If you are planning on doing any type of indoor gardening, then learning how to set up a grow room is one of the very first things you’ll need to do. In fact, it’s beneficial to learn this before you even pick up supplies so you know what to expect. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or you have a lot of experience, take a look at the guide below.
You’ll learn step-by-step instructions for setting up a grow room with success. When it comes to taking on this type of project, planning is everything. For this reason, take a few days to learn more about the setup, figure out what you need, and map out your plan for making your room a reality.
How to Set Up a Grow Room
Step 1. Choose Your Space
Where will you be growing your plants? There are many options you can choose from, including grow tents, grow cabinets and household closets. Your decision will ultimately depend on how much space you have, the privacy you want, how much you’d like to spend, and how controlled the climate of your home is.
The space you choose should be away from any sort of traffic, as that can interrupt the temperature of the grow room. You should also consider how many and what type of plants you’re going to grow before getting started. In addition to this, it’s recommended to find a spot that’s close to electrical outlets and that can support fans and grow lights.
With some thought on the pros and cons of each option, it will be easier to choose which type of space is right for you. For most, grow tents are great because they can be taken down and require no construction. However, if you have a large home and plan on growing indoors for a while, a closet may be a more suitable option.
Step 2. Construct The Room
Are you planning on using your closet to grow? If so, you should take time to completely empty out the room and clean it. If you’re planning on using a tent or a cabinet, then you should construct this to see the dimensions. When you’re finished cleaning, it will be easier to see areas where ventilation, lamps, and electric plugs can go.
At this point, it’s important to identify any light leaks, which you can do by standing in the room in the dark. If you see any areas where light is coming through, these should be covered with heavy duty duct tape, fabric, or any other applicable material. If you’re using a closet, light-blocking curtains are worth investing in.
Step 3. Install Reflective Material Inside
Another aspect of constructing the room is to add a reflective material to the interior, especially if you’re not using a pre-built grow room. This will enhance the effectiveness of the grow light and help keep the temperature comfortable as well. Material such as Mylar is easy to find and can be installed in any way you see fit for the type of room that you’re using.
Step 4. Address Air Circulation
Grow rooms are to be sealed tight, which can mean a lack of circulating air that plants desperately need. To address this, you’ll either need to install an inline fan or oscillating fans (depending on the setup you have available). These will need to be kept on in order to keep the air moving but also to help negate the heat that is released by grow lights.
If you don’t want to take the steps to create a serious grow room requiring serious construction, then oscillating fans are a great option. They generally come with long cords and can be hung up thanks to their minimal weight. However, the choice really depends on what works best for you and the space that you’re working with.
Step 5. Determine a Watering Source
For casual indoor growers, using normal watering buckets will be suitable. However, if you don’t want to take the time to do this (or take the chance of ruining your interior climate), then you may want to think of a different watering source. For some, using a hose is easier since it requires less time and results in an even mist on each of the plants.
If you choose to use a hose, you can likely attach this to the area of your home with the washer or hot water heater. However, make sure to attach a sprayer to the end in order to ensure a heavy stream of water does not pour out onto your plants. A light mist is generally more than enough for anything you’re growing.
Step 6. Install Lighting
When learning how to set up a grow room, one detail you can’t leave out is the lighting. After all, lights are the source of energy for your plants! Fortunately, there are many choices so you can pick one that’s best for your plant’s needs as well as your budget and setup.
Although the distance between your plant and lights will vary, the best spot for your lights will be the ceiling. To set these up, first install hooks on the ceiling of your grow room (if you’re using a tent you should already have hooks or pipes available to use). After plugging the lights in, secure them to the hooks or structure and then set up at the proper distance to ensure healthy growth.
Tip: If you are using heavy-duty lights, then make sure you have the proper support. Without this, your light can end up falling and causing damage to your grow room and plants.
Step 7. Control the Climate
The climate of your grow room must be controlled in order to ensure plants are kept comfortable. One of the best ways to do this is by installing an electronic thermometer that also reads out humidity. This is a small investment that can give you the information you need in seconds.
For those who are worried that they may not be able to turn the grow light on or off at the appropriate times, installing a timer is recommended. This will automatically control the light so it’s not kept on or off too long. With this, it will be easier to keep the interior climate controlled and plants will have the proper amount of light and darkness that they need to properly grow.
Step 8. Seal the Door
If you have any windows or doors in your grow room, these should be completely sealed before you introduce your plants to the space. Even if these seem like they are secure, the slightest gap could introduce both air and light into the room. Duct tape is one of the best materials to use along window sills and doors to keep gaps completely closed.
If you are using a purchased grow tent, it won’t be as clear if there are any gaps where your door is located. The best way to combat this is by purchasing a tent that has double-stitched zippers and double closures. When learning how to set up a grow room, this is one detail that you’ll appreciate when it comes time to actually grow your plants.
Step 9. Do a Test Run
Once your room is set up, you should do a 24-hour test run to see how well the interior stays controlled throughout the day. It’s especially important to monitor the temperature when you come in and out of the room after watering. In addition to this, look at the humidity when lights are on, lights are off, and the fan is running. You may find out that you need to make some adjustments before putting your plants in their rightful spots.
Step 10. Install the Interior Structure
Will you be placing your plants on a shelf or will you be placing them on the ground on top of a mat? No matter which option you choose, this is the time you should install them. If you have a large space, chances are you’re going to use shelves, which should be sturdy and rust-resistant. From here, you can place your plants in the appropriate spots and get ready to grow.
Creating Your Grow Room
Figuring out how to set up a grow room is a learning process for most people. There will always be bumps along the way, but if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to get through these smoothly. If you’re nervous about whether or not you’ll be successful, then try only growing one or two plants at first. This will help you become familiar with the process and how to best control the light and temperature in the room.
The process of setup is going to be different for each individual, depending on what type of space they’re using. If you are setting up a purchased tent, then make sure to read all instructions before you actually go through with the setup. If you are using a room in your home, then take a close look at the details (and steps in this guide) to make it easier. Indoor gardening can be a great experience, whether you do the work of building a room yourself or purchase a pre-made structure.