By “hacking the garden” I’m talking hacking as in technology here. Every technique used to grow healthier crops more efficiently and sustainably since the advent of the blade and the Farmers’ Almanac is, of course, an example of technology. Given advances in communication technology with the internet, social media, embedded sensors, augmented reality, robotics, among other innovations in the last 20 years, I’m fascinated by the possibilities for creating  a better system of communication between us as human stewards of the land and our plant and animal cohabitants. The better technology we have to detect what they’re telling us about what our plants and animals need, when they need it, and how they would like it delivered, the faster we get to creating a healthy, sustainable ecosystem.

The question is how do we translate the tools we now have available into tools that facilitate improved communication among humans, plants, and animals in the garden. I know a lot of folks have already rolled up their sleeves starting to work on these new technologies — and we are just getting started. I’m looking forward to keeping an eye, and perhaps a hand, in hacking the garden developments.