Grow Tents Basics: What You Need to Know
Grow tents have revolutionized the way we are able to grow cannabis at home, providing a controlled, secluded environment that mimics the optimal conditions for cannabis to develop. In this guide about grow tent basics I aim to equip you with enough knowledge so you can harness the true power of the grow tent.
Chapter 1
Benefits of Using a Grow Tent
Growing indoors has been life changing for millions of cannabis growers all over the world. Wherever growers are facing unforgiving weather, state laws, noisy neighbors, a grow tent came to save the day.
A grow tent allows you to create a contained environment with light reflecting material all around, for cannabis plants to thrive. Here you are the one who has a say over temperature, humidity, air exchange, and the amount of light your plants get.
Professionals use grow tents in order to achieve the most powerful and best looking buds.
For beginners, grow tents simply streamline the growing process making it way easier. Even first-timers can achieve impressive results with a grow tent.
Grow Tents Give You a Controlled Environment
Nature might be the way it was intended. But grow tents are the next level.
Where outdoors you can lose your mind fighting bugs, humidity, rains, terrible colds, or scorching sun, indoors your plants will enjoy the perfect growing conditions.
With a grow tent, you are in control: from the growing medium, to the wind, the ambient humidity and temperature, and even the light!
Grow Tents Allow You to Control Light
One of the greatest advantages of using a grow tent is the incredible control it offers over your plants' light exposure.
In the wild, cannabis is at the mercy of the sun's schedule, limiting your ability to influence the plant's growth phases. However, within the sanctity of a grow tent, you dictate the when and how much of light your plants receive.
This control over light exposure allows you to manipulate the vegetative and flowering stages of your plants with precision.
By controlling light in a grow tent you can:
- Speed up growth.
- Encourage more robust vegetative development.
- Trigger flowering according to your schedule.
- Get bigger and denser buds, with richer flavor and potency.
Moreover, the ability to control light reduces the risk of stress on your plants, that could be caused by unexpected changes in natural light due to weather or seasons. Consistent and controlled light conditions lead to healthier plants and more predictable growth outcomes.
The reflective interiors ensure that your plants receive light from all angles, this means every part of your plant, from top to bottom, receives the light it needs.
Grow Tents Offer Odor Control
Another compelling reason to embrace the grow tent lifestyle is the superior odor control it offers.
Cultivating cannabis can fill your living space with strong, unmistakable aromas. Even outdoors, your neighbors will surely notice. While some might find the scent of flowering cannabis pleasant, sometimes it can be overwhelming, and even attract unwanted attention.
The design of a grow tent provides a sealed environment that significantly minimizes the escape of strong cannabis aromas.
Moreover, grow tents can be equipped with carbon filters, which are designed specifically to neutralize odors, ensuring that the air exiting your grow tent is clean and free from tell-tale marijuana smells.
Grow Tents Help You Avoid Pests and Disease
Another big win for grow tents is that they're like a fortress against pests and diseases.
Growing outdoors is like rolling out a welcome mat for every insect and blight out there. Whether it’s aphids, grasshoppers, ants, mold, or worse: bud rot, nature has a way of screwing with your precious plants.
With a grow tent, you’re creating a barrier. It’s like your plants are living in their own protected bubble. You control who or what gets in. This dramatically reduces the chances of pests and diseases, which are common headaches for outdoor growers.
Grow Tents Give You Increased Yield
One of the most exciting benefits of using a grow tent is the potential for increased yield.
This isn't just about growing more plants; it's about making each plant more productive. Thanks to the controlled environment a grow tent offers, every factor that contributes to plant growth can be optimized.
In a grow tent, your plants aren't just surviving; they're thriving. With the ability to fine-tune the light, temperature, and humidity, you can push your plants to their productive limits. More light and the right kind of light mean more energy for your plants to grow. Consistent temperatures and optimal humidity levels mean your plants can focus all their energy on growing upwards and outwards, not just coping with environmental stress.
By minimizing stress factors and maximizing the positive ones, your plants can grow faster and healthier. Healthier plants produce more flowers, and more flowers mean a bigger harvest.
