FAQ

Boum is a Bern-based start-up that combines ecology and technology to develop an automatic plant irrigation system, enabling everyone to grow and experience plants at home. With this, we aim to contribute to greener cities with greater biodiversity and help people reconnect with nature.

We drew inspiration from nature for our irrigation system. With Boum's sub-irrigation (watering from below), the plant's water consumption is regulated by the plant itself, without the need to pre-set pump intervals or durations. The plant draws precisely the amount of water it needs from the soil at any given time – just like in nature! This results in healthier plants, as they develop stronger and faster root systems, becoming more stable and robust. It also leads to significantly more efficient water use than conventional drip irrigation systems, because water is only used when the plant actually needs it.

Boum is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the magic of growing their own plants. We designed Boum specifically for people who don't have a green thumb but would love to grow plants, are often on the go and don't always have time to water them, are unsure about caring for plants, are interested in the connection between nature and technology, and simply want their own plant paradise without any hassle.

The Boum system is a watering system for plants. It works either through sub-irrigation in Boum pots or through drip irrigation.

Each Boum pot consists of a water reservoir (at the bottom) and a soil container (at the top). Wicks connect these two parts, absorbing water below and releasing it into the soil above. When the plant is thirsty, it absorbs water from the soil, which in turn causes the soil to draw fresh water from the reservoir through the wicks. This keeps the soil evenly moist at all times – ideal conditions for plants! The pots’ reservoirs are then refilled once a day by the controller and the water tank.

With Boum drip irrigation, drippers deliver water to the soil in a smart, water-saving way.

The Boum Controller is the smart heart of the Boum system. It consists of sensors that measure the water level and water flow, a pump that transports water to the pots, a solar-powered battery, temperature sensors and a Wi-Fi connection to transmit data to the Boum App.

The controller is designed as a round lid that sits directly on the water tank and transports water from there to the pots' reservoirs. All reservoirs are automatically refilled with water once a day, so the plants never run dry.

No! Boum was specially developed for people without a water connection on their balcony, as smaller balconies, particularly in cities, often do not have one. The Boum Tank stores water and can be refilled by hand every few weeks (you'll be notified!). The Boum Controller also collects rainwater that falls onto the water tank.

The Boum Tank holds 32 L (Core) or 35 L (Pro). The Pro version also offers an extension with a 55 L water tank.

In midsummer, an outdoor pot uses an average of 0.5 - 1 L of water per day. This means that with 3 pots, you need to refill the 35 L tank every 2 - 4 weeks in summer, with 5 pots every 1 - 2 weeks, and so on. Note: The larger the plant, the more water it uses.

Indoors, a pot uses around 0.1 L of water per day. A full tank therefore lasts several weeks to months.

This is possible with an additional float valve and a drilled hole. Contact us if you're interested in this option.

There's no need :-). The system is very easy to set up. Our step-by-step setup videos in the app show you how. Setup takes around 15 minutes.

If you still have questions, we're happy to help you personally in our chat.

We have successfully tested the watering system with many different indoor and outdoor plants. The system is particularly well suited to plants that like to grow in moist soil. Plants that prefer dry conditions (e.g. succulents) are less suitable.

The controller is not designed for temperatures below freezing. If you use the system outdoors, we therefore recommend storing the controller indoors during winter. The pots (planted or empty) can stay outdoors all year round.

Indoors, the system can be used all year round.

Yes. The watering system needs to be connected to Wi-Fi (or a mobile hotspot) once for configuration. After that, it works independently, even without Wi-Fi. In this case, no sensor data is displayed in the app.

Yes. The watering system also works without Wi-Fi, but in this case no data on water consumption or similar information is sent.

If you'd still like to receive this data, we recommend an LTE router with an affordable IoT data plan. This lets you keep an eye on watering at your second home at all times.

Yes, the pots are connected to the tank via a hose. We supply black 7 mm PVC hoses with a Quick Connect system and a hose cutter with the watering system. This makes connecting and laying the hoses very easy. The connection is at the bottom of the pot, so the hoses can be positioned discreetly without spoiling the look.

Each Boum pot consists of a water reservoir (at the bottom) and a soil container that sits on top of the reservoir. Special capillary wicks connect these two parts, absorbing water at the bottom and releasing it into the soil above. When the plant is thirsty, it absorbs water from the soil, causing the soil's moisture content to decrease. This automatically draws more water through the wicks from the reservoir below (like a sponge soaking up water). This keeps the soil evenly moist at all times — ideal conditions for plants!

