Black & Decker introduces digital gardening device

TOWSON, Md. Tool company Black & Decker has introduced a device that it says is designed to take the guesswork out of gardening.

PlantSmart uses a digital sensor to measure information — such as sunlight, temperature, moisture and soil conditions — about the garden. Users then can upload data to an online account to find information about plants’ needs based on local conditions.

The company plans initially to roll out the device in September on Amazon.com and Target.com, and sell it at retailers nationwide in spring 2011.