Grow Tents Offer Privacy
Grow tents offer a new level of discretion if you prefer to keep your gardening endeavors to yourself.
The compact and self-contained nature of a grow tent means your plants are out of sight. Moreover, by containing and neutralizing the distinctive smells, as mentioned earlier, grow tents ensure that your indoor garden doesn't announce itself to anyone within smelling distance.
Chapter 2
Grow Tent Features
Modern grow tents are a marvel of technology and are packed with features designed to optimize the cultivation of cannabis.
Each component, from the reflective interiors to the strategic ventilation systems, plays a critical role in creating the perfect environment for plant growth.
These features are not just about convenience; they're about maximizing yield, ensuring plant health, and providing you with the control needed to produce premium-quality cannabis at home.
Reflective Interiors for Maximum Light Exposure
The key feature of grow tents, in my opinion, is the grow tent's reflective interior. Having a reflective interior boosts the effects of your grow lights, and ensures that every leaf receives as much light as possible. This means more even growth and development across the entire plant, resulting in better buds with enhanced potency and flavor.
Reflective interiors work by bouncing light back towards your plants from all directions. This means that even the lower leaves (and buds), which are usually under the shadow of bigger upper leaves, will benefit from extra light exposure. This means more growth and buds across the entire plant!
Mylar, which is used in most grow tents, is designed with a reflectivity close to 100%, which means almost no light is lost. This efficiency helps to save up on energy by making the most of the light produced, and ensures that your plants receive the maximum possible amount of usable light from all angles.
Reflecting light, it also helps distribute heat more evenly throughout the tent, reducing hotspots and helping keep a consistent temperature.
The reflective interior of a grow tent is not a minor feature—it's a game-changer.
Lightproof Design for Total Darkness
A feature that distinguishes grow tents is their lightproof design.
The lightproof design ensures that once the tent is sealed, no external light can penetrate inside, and no internal light leaks out.
Cannabis plants require strict control over their light and dark cycles. And having enough hours of complete darkness is essential. Specially during flowering stage, when any unintended light exposure can disrupt the plant's flowering cycle, potentially causing them to re-enter the vegetative stage.
Additionally, the lightproof nature of grow tents provides privacy and discretion by preventing bright grow lights from being seen from the outside, which is especially useful for growers who want to maintain a low profile.
Observation Windows for Viewing Inside
Among the innovative features of modern grow tents, the observation window stands out as one handy tool.
The observation window is designed to provide a clear view of your plants' progress, without the need to open the tent and potentially alter the internal conditions. This way you can keep a close eye on your plants, monitor temperature and humidity, and simply enjoy watching your garden grow, all without compromising the tent's climate.
Moreover, the use of an observation window minimizes the frequency with which you need to open the grow tent, thereby reducing the risk of pests and diseases entering the environment.
Ventilation Ports for Proper Airflow
Another essential feature of grow tents is the inclusion of ventilation ports.
These ports offer you control over the internal climate: air quality, temperature, and humidity; ensuring that fresh air circulates freely while stale air and excess heat are efficiently expelled.
Ventilation ports are strategically designed to facilitate the attachment of inline fans, ducting, and carbon filters, allowing for the customization of air intake and exhaust systems according to your specific needs.
Proper ventilation helps prevent the accumulation of humidity, which can lead to issues like mold, mildew, and bud rot. This makes ventilation ports a key feature in safeguarding against common grow room problems.
Mesh Windows to Aid with Ventilation
In addition to the structured ventilation ports, many grow tents are equipped with mesh ventilation windows to allow for additional air exchange.
Mesh windows are specially useful when you have an exhaust fan, but no intake fan, as they allow fresh air to flow inside the tent to replace the exhausted one.
Their strategic placement at the bottom of the grow tent ensures fresh air can circulate throughout the tent, reaching all parts of the grow space. This not only aids in temperature regulation but also ensures a constant supply of fresh CO2.
Mesh ventilation windows are covered with a fine, breathable mesh that permits air to flow in but is dense enough to prevent insects and dust from entering.
Of course, mesh windows can be closed (generally with velcro) to prevent light from entering or leaving the grow tent when needed.
