Discover the revolutionary Boum irrigation system for balconies & terraces: How wick irrigation, sensor technology, and an app transform daily watering into a predictable routine.
Three hot days, a weekend away – and your balcony plants are already looking sad. Anyone who gardens in the city knows the problem: plants need regularity, but daily life rarely provides it. This is where Boum comes in – with a smart irrigation system that takes over the care of your plants and largely relieves you of the daily watering routine.
Of course, it doesn't work entirely without water. But instead of watering each pot individually with a watering can, you only need to refill the tank – often at much longer intervals, depending on the weather, plants, and the number of pots. For many, this is exactly the difference between constant plant stress and a balcony that simply thrives.
From everyday problem to smart solution
The idea behind Boum didn't originate in marketing, but from a real
care problem. Co-founder Matthias Erb, plant biologist and professor in Bern, was looking for a solution because his plants, despite his expertise, weren't reliably cared for when he was away. In parallel, engineer Ludwig was tinkering in the mountains with an app-controlled irrigation system for tomatoes at an alpine hut. From plant science and engineering, Boum was born – today a Swiss spin-off of the University of Bern with the vision of making plant care easier and cities greener.
This is also why Boum doesn't feel like a typical gadget. The focus isn't "more technology for technology's sake," but rather the question: How can plant care finally become suitable for everyday life?
"We feel better with plants, as individuals and as a society."
Prof. Dr. Matthias Erb in an interview with the Luzerner Zeitung.
What Boum does differently in everyday life
Technically, the system is amazingly logically structured. The heart of the system is a smart,
solar-powered control unit that sits on the water tank. Among other things, it measures water level and water consumption, automatically supplies the connected pots, and sends the data to the app. A fixed power or water connection is not required. This makes the system particularly interesting for balconies, where these connections are often missing.
However, the way water reaches the plant is crucial. With Boum Core, irrigation works with a wick system from below. Each pot has a small water reservoir and several capillary wicks that release water into the soil. The soil draws in the water like a sponge until it is saturated. As soon as the plant consumes moisture, water is drawn up again. The result is consistently moist, but not constantly overwatered soil.
Added to this is smart control. According to Boum, a flow sensor detects when the reservoirs are filled and automatically stops the pump. In the app, you can see the fill level, consumption, and notes on refilling or fertilizing. Once set up, the irrigation runs in the background – and if you ever go away, that's priceless.
Why this is so interesting, especially for balcony owners
Many irrigation systems fail in everyday life because they sound technically sophisticated but are impractical in practice. They need electricity, a water connection, complicated settings, or look more like a greenhouse than a living space. Boum tries to overcome exactly these hurdles: solar-powered, no fixed connection, controllable via app, and designed so that the system also fits visually on a modern balcony.
In addition, there's a point that is often underestimated: predictability. Instead of reacting only when the leaves are drooping, you receive timely notifications. According to Boum, the control system can even incorporate weather data and warn of frost or extreme conditions. This makes plant care not only easier but also more predictable – especially during stressful weeks, on vacation, or during heatwaves.
Why it all comes down to Boum Core in the end
If you want to get started, Boum Core is the most logical starting point. Boum itself describes Core as the easiest entry into smart irrigation. The set uses proven wick irrigation, is more compact and more affordable than larger systems, and was explicitly developed for beginners.
On the Boum website, Core is described as a starter set with control unit, solar panel, 32-liter tank, two 13-liter pots, and accessories – in other words, a complete package that allows you to get started without lengthy assembly.
What the set includes
- Smart, solar-powered control unit including sensors
- 32-liter water tank
- 2 Core pots with 13 liters each
- Wicks, hose, connectors, tool, and manual
Why this is great for beginners
- No water or power connection needed
- App notifications instead of guesswork
- Daily watering becomes a tank refilling routine
- Compact entry without extensive planning
Important: Boum Core is not just for people "without a green thumb." It is primarily aimed at people with real lives – with jobs, weekends away, spontaneous trips, and the hope that technology will take over the work that comes up every day.
You don't have to love plants less to want to water them less. On the contrary: especially those who want a green, healthy balcony in the long term benefit from a system that reliably automates care. Boum doesn't make plant care a science – although a lot of science is involved. And with Boum Core, there is now a variant specifically designed for getting started.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a simple, practical solution that eliminates daily watering in everyday life and instead relies on a tank, sensors, and an app, then Boum Core is exactly right for you.
