Indoor growing can be a remarkably efficient way to cultivate crops. The ability to tailor growing conditions down to the finest detail enables the grower to produce crops from around the globe from the comfort of their own homes and gardens. That said, indoor growing can be tricky, and there are numerous factors to consider if you want to enjoy consistently high yields. Here are some tips to help you grow strong, healthy crops in your greenhouse or grow room.
Grow Lights
Grow lights convert electrical energy into photons, a key component of photosynthesis. All plants need sufficient light to grow and thrive – some more than others. For instance, summer vegetables like cucumbers and aubergines need around 6-8 hours of direct, uninterrupted sunlight per day to reach their full growth potential. As such, indoor grow tents require grow lights to simulate natural sunlight. Your greenhouse may be situated in a sunny spot, but due to the often unpredictable weather conditions, a grow light or two may give your plants a much-needed boost.
Pest Control
You may be able to project your indoor plants from larger plant-eating creatures like rodents and rabbits, but they may still be at the mercy of invertebrate pests such as spider mites, slugs and aphids. Fortunately, there are numerous pest control methods ideal for greenhouses and grow rooms. Potassium soap or neem oil spray is a standard environmentally-friendly measure that doesn’t harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybirds. However, if you’d prefer something a little more substantial, you could add Nematodes to the root zone – microscopic, worm-like organisms that quickly kill pests by acting as parasites.
Measure Temperature Accurately
The temperature of your greenhouse or grow room is integral to the well-being of your plants. However, you may experience temperature fluctuations and inconsistencies; hence, measuring the temperature in various spots around your growing location is vital. You may need to add heaters to your environment to increase the temperature, but keep in mind that heaters emit dry air, which can be damaging to high-humidity plants. You can combat these issues by purchasing a smart heater with a thermostat, as well as a humidifier, to keep moisture levels sufficient.
Keep It Tidy
Keeping your greenhouse clean and tidy can benefit your plants to a surprisingly high degree. Excess dead plant matter, moss and algae attract pests and may result in diseases such as blight and mildew. Greenhouses are designed to let in as much light as possible, so keep the glass panels clear and sparkling by washing them with hot soapy water whenever they look a little murky. Furthermore, keeping your growing environment free from unnecessary clutter may give you more room for extra plants to increase yields.
Ventilation
You can easily increase the airflow to your plants in a greenhouse by opening the doors and windows; however, this isn’t so straightforward with a grow room. Along with high-quality extraction fans to draw out stagnant air, you will need an intake system to pump fresh air into your grow room with plenty of vital carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Ventilation and air filtration are crucial for healthy plants, so it is worth investing in high-quality components.
Use Vertical Space
Grow tents and personal greenhouses are invariably small. Unless you are a horticultural business owner or have access to commercial-size growing environments, it is unlikely you’ll be able to fit more than a few plants at a time into your indoor growing space. However, vertical gardening may be the solution. Make full use of the available space by adding shelves, trellises and planter racks into your grow room or greenhouse, instantly increasing your yields. That said, avoid overcrowding your plants, as this may limit growth potential and increase the risk of pests and diseases. Consider this article for vertical gardening inspiration.
Keep Electrics And Water Separate
Everybody knows that water and electricity should always be kept separate, which is easier said than done when it comes to hydroponics. As a rule of thumb, keep electricity high and water low. Mount your electrical equipment high up or outside the grow room, ensuring everything is safe and secure. Furthermore, ensure you source all of your electrical equipment from reputable suppliers and regularly check for signs of damage or faults.
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