I want to build a box to house one plant. How wide and tall would it need to be to allow the plant to grow to full size? I see a lot about how tall a plant can get, but not a lot about how bushy/it’s radius.
Could I just make a box out of plywood, line the insides with aluminum, have a light at the top, and a few fans circulating air?
Or would it be better to just grow it outdoors, even though it’s about to be winter?
I’m planning to get autoflowering seeds.
Any other tips on how to house the plants? I don’t have room in my house, and it can’t be so obvious that someone could peek over my fence and see it.
Some people stuff 4 plants into a 3x3 ft tent… some people grow 4x4 ft individual plants. That depends on your training technique and how long you let it veg before you switch the lights (on photos). Autos very greatly
Advertised yield per plant is typically measured in meter squared
I see there’s LED, HID, and HPS bulbs; it seems LED would be more cost effective.
Is LED the better choice versus the other options, does it affect the yield?
How many watts should it be if I plan to grow one, maybe two plants? Any recommendations/links?
A 3x3 space is good, but a 4x4 would be great for more or larger plants in the future. Definitely go with LED’s, something with up to date Samsung diodes. If you’re building the space, be sure to add reflective liner to the inside.
A good rule of thumb is 40-50 true, from the wall, watts per square foot. Given the advancements in light specs and all that jazz, a good 250-300w light would be fine. Check into HLG, they have refurbished lights as well.
Ryan got you covered here. I would add that if money is not an issue and you’re going to be getting high-end lighting my recommendation would be two lamps to equal the same wattage versus one. That way if anything does happen to one light you’re not completely out for any period during your grow
I’ve noticed that LED lights will show an “equivalent” wattage. For example I found a light that says it uses 40 watts but is equivalent to a 300 watt.
Do I need to find an actual 300watt led, or an led that is equivalent to 300watt?
I have a somewhat tight budget, I’m learning that lights can be very expensive
Quality lights are the engine that drives the whole machine, this is where the large majority of your budget should be allocated. You don’t want any of that BS about equivalent usage. Actual wattage from the wall is what you’re going to go by
Total marketing gimmick. Cannabis needs actual wattage when it comes to indoor LEDs. Some of the “equivalent to” make ok starter lights. Maybe good for the first couple/few weeks. But once they establish a good root system, and get out of that initial seedling stage, they need something that has better power. HLG, Spider Farmer, AC Infinity, Mars Hydro, I believe all use current LEDs. And give true watt readings on their specs and descriptions.
Keep in mind, high power lights, especially ones that don’t have detachable or corded drivers, can become really hot. I also suggest looking into fan/filter exhaust systems. AC Infinity is pretty much top of the line when in comes to getting the environment under control. Air flow, relative humidity, good stuff. Little pricey, but really good.
I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support and information. I’ve learned a lot, and can’t wait to post updates when I get my setup going.
You can expect lots and lots more questions from me the further I get into this, and hopefully that doesn’t get annoying for anyone.
There is a great thread that I believe @Low has on lights. He compared several leaders in the industry although there may be newer offerings not covered in his thread. Search for it. It’s great information.
Personally, I went with an ACI IONFRAME commercial 240W full spectrum. It has the Samsung diodes and is just enough for my 2’x4’x6’ tent.
Don’t skimp on your light. You can save elsewhere.