Tool Pouches for Convenient Storage
The addition of tool pouches in many modern grow tents introduces a layer of convenience and organization that you will certainly appreciate.
These built-in storage options are designed to keep your essential tools and accessories within arm's reach. Tool pouches are perfect for storing small items such as pruning shears, pH meters, thermometers, and other gardening necessities.
By having a designated spot for these tools, you also minimize the risk of contaminated items entering your grow tent, helping with keeping pests and disease at bay.
Hanging Bars for Equipment Support
Integral to the functionality and versatility of grow tents are the hanging bars.
Hanging bars are designed to hold lights, fans, filters, and other essential equipment securely. While allowing for the precise positioning of lights to ensure even coverage. Fans and filters can also be strategically placed thanks to hanging bars.
Hanging bars will help you adjust the layout of your equipment as your garden evolves, helping your setup remain efficient throughout different stages of cannabis growth.
Water-resistant Design for Easy Cleaning
A great feature of grow tents is their water-resistant design.
By using materials that repel water, grow tents help prevent leaks and spills from escaping into the surrounding area, ensuring that the floor below remains dry and free from water damage.
Moreover, the water-resistant nature of the tent makes cleaning and maintaining the tent much more straightforward, as spills can be easily wiped away without the material absorbing the water.
Chapter 3
Types of Grow Tents
There are several types of grow tents available, each with its own unique features and benefits.
If you're interested in the fine details and nuances between grow tent types, check out my guide on Types of Grow Tents. Otherwise, here's a rundown of the most common types:
Single-Chamber Grow Tents
These are the most common type, featuring one chamber. They're great for small-scale growers, offering affordability, ease of setup, and customization options with accessories. However, they might not provide enough space for larger operations.
Mini Grow Tents
Mini grow tents are very small in size and cannot hold developed plants. They are specifically designed for seedlings and very young plants. They're perfect for starting seeds or rooting cuttings before transplanting them to larger grow spaces.
Multi-Chamber Grow Tents
With two or more compartments, these tents allow growers to separate different stages of plant growth or strains. They're ideal for maximizing yields by growing various plants simultaneously. While they offer flexibility, they can be more expensive and require extra equipment and maintenance.
Grow Cabinets and Grow Boxes
Similar to box-style tents but taller, these tents provide more vertical space for plants to grow. They're designed for stealthy growing, compactness, and come with built-in lighting and ventilation systems. However, they may limit plant growth due to their small space, and they are relatively expensive.
Commercial-Grade Grow Tents
Designed for professional cultivators, these tents are made from very high quality materials. They offer superior durability and advanced features but are expensive and too large for home growers. They also require a higher level of expertise to set up and use.
Chapter 4
Understanding Grow Tent Sizes
Grow tent sizes are an important topic in our path to learning the basics about grow tents.
There are many sizes available, and this matters (a lot) because size directly affects not only the types and quantity of plants you can grow, but also how you grow them.
If you need help figuring out which size is right for you, check out my guide on Grow Tent Sizes.
Standard Grow Tent Sizes
When you start exploring grow tents, you'll find many sizes, perfect for anyone from beginners to big-time growers. Let's make it easy to understand the differences what they mean.
Small Grow Tents
Small grow tents come in sizes like 2x2, 2x4, and 3x3 feet. They're great if you don't have much room or if you're just starting out with growing indoors.
You can fit a couple of plants in these tents and tuck them into small spaces like a corner or a closet. They're a good pick if you want to grow just for yourself or try out different plant types without needing a lot of space.
Medium-Sized Tents
Medium grow tents, like the 4x4, 4x8, and 5x5 feet sizes, are perfect if you're ready to grow more plants but still keep things easy to manage.
You can fit about 6 to 16 plants in these tents, depending on how much space each one needs. They have enough room for bigger lights and fans, which is great if you’re getting serious about growing or if you just want to grow more without taking up too much space at home.
Large Grow Tents
Large grow tents, such as 8x8 and 10x10 feet models, are recommended only for very experienced or commercial growers.