The pots' reservoirs are then refilled once a day by the controller, always with exactly the amount of water the plant has needed since the last refill. A built-in float valve mechanically regulates the water inflow.

Boum Core pots are made from PP, have relatively thin walls and are therefore extremely lightweight. They have a rounded shape and are currently available in pebble grey with a volume of 13 L.

Boum Pro pots are made from recycled PET and silica and are finished by hand. They have thicker walls, are suitable for both smaller and larger plants and are available in 3 different colours (grey, taupe, white) and 2 shapes (round, elongated).

Yes, all Boum pots are compatible with all controllers and water tanks because they use the same connections. Pots from different product lines can easily be connected to one system.

We recommend connecting up to 12 pots to the water tank (32 L capacity for Core, 35 L capacity for Pro). With the 55 L Pro water tank, you can water up to 20 pots at the same time. Outdoors, a pot uses 0.5 - 1L of water per day in midsummer; indoors, around 0.1L per day throughout the year.

Boum watering only works with Boum planters. However, you can place them inside other containers (outer pots) to keep using your own colours and shapes.

Boum pots are available in various colours, sizes and shapes.

Boum Core pots are currently available in pebble grey as a round pot with a volume of 13 L. More colours and shapes may be added in the future.

Boum Pro pots are available in grey, taupe and white. They come as pots with a volume of 15 L or 30 L, and as a balcony planter with a volume of 13 L.

If you use the system outdoors, we recommend Boum potting soil, which was specially developed for Boum watering. You can also use your own soil. What matters is that it makes good contact with the wicks and draws water up into the upper layers.

If you use the system indoors, we recommend Boum houseplant soil.

We specially developed Boum potting soil for the subirrigation used in Boum pots. The added wood chips and pebbles give it a well-structured texture that is not too "dense", allowing water to be absorbed and distributed optimally. It is also enriched with biochar, pre-fertilised with natural fertiliser and a 100% Swiss product, without environmentally harmful peat or imported coconut fibres.

Boum potting soil is made from a by-product of Swiss sugar beet production. It is produced and packed for us in batches to keep it as fresh as possible.

Boum potting soil is an all-purpose substrate that works with most commercially available outdoor plants.

Boum houseplant soil works for most houseplants (except succulents).

Boum potting soil is pre-fertilised with organic fertiliser. Depending on the plant, this lasts for 4 - 6 weeks. After that, you can add Boum fertiliser. The app tells you when it is time to do so.

Boum potting soil is made exclusively from by-products of Swiss forestry and agriculture, is free from environmentally harmful peat or coconut fibres and contains biochar, making it very climate-friendly and good for nature.

Boum houseplant soil consists of pumice, lava and expanded clay and is also free from peat and coconut fibres. This makes it very climate-friendly too.

All Boum soils are made in Switzerland and are very environmentally friendly thanks to short transport distances.

Boum soil is approved for use in organic farming.

We have successfully tested the watering system with many different indoor and outdoor plants. The system is particularly well suited to plants that like growing in moist soil or need a lot of water, such as fruiting vegetables, herbs or small trees.

Not at the moment. But the Boum system makes growing plants easy – and enjoyable :-).

Boum is a Swiss startup and a spin-off from the University of Bern. You can find out more about us under "About Boum" in the menu.

Boum Earth products are manufactured entirely in Switzerland using Swiss raw materials. The hardware is developed in Switzerland. We source hardware components from international suppliers.

Our soil is peat and coir-free and contains biochar for CO2 storage. The material for our Boum Pro water tanks and pots is 80% recycled and designed for a long lifespan. Together with our customers, we thus contribute to climate protection and biodiversity.

It's simple: If you are not satisfied with our hardware up to 120 days after purchase, simply send it back to us. We will then refund you the purchase price after inspecting the device. Does not apply to soil.

We provide a 2-year warranty on our hardware. If a defect occurs during this period, you can contact us in the Boum App chat. We will arrange everything else. This does not apply to soil or frost damage to the control unit.

Our products are relatively expensive to ship because they are either bulky (e.g. pots and tanks) or relatively heavy (e.g. soils). We try to absorb most of the shipping and packaging costs. We pass a small portion of the shipping costs on to our customers, as is common with larger products.