Awesome all in one grow setup

[superdankblunt]

If you live in a pad with limited space- or without closets- this setup is for you!

It's also great to expand your current grow, or to add a handy veg spot.

IN THIS THREAD I will show how to build a super space efficient grow spot out of 2 bookcases, tape, and tag board panels(you can use other light tight materials)

This grow spot allows you to create an enclosed, free standing, light tight veg/flower spot in any room!

The photos are the best way I have to explain it- saves us all a lot of explaining!

The great thing is that you can purchase all materials needed at your local big box, and it's SUPER CHEAP!

MATERIALS NEEDED:

A 6' tall bookcase with shelves
Duct/Electric tape
Panel material
(like Cardboard/ Tag board science fair displays, mylar, or insulation sheets)

*NOTE The big box store usually carries a 2-piece bookcase for $30 that is ideal. Plus sometimes your choice of colors!

YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN LIGHTING... When you do choose consider the size of your grow box's square footage and select a lamp accordingly.

Assemble the bookcase, and then slide in the cut to size panels/sheets once your shelves are where you want them.

Once your bookcase grow is set up, you can but it directly against the wall, or stand it away from the wall, creating a flowering room behind the bookcase(s).

You may choose to set the cases 4' or less away from the wall for example, and then put flame retardant/reflective insulation sheets on top. This maximizes space around flowering lamp, and minimizes fire risk.

You may choose to paint the cardboard that comes with the bookcases flat white, or line the compartments with mylar or reflective sheeting. This helps very much.

Added bonus: The clone/seedling tray compartment is right above your veg, giving it just the right amount of heat to sprout roots asap! Generally the clone dome is at 80 degrees while the lamps in veg are on! SWEET!

You may choose to place 2 bookcases side by side to double your space. Two bookcases side by side is like 58 inches I believe. (29" wide each if I recall) If you had a 4 ft sheet of panel/insulation foam on top that would make it up to 4 feet wide by approx. 4' 10" long inside the flower compartment (the space between the wall and the back of the bookcases)

Lighting Suitable:

24" t5s work best for the veg compartment- if you can't fit a 2 ft T ballast in there, use 24" single T5s. They can be found at your local big box store too- HERE A HUGE HINT:

LIGHTS OF AMERICA MAKES 18 and 4 inch T5s. They are single tube ballast that are linkable, and come with mounting pieces! They are super handy, low heat, low cost at just $10 each! 4 of them will veg a bunch of plants great! They are 14 watts, and super bright!

IMPORTANT: They are packaged as UNDER CABINET LIGHTS and many stores carry them.

CFLs for vegging- that is another option but it may require a fan/venting of some kind. Whereas the t5 singles do not.

A single T5 on 24/7 and placed 6-12"above the clones works great

TOTAL COST FOR VEG/CLONE/ and 4x4.9' FLOWER GROW SETUP: APPROX $100 without lights.

Hope this is handy let me know if you have questions glad to help

[luntzo]

I've never seen this done before -- looks pretty damn nice.

You've had good results with it?

What's your recommendation for the panels, with regard to both: (a) material and (b) how best to attach them so it all stays light-tight without being a bitch to open/close?

[superdankblunt]

I would recommend Mylar first, and then plastic tagboard second. Perhaps a cut up air mattress, or cardboard science fair displays.

Any light weight material that won't let light thru will work. The cardboard may harbor mold, but I haven't ever seen it, and they are easily replaced (3.94 at the big box store)

The plastic or vinyl tag board can be scored with a razor and folded easily into place. The science fair displays are already folded just right and fit perfect into place.

I would say just use clear packaging tape to keep it sealed up-velcro can be used on the mylar with some sewing/ super glue.

This setup works great. The clones are heated up perfectly, and sprout roots fast. You could expand the veg/clone are if you wanted to a second bookcase DOUBLE THE ROOM just like that.

[luntzo]

Yeah, that all makes sense... I'm thinking about some thin plywood and hinges to make a real door for the front.

My veg/flowering area is all set, but I'm looking at maybe setting up a mother/clone situation instead of growing from seed... and I already have one of these bookcases, so this might be just the trick.

Good stuff, dude.