These tents can house, frankly, too many plants, allow for diverse varieties, and the use of advanced growing methods. These aren't just tents; they're mini greenhouses. Large tents are best suited for dedicated spaces where they can be fully equipped and optimized for large-scale cultivation efforts.
Grow Tent Height
The height of the grow tent should accommodate your plants' growth, as well as provide enough room for lighting, ventilation, and other necessary equipment.
For the best results, the ideal height of your grow tent depends on factors like the species and strain of the cannabis plants, their growth stage, and the equipment you're using.
A taller tent offers advantages. It allows your plants to grow freely without the risk of being too close to the lights, which can cause heat stress and other problems. More over, taller grow tents promote better air circulation and temperature control, creating a healthier environment for your plants to flourish.
But generally, most growers find a tent height between 5 to 7 feet more than enough.
How Many Cannabis Plants Can Fit in a Grow Tent
There's no straightforward answer for this question. As the amount of plants that can fit a tent depends on too many factors. There are general guidelines based on common grow tent sizes and standard growing practices:
"A 2x2 foot tent can fit 1 or 2 plants. A 2x4 foot tent fit 2 to 4 plants. A 4x4 foot tent can fit 4 to 9 plants."
But these guidelines are not accurate.
It's impossible for me to determine how many cannabis plants you can fit in a grow tent. I'd need to know not only the size of your tent, but also all kinds of details about your situation and setup, like:
- The type of cannabis strains you're growing. Different strains vary in size and growth habits.
- Your preferred cultivation method. Hydroponics may take less space than soil-grown with certain setups, or more space with other setups.
- The space taken by other equipment in your tent, such as heaters, ac units, and oscillating fans, as you need to keep your plants at a certain distance from this type gear.
- If you're planning on applying any plant training technique.
To truly figure out how many cannabis plants you can fit in a grow tent, consider following these steps:
- Start by deciding the growing technique. Are they growing naturally, or are you applying training techniques?
- Check out Seed Banks to learn about expected size of the plants during vegetative stage, and flowering stage.
- Figure out all the equipment, and the spacing needed to keep them off your plants.
- Then, figure out how you're going to setup the containers, and the space needed between each other of them.
- Remember to not to overcrowd your tent, as each plant requires enough light, air, and room to grow without competing with neighboring plants.
- Finally, figure out if you're going to need room to move around the tent yourself, or you're going to take the plants out of the tent to tend to them.
I'm confident that if you follow this steps, you can determine with good enough accuracy how many plants you can grow in your grow tent. However, I'd still make sure to leave a little extra room, just in case.
Chapter 5
What to Look For in a Grow Tent
By now you should know a lot about grow tents. But, before diving into the purchase, it's important to know what you can expect from different grow tent models and brands, so you can make an informed decision.
Let's talk about what you should evaluate to choose the right grow tent for your needs:
Evaluating Durability and Support
Steel Poles for Heavy Equipment
Most grow tents on the market are designed to provide enough support for the standard growing setup.
However, if you're planning on hanging multiple grow lights, complex ventilation equipment, or even have plans for hanging plants, it can demand more from these structural elements.
So if you're expecting extra weight, prioritize models with steel poles to ensure that your tent can handle the added weight. Steel poles become even more of a choice if you anticipate frequent adjustments to your setup and you aim for long-term use.
Quality of Corners and Connection Points
Don’t overlook the design and material of the tent’s corners and connection points.
Steel corners with interlocking mechanisms are a sign of a high-quality tent. They not only provide additional strength where it’s most needed but also make assembly and adjustment easier and more secure.
Exterior Materials
The fabric of your grow tent is not just a cover; it's actually a really important component that defines the durability, efficiency, and overall performance of your grow space, affecting everything from light retention to insulation and even odor control.
PVC Plastic
PVC plastic is a synthetic material that is water-resistant and tough. It is durable and long-lasting, making it suitable for frequent and intensive use. However, it's not the best option.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material that is lightweight and water-resistant, making it a popular choice for more affordable grow tents. It can be durable if the quality is good, but is not as strong as other materials.
Canvas
Canvas is a natural and organic option for grow tent exteriors. It is strong, durable, and water-resistant. The thickness of canvas can vary, with higher quality tents often featuring denser canvas that provides better durability.
