Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of our daily routines—even in gardening. With the rise of plant identification apps, AI-generated content, and smart garden tools, it’s important to understand how these tools help and where they can mislead.
AI-Generated Plant Images Many unusual plant images seen online now—bright colours, strange shapes, and unreal sizes—are likely made using AI. These visuals may look beautiful, but they can be used to scam people into buying seeds for plants that don’t exist. Watch for warning signs like overly perfect plants, missing parts like stems, or blurred backgrounds. Before buying, check if the plant is listed by a trustworthy seller and confirm its scientific name through reliable sources.
AI Gardening Information Instead of flipping through books, many now ask AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini for gardening advice. However, these tools don’t always pull from expert sources. To improve accuracy, try including trusted sources in your search, such as Universities and Research Centres. “...using UF/IFAS Extension resources.”
For complex or local issues, contacting a gardening expert remains the best choice.
Risks in Science Communication AI can also be misused. For instance, some foraging books written by AI contained dangerous advice—like tasting mushrooms to identify them, which can be fatal. This highlights the need to double-check facts, especially in areas that affect health or safety.
Plant Identification Apps AI-powered apps can now identify plants by analysing user-submitted photos. A 2023 study found that apps like PlantNet and LeafSnap correctly identified plants about 87% of the time on the first try. iNaturalist also performed well when it confirmed plant species with high confidence and no false positives. These apps, when used alongside guidebooks, can be very helpful for gardeners and plant lovers.
In summary, while AI brings many exciting tools for gardening and plant science, users must stay alert and verify information to avoid errors and misinformation.