower as much after a number of months and will not survive cold winters, most gardeners grow their impatiens as annuals, replanting the flower beds every year.

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The instructions tell me I should leave my sensor in Monitor mode for at least one watering cycle. What is a watering cycle?

A watering cycle begins when you first water your plant and ends when it needs to be watered again. You can take all the guesswork out of this by following the steps below:
1. Insert your sensor into the soil next to the plant to be monitored and push the Start button.
2. Water the plant you are monitoring, making sure to water deeply.
3. When you hear the sensor chirping and blinking yellow, your plant needs to be watered again.
  Note: Your sensor will only chirp between the hours of 8am and 8pm, so as to avoid disrupting your sleep.
4. At this point you can either stop the reading, or, for even better results, you can continue your Monitor reading for an additional watering cycle.
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My EasyBloom username is my email address.. What do I do if my email address changes?

To change your registered email address, you need to change the email listed in your My EasyBloom profile and your EasyBloom Companion Software preferences, following the instructions below:
1. Log in to the EasyBloom website with your current credentials
2. Under My EasyBloom, click on My Profile
3. Change the address listed in the "Email" field to your new email address
4. Click [Save]
5. Now right-click on the EasyBloom Companion Software icon (small flower icon) on the bottom-right of your taskbar
6. Click Preferences
7. In the "User name" field, change the address listed to your new email address.
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I think the petal attachments look really cool on my sensor, but do they have any effect on my readings?

Nope, the petal attachments will have absolutely no effect on your sensor's performance. We're glad you like them!

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Can I clear the sensor's memory manually?

Yes, with the sensor connected to the USB port you right click the EasyBloom icon in the Windows task bar system tray, choose "Preferences", and click on "Clear Sensor Buffer". If you know you don't want to use the data in your sensor, you can just do this and it will delete it for you.

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How do I make the sensor log me in and upload my data automatically when I plug the sensor in?

There is a check box in the Preferences dialog box where you can set this feature. By default we have it selected to automatically do this for you. However, during installation, you may have unchecked it, so it no longer happens automatically. Click the EasyBloom icon in the Windows task bar system tray, choose "Preferences", and click the check box labeled "automatically upload when sensor is inserted".

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How do I change my flower petals?

You gently pull off the petal that is on the device and replace it with one of the other petals in your package. It should go on fairly easily.

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What happens if I press the start/stop button 2 times accidentally?

You can press the start button to start the collection. If you accidentally press it again (ie. stop the collection), you can just press it again (and you'll see the green light) which tells you it has started its collection again.

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When I plug my sensor into my USB port, the light goes on. When I disconnect I don't hear any sound, and when I press the Start/Stop button it doesn't turn on. What's going on?

Hmm.. It sounds like it's time to replace your battery. Your sensor's light turns on when plugged into your USB port regardless of your battery's state, since the USB port actually powers the sensor. When detached from your computer, it no longer responds if the battery is dead.

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Why doesn't my sensor chirp at night in Monitor mode, when my plant needs watering?

The default is for the sensor to not make any noise from 8pm to 8am so as to not disturb you.

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How do I know when my sensor's battery is running low? I want to be sure my battery won't die in the middle of a reading..

With your sensor plugged in, your companion software can tell you how much power is left in your battery:
1. Right-click on your EasyBloom Companion icon in your system tray (usually at the bottom-right corner of your screen).
2. Select Preferences.
3. In the bottom section of the Preferences dialog you should see Battery, followed by x.xx volts:
  1. If the number (x.xx) reads between 1.50 and 1.75, your battery is fresh.
  2. If it reads 1.2 volts, your battery is nearing the end of its life.
  3. At 1.1 volts or lower, it is time to replace the battery, as we can no longer guarantee the sensor will function properly.
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What do I do if my zip code changes?

Changing the zip code in your My EasyBloom profile will not affect any of your previous plant recommendations. All future readings, however, will use the new zip code.

For example, suppose you took a Recommend reading in your backyard in Brooklyn, New York. You travel to Miami, Florida, to visit friends and change your zip code in your profile in order to take a reading in your friends' backyard. Your saved New York Recommend readings will not be affected, and the plant recommendations made in Flordia will use Florida-specific data.