The thickness of the canvas can also affect its light-blocking properties. A thicker canvas is more effective in blocking out light.
The Significance of Canvas Thickness
Canvas thickness is measured in Denier (D).
A higher Denier count means a thicker, more robust canvas, which is less prone to ripping or tearing and better at maintaining the internal environment of the tent.
Standard grow tents typically utilize a 600D canvas, striking a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness.
However, the range of thickness available varies widely, with some tents featuring canvas as thick as 1680D for maximum durability and insulation or as thin as 200D for those on a tighter budget.
Access and Ease of Use
Access Points
Your interactions with the plants, watering, feeding, pruning, or simply admiring their growth, as well as regular maintenance, cleaning spillages, removing dead leaves, and managing dirt, will become part of you every day life.
The ease with which you can perform these tasks will depend on the tent's accessibility.
The design of the access points in your grow tent can vary: some models offer a small doorway, while others provide an almost full unwrap feature allowing you to open the tent up to 360 degrees.
So make sure your grow tent has big enough access so it's easy for you to tend to your cannabis plants.
Quality Zippers
An aspect that might seem minor but has a significant impact on the usability of a grow tent is the quality of its zippers. Given that you'll frequently open and close your tent, good quality zippers are essential.
Poor-quality zippers are prone to jamming or breaking, which can quickly turn a routine task into a source of frustration.
Preferably look for grow tents that utilize metal zippers, known for their durability and reliability over time.
Additionally, tents featuring velcro flaps over the zippers offer an added layer of protection against light leaks.
Removable Floor Tray
Another practical feature found in some grow tents is the removable floor tray.
This addition is designed to catch soil, fallen leaves, water, and other debris, and making the cleanup process significantly easier and more efficient.
The removable tray fits snugly at the bottom of the tent and can be easily taken out, cleaned, and put back in place. This not only helps in maintaining a clean and tidy grow space but also minimizes the risk of pests and diseases that thrive in unclean environments.
Another good thing about floor trays is that they're also covered with Mylar, which is waterproof and easy to clean and wipe down.
Nuances of Ventilation Ports, Vents, and Windows
Ventilation Ports
The position and quantity of ducting ports in a grow tent can vary widely between models. Carefully examine the sizes and types of ports available, as well as their placement, to ensure they align with your ventilation strategy.
Also check if they feature dual-cinching ports, providing the flexibility to tightly secure around ventilation ducts and close off unused ports. This adaptability is great for maintaining a light-proof environment and ensuring effective insulation.
Mesh Vents
Mesh vents, typically positioned at the bottom of the tent, serve as air intakes, and are very useful in replacing the air extracted by your exhaust system if you don't have an intake fan.
If you think you might need extra air intake, or want to have the option available, assessing the amount, size, and placement of these vents is important.
Viewing Windows
Viewing windows are a thoughtful addition to many grow tents. I recommend you look for tents with strategically placed windows, that offer the visibility you need while maintaining the integrity of the tent’s environment.
Reflective Interior
The interior of grow tents is where the reflective materials come into play. Reflective materials help to maximize the amount of light your plants receive, promoting better light penetration and increasing yields.
Mylar
Mylar is a highly reflective polyester film that is commonly used in the interior of grow tents. It's very effective in bouncing light around the grow tent and is the preferred reflective material for most grow tents.
High-quality grow tents, regardless of size or type, tend to come with Mylar as the reflective material. Some grow tents may come with Diamond Reflective Mylar, which is a high-quality, dimpled Mylar that scatters light with close to 100% efficiency.
Mylar or Diamond Reflective Mylar is the best option for a grow tent.
Other reflective materials
Cheaper grow tents typically do not have Mylar on the inside. Some may use other reflective materials, such as reflective white paint or aluminum foil, while others may rely on the natural reflective properties of the cabinet's interior surface. The specific materials used can vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
This is not inherently bad. I've successfully grown cannabis in grow rooms with white plastic sheeting. It's just that mylar is much better.
