In this post i want to discuss using a grow tent to start and grow your plant starts. Ive tried everything for starting plants early and setting up a climate controlled tent is by far the best way to get amazing quality starts for your gardening adventures. My recommendation is to use a 5×5 tent as the ideal minimum size but a 2×4 will work if space is an issue. The problem with the 2×4 is the space limitation in relation to the heater (plant trays dry out a lot faster near the heat).
If your starting out with no equipment buying a tent kit is an option but they only seem to come in 4×4 and that won’t fit the rack from Costco which is 4 ft, so a different rack would be needed. I would look at what comes in the kit and source the components separately.
For climate controls at the bare minimum a digital controller for heating and cooling is necessary.
I use an oil filled radiant space heater set to its max setting and use the controller for very accurate heating. The exhaust fan can be programmed to come on at a set temperature to cool the tent.
Ive been using this fan controller which allows you to set the exhaust fan to run on idle to have some airflow throughout the tent and then it will speed up the fan when necessary for cooling. Also the fan can be set to operate differently for day/ night operations. The second controller probably isn’t necessary if costs are a consideration but if more precise control of the grow environment (and better quality grow) then the fan speed controller is a good option.
For the setup i use a metal rack from Costco with 2 four foot led lights each shelf for plant starts and a drip tray for watering and for plants that need more space and light. On the left i have a mars hydro grow light that i use for tomato plants that are needing more light.
Also in the tent i run 2 small fans that are set up in opposing corners aimed slightly down to create a gentle vortex of air around the entire grow tent. For more info on air movement look up haf(horizontal air fans) used in greenhouses. Same idea. It creates slight air movement needed for plant health and stem strength.
This same setup also works great if you have a large collection of house plants. Running your house plants in a climate controlled grow tent will get them looking their best and then you can rotate them out with other house plants to keep them all looking their best.
If you wanted to grow cannabis or peppers(or any other summer crop) to maturity you would just need to add a better light for blooming.
A grow tent is a great way to get a jump on your season or to grow indoors only. I’m tempted to get a 5×10 tent and keep growing for my family through the winter. Usually though, once we hit the fall i am ready for a rest and some down time.
The plan is to start heating my greenhouse on March 3rd and get these plants out there soon after.
Sage peasant 