Remember, your zip code represents your geographic location. We use this information to determine the sun's angle in your location and to account for the changing seasons when analyzing your reading data. For outdoor readings the zip code is also used to determine your NHS Heat Zone and USDA Hardiness Zone.

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How do I figure out what version of the companion software I have installed?
1. Right-click on the EasyBloom Companion icon, located in your taskbar's notification area (usually at the bottom-right of your screen).
2. Click About.
3. The second line in the resulting dialog box is your version number.
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Is there an easy way for me to check my firmware version?

Sure! Just follow the steps below:
1. Right-click on the EasyBloom Companion icon, located in your taskbar's notification area (usually at the bottom-right of your screen).
2. Click Preferences.
3. Towards the bottom-right of the dialog box, you should see the words "Firmware Rev."
4. With your sensor plugged in, your firmware version appears to the right.
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Support

Known Issues

Overview

Getting Started

Using Your Sensor

Known Issues

Mac users: Whenever I plug my sensor in, I get a message saying "A new network interface has been detected." What is this?

I'm trying to print my results, but all I get is a blank page! What am I doing wrong?

My readings are uploading with crazy timestamps and dates. What's going on?

I accidentally stopped my sensor before 24 hours passed on my Recommend reading. When I realized this after an hour or so, I then turned it back on for the remaining hours. Will this affect my reading?

My sensor isn't responding when I try to turn it on. It worked yesterday.. What's going on?

I can't set my sensor to Recommend mode in Internet Explorer 7 with McAfee Security Center running. Also, my dashboard looks strange when I attempt Monitor mode. How can I fix this?

I set my EasyBloom Plant Sensor in Recommend mode right next to a plant that is doing very well. When I upload the reading, that plant does not appear in my Recommended Plants list. How is this possible?

When I insert my sensor, I get an error saying "There was an issue with the server..." How do I fix this?

The plant library says my ivy geranium likes Full sun. When I monitored it with my sensor, though, the Expert Feedback claimed it was getting too much sun. How is this possible?

Overview

How long will my EasyBloom Plant Sensor's battery last?

How many readings do I need to take in my garden or house?

Do I need to install software or drivers?

What are the hours for EasyBloom's telephone support?

Will the EasyBloom Plant Sensor work outside the United States?

I live outside of the United States and own an EasyBloom Plant Sensor, but it won't work!

Getting Started

How do I get started using the EasyBloom Plant Sensor?

How do I know if my battery is installed correctly?

It says in the user's guide that I should monitor my plant for at least one watering cycle. What does this mean?

How do I use my sensor in Recommend mode indoors if I have no soil to put the sensor into?

My sensor makes all sorts of beeps and flashes. What do they mean?

How do I get the EasyBloom Plant Sensor into the soil without breaking the sensor?

Can I save multiple readings in one spot?

Using Your Sensor

How do I upgrade my sensor firmware and companion software?

Can I have my sensor take readings next to my sprinkler?

Does my sensor self-charge off of the USB port?

If I set my sensor to Recommend mode for less than the recommended 24 hours, how will this affect my reading?

I noticed my impatiens appears in the plant library as both an annual and a perennial. How is this possible?

The instructions tell me I should leave my sensor in Monitor mode for at least one watering cycle. What is a watering cycle?

My EasyBloom username is my email address.. What do I do if my email address changes?

I think the petal attachments look really cool on my sensor, but do they have any effect on my readings?

Can I clear the sensor's memory manually?

How do I make the sensor log me in and upload my data automatically when I plug the sensor in?

How do I change my flower petals?

What happens if I press the start/stop button 2 times accidentally?

When I plug my sensor into my USB port, the light goes on. When I disconnect I don't hear any sound, and when I press the Start/Stop button it doesn't turn on. What's going on?

Why doesn't my sensor chirp at night in Monitor mode, when my plant needs watering?

How do I know when my sensor's battery is running low? I want to be sure my battery won't die in the middle of a reading..

What do I do if my zip code changes?

How do I figure out what version of the companion software I have installed?

Is there an easy way for me to check my firmware version?