Best Grow Tent Brands
I understand that with so many features and nuances, it can be overwhelming to figure out which grow tent to get. I've spent years exploring and evaluating grow tents, so here's a rundown of the best brands currently available in the market, in my opinion:
Affordable Quality
These brands manage to combine reasonable pricing with reliable quality.
- Vivosun
- Mars Hydro
- Spider Farmer
- CoolGrows
Premium Options
These brands set the standard with their superior materials, innovative features, and exceptional durability.
- Gorilla Grow Tent
- Secret Jardin
- AC Infinity
Chapter 6
Grow Light Considerations
Grow lights are central to grow tents, they play a critical role in providing what plants need most: the necessary light spectrum to perform photosynthesis and produce food to grow and develop. If you're looking for a deep dive into grow lights, check out my guide on Types of Grow Lights for Growing Cannabis.
Now, there are several types of grow lights available but, LED, T5, HID, and CFL lights are the best suited for the job.
Types of Grow Lights for Growing Cannabis
LED Lights
LED lights are at the forefront of grow light technology, they are efficient and cost-effective in the long run. They provide intense and targeted illumination, and some models come with built-in cooling systems when needed, making them easy to use and maintain. Some even offer customizable color spectrums, allowing to fine-tune light wavelengths for different growth stages.
T5 Lights
These lights are are popular in grow tents because of their efficiency and minimal heat output, making them ideal for small and mini grow tents. They’re great for early growth stages as they provide consistent and uniform illumination, but lack the intensity and spectrum required for flowering stages. T5 lights are reliable and affordable.
HID Lights
HID lights include High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) varieties. They are renowned for their ability to deliver high yields, but require more setup and maintenance compared to other options. They emit significant amounts of heat, necessitating cooling systems as to not overheat. They're also less cost effective to run than other options. However, they provide a balanced spectrum for both vegetative and flowering stages.
CFL Lights
CFL lights are affordable and energy-efficient. Their compact size and low heat emission make them suitable for use in confined spaces., , such as small grow tents or seedling trays. CFL lights provide enough illumination for young plants, however, they lack the intensity required to support robust growth, particularly during flowering stages. Despite their limitations CFL lights remain a budget-friendly option for beginners and hobbyist seeking to start growing without breaking the bank.
Wattage and Coverage of Grow Lights
When we talk about "Wattage" in terms of grow lights, we're referring to the amount of power the light consumes.
While "Coverage" refers to the area that a grow light can effectively illuminate.
Wattage
The wattage of a grow light is important because it determines how much light energy it emits. In simple terms, it's like the strength of the light. Just like a light bulb in your home might be 60 watts or 100 watts, grow lights also come in different wattages.
Experts would use more complex ways of calculating light, such as "micromoles per square meter per second of Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD)".
But for us, wattage will do. Also, manufacturers often refer to intensity as wattage, because it's what the user knows best.
Anywhere from 300W to 1000W will be enough for cannabis plants if we have good enough coverage. With more wattage usually being better (there's limits!).
Coverage
You want to make sure that your grow light reaches every part of your grow tent.
If it doesn't, some parts of your plants won't not get enough light, leading to uneven growth or even stunted plants.
So you need wattage to make sure you provide your plants with the right amount of light, but you also need that light being consistent across the entire space and reaching every corner of your grow tent.
Chapter 7
Ventilation and Air Circulation in Grow Tents
Proper ventilation and air circulation are needed to keep the tent's air moving, ensuring your grow tent mimics the natural environment that keep your cannabis plants healthy and growing strong. If you want to know more about ventilation check out my guide on Grow Tent Ventilation, to learn everything about airflow, air circulation, CFM, CO2 levels, proper ventilation setups, and more.
Why are Ventilation and Air Circulation so Important?
Replenishing CO2
Plants, including cannabis, need carbon dioxide (CO2) to grow. In the confined space of a grow tent, CO2 can quickly run out, replaced by oxygen from the cannabis' own breathing process. That's why introducing fresh air filled with CO2 is vital.
A two-way ventilation system that exhausts stale, oxygen-heavy air, while introducing fresh, CO2-rich air, is essential in grow tents.
