In many parts of the U.S., we’ve reached the new day for which cannabis enthusiasts have been waiting. Recreational cannabis is legal in almost 20 states and Washington D.C., and it feels like federal legalization isn’t far away.
One result of the growing trend of cannabis legalization is there are more people than ever interested in growing their own marijuana plants. Indoor grow setups have become a popular means of growing, as it gives growers the ability to control everything from the yield to the potency of their cannabis. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to build your own indoor grow setup, and we’ll also share some tips to help increase your chances of a successful harvest.
Grow Room
The first thing you need for an indoor grow space is growing space. If you’re going to use the entire room as a grow room, then it’s critical that you choose a room with great ventilation in which you can control every detail of the climate. Cannabis seedlings are temperamental and need ideal conditions to reach their full potential. Everything, from their lighting cycle to the pH of water, matters with these plants. Pot plant parents are busy people, so you’d better get ready to spend a lot of time with your plants.
Using an entire room as a grow space is the method that requires the most expertise and isn’t suited for beginners, as it requires some carpentry work and growing expertise. Now, we’ll proceed with the rest of the things you’ll need for your indoor grow setup.
Grow Lights
One of the biggest investments you’ll have to make in your grow room setup is grow lights. It’s only fair that we warn you that upon completion of your indoor grow that your electric bill will increase. You’re going to need either HID or LED lights and ballasts to regulate their electrical charge. You can also use fluorescent lights, but LED and HID are the best options for your light system.
Cannabis plants are picky about how much heat and light they get throughout the day. It’s a good idea to put your lights on a timer to regulate how many hours of light your plants get. You’ll also need fans to help keep your plants from succumbing to the heat from the grow lights. You must also put reflectors up around your grow space to evenly distribute light throughout your grow room.
Ventilation and Watering Systems
Fresh air is also important to your plants. That’s why it’s important to choose a room with great ventilation. One of the great things about having an indoor garden is that it allows you to affect airflow.
It’s a good idea to put intake fans in your grow space—especially if you’re using a small room or smaller tent—to pull hot air up and away from your plants. You might also want to install a humidifier to prevent the air from getting too dry for your plants. Furthermore, you must build a hydroponics system for the distribution of water and nutrients to your plants. Indeed, using an entire room as a grow space is by far the most labor-intensive and costly indoor growing method.
Grow Tent
If you’re looking for a simpler and cheaper option than building your own grow space, you should consider purchasing a grow tent. It will save you time and money in the long run. Many grow tents come with everything you need to get started except for seedlings.
Growing your crop indoors gives you greater control over your yields and the quality of your cannabis plants. An indoor setup enables you to control everything, from each plant’s light cycle to the humidity. Hydroponics setups can be challenging for beginners, but with patience and the right resources, you can become an expert grower.