Controlling Humidity and Heat
Cannabis thrives in comfortable, not-too-hot, not-too-cold conditions, with specific temperature ranges for different growth stages. Moreover, plants release water vapor, which can increase humidity.
Without proper ventilation and ir circulation, your grow tent might become a breeding ground for mold and fungi. This is not simply bad for plant health, but can completely ruin your crop.
Preventing Hotspots
In a grow tent, lighting and other equipment can create areas that get much hotter than others. These "hotspots" can harm plants by providing uneven growing conditions.
The use of fans for air circulation, ensures even distribution of air, making the temperature uniform throughout the grow tent and preventing these hotspots.
Keeping Pests at Bay
Stagnant air and damp conditions are ideal conditions for pests like spider mites and fungus gnats, which can devastate your crop.
By maintaining good air circulation and ventilation these risks are significantly reduced, as it disturbs the environment pests enjoy, and makes it harder for them to take hold and infest your plants.
However, you do have to know that airflow in itself isn't enough, and pests are always a risk.
Strengthening Plant Stems
Much like humans need exercise, cannabis plants also need a bit of a challenge to grow strong.
Air circulation within the grow tent provides a gentle breeze, making stems work to stay upright, thereby strengthening them. Without it, stems can grow weak, affecting the plant's ability to soak up light and nutrients.
This process is also needed so that the plant can support the weight of its buds later on.
Systems for Proper Ventilation
Setting up a proper ventilation system in your grow tent, might seem like a bit of a task, but getting it right is well worth the effort.
You basically have two options to choose from, passive intake or active intake.
Both systems have their advantages. The passive intake system is simpler and uses less energy, while the active intake system offers more control.
Let's break them down:
Passive Intake System
Here, you have an exhaust fan placed at one end of your tent, which pulls the air out. On the opposite side, you have one or more openings (mesh vents) that let fresh air in.
Intake vents must be larger than the exhaust hole — often three to four times bigger. Alternatively, you can have multiple smaller vents adding up to that size.
The idea is to create a gentle vacuum effect. When the exhaust fan pulls the air out, it naturally draws in fresh air through the intake vents due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tent.
This system is energy-efficient and suits most growers' needs.
Active Intake System
In an active intake system, in addition to the exhaust fan, you have another fan specifically for drawing air into the tent. Both fans work together: one pushes air out, and the other pulls fresh air in.
This setup doesn't rely on the size of the intake hole as much because you control airflow with the fans. It allows for more precise management of the tent’s climate, letting you adjust the power of the fans to have greater control over temperature, humidity, and airflow.
Naturally, having double fans means doubling both the energy consumption and the noise.
Creating Air Circulation
Air circulation is about moving air within the grow tent, not just in and out.
The easiest way to create air circulation is by using fans to move the air around. You don't need anything fancy; a standard oscillating fan will do the trick.
Position it so that the air moves over the tops of the plants but doesn't blow directly on them at high speed, which could cause damage. The goal is to mimic the natural movement of air outdoors.
If you have room for multiple fans, make sure to place them at different heights and angles, to ensure air reaches all parts of the tent.
Chapter 8
Environmental Control in Grow Tents
Understanding environmental control within your grow tent is like learning to create the perfect little world for your plants, where you are in charge of the sun, rain, and air.
We have already talked about lights and ventilation, so in this chapter we'll focus on temperature and humidity.
Ideal Temperature for Cannabis Plants
Just like us, plants have a comfort zone when it comes to temperature. Most cannabis plants prefer temperatures higher temperatures during the day (meaning when the lights are on), and a bit cooler at night (lights off).
If the temperature goes too high, plants can become stressed, leading to poor growth or even damage. Too low, and the plant's metabolism slows down, affecting its growth and flowering.
Cannabis plants prefer temperatures between 68°F and 85°F.
Although, if you're looking to maximize, there are slight differences between daytime (when the lights are on) and nighttime (lights off), and between vegetative and flowering stages.
Ideal Humidity Levels for Cannabis Plants
Humidity (the amount of water vapor in the air) is even more important. Cannabis plants need different humidity levels at various stages of growth.
Generally, a higher humidity of 60-70% is preferred during the seedling stage, reducing to 40-50% during flowering to prevent mold and bud rot.
If your environment calls for it, you can manage humidity by using humidifiers or dehumidifiers.
Monitoring and Automation
You can keep an eye on temperature and humidity by using a thermometer and hygrometer, respectively. Or a thermal hygrometer which is a combination of both.
At first, you're going to have to be regularly checking the environment within your grow tent, and experiment with your gear until you get stable levels.
As you get more comfortable, you might notice that maintaining these levels can be a bit like a full-time job.
This is where automation comes in handy:
- Smart environmental monitors send alerts to your smartphone if things go awry.
- A thermostat can automatically turn heating or cooling devices on and off to maintain the desired temperature.
- Climate controllers are advanced devices that can manage temperature, humidity, and even CO2 levels, to automate adjustments.
- Smart plugs can be used to turn regular devices, such as heaters of humidifiers, into smart devices, allowing you to manage them remotely through your smartphone.
I recommend that you don't overwhelm yourself with too much equipment at first. Begin with a manageable setup that allows you to pay close attention to the changes in your environment, and add to it as you become more experienced.
But whatever you do, monitoring temperature and humidity will be crucial for a successful crop.
Chapter 9
Grow Tent Cultivation Methods
Let's explore the two distinct cultivation methods within grow tents: soil-based growing, and hydroponic systems.
Each method offers unique benefits: Soil-based growing is appreciated for its simplicity and forgiving nature, while hydroponic systems offer precise control and potentially higher yields. However, both methods can be highly rewarding and produce bountiful harvests.
Soil-Based Growing
Among the various growing methods available, soil-grown systems stand out for their simplicity and effectiveness, especially for those new to growing cannabis.
Simply put, soil-grown systems use natural soil as the medium for cannabis to grow in.
Soil is a forgiving medium that provides your plants with a balanced ecosystem. It naturally contains the nutrients, bacteria, and fungi that plants need to thrive, which can reduce the need for frequent fertilization compared to other mediums.
What makes soil beginner friendly, is it's natural ability to mitigate rapid changes in pH levels and nutrient concentrations, which can be detrimental to plant health. This means that soil can absorb and neutralize acids and bases, preventing the pH from swinging too drastically.
Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponics is a broad category that involves growing plants without soil, using water mixed with nutrients to feed the plants' roots directly.
It eliminates the need for soil, using alternative growing mediums like rockwool, clay pellets, or coco coir.
The main draw of hydroponic systems is control. By feeding your plants a nutrient-rich solution directly, you can manage their growth more precisely, which leads to faster growth and higher yields.
There are several types of hydroponic systems, including: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain), Drip Systems, Aeroponics, and Deep Water Culture (DWC), among others. Each system has its own method of delivering water and nutrients to the plants.
Choosing Between Soil and Hydroponics
Choosing between soil-grown and hydroponic systems is a significant decision that can significantly impact your whole growing experience.
The decision will come down to your personal preferences, goals, and resources.
Your Experience Level
If you're just starting out, soil might be the more forgiving option. It's more intuitive for beginners and offers a bit of a safety net in terms of nutrient and pH fluctuations. Hydroponics, while offering greater control and efficiency, requires a bit more knowledge and a lot more attention to detail.
Your Time and Commitment
Soil-grown cannabis generally requires less daily attention once you've got your setup dialed in. Hydroponics, on the other hand, will need more frequent monitoring and adjustments to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Your Budget
Setting up a hydroponic system can be more costly than a soil setup, due to the equipment needed for nutrient delivery and water oxygenation. Soil growing requires fewer specialized tools, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Ending Note
I hope that this guide has equipped you with enough knowledge and confidence to start or improve your grow tent journey.
Remember that the essence of great cannabis cultivation lies in the attention to detail and the passion for the plant. With the right setup, a bit of patience, and a willingness to learn, your grow tent will produce yields that are truly rewarding in no time.
Please, if you found this guide useful, share with your friends and other people in your community! If you participate in any forums, your endorsement there would also be super helpful!
Happy growing 🌱
