You DON’T need a grow tent to start a home grow.
If you’re a novice or just getting started, you can use a cardboard box with aluminium foil lining and cut a few holes out for ventilation and air intake.
It’ll probably let a lot of light escape and it won’t be 100% efficient, but it WILL do the job.
However, if you’re not a DIY fan, buying a ready-made grow tent will make your life easier!
This guide is specifically for inexperienced growers who are considering a purchase, but need a bit of advice (and a few tips) before taking the plunge.
Are grow tents worth the expense?
In the UK, we’re not exactly blessed with the weather conditions needed to cultivate pot plants all year round.
But a good grow tent can deliver the consistent environment required to nurture seedlings and plants into luscious leaves. They can also prove the difference between a successful grow and wasting your time!
Okay, so buying a grow tent does require some initial investment, but it could SAVE you money in the long run. This is because it will help reduce the amount you spend on heating, lighting and nutrients.
Why?
Better light levels and cheaper running costs
Most grow tents use a reflective mylar interior coating to boost light levels – minimising input costs – so you save money on your bills.
Plants need light to give them life, and the more you can give (from every angle), the better they’ll grow.
With a completely controlled grow tent environment, you can set the exact light levels for each specific time of the day.
The fact you can run grow lights at night (when electricity is cheaper) and automate every aspect of your grow is another big tick in the box.
Easy to adjust and manage
When you use a grow tent for pot plants, you’ll enjoy complete control over your growing environment.
If you want to, it can be enhanced through the use of:
The fact the environment is a consistent temperature also means you’ll need to spend less on nutrients as the absorption of supplements is optimised and more efficient.
Minimise smells maximise privacy
You can make your own grow room with some black and white reflective sheeting, but it’s not exactly easy. And if you don’t enjoy DIY, you’ll probably need some help.
With a grow tent, you can put it up quickly (by yourself), keep it neat and conceal it easily. They’re also designed with an integrated air purification system to minimise the unwanted escape of giveaway odours.
Conclusion: Is a grow tent necessary?
Basically, grow tents allow you to create the ideal environment for cultivation and flowering in one simple space.
But if you can’t afford one, don’t be put off growing because of it. Get started, plant a few seeds and have some fun!
If space is not an issue, you might want to consider a grow room, but this will depend on your circ*mstances. Before going down this route, weigh up the effort that’ll be required and work out if you can commit enough time (and energy) to the project.
If you're new to growing and you do choose to use a grow tent, it’ll be quick and easy to make an adjustment to your ventilation. And your success will only be limited by your ability (which will improve), rather than the environment you’re working in.
If money’s an issue, be patient and save up. Cheap grow tents can sometimes fail to live up to expectations. In our experience, it’s usually wise to spend a bit more on a better-quality grow tent (with tougher zippers and fewer light leaks) rather waste money on one that’s not up to the task.
With the right grow tent, a bit of practice and some perseverance, you’ll soon be able to enjoy the sweet-smelling fruits of your labour – regardless of what the UK weather can throw at you!
Order grow tents online now or call 01926 511151 for FREE advice from our friendly experts.
FAQs
Keeps Pests Out: Since plants in a grow tent are isolated from other plants, the transmission of pests and fungus is reduced. Flood-proof floors and airtight seals help protect from external temperature changes that can cause the growth of fungi.
How much yield does a 4x4 grow tent make? ›
On average, a 4x4 grow tent can yield between 4 to 8 ounces of dried buds per harvest, usually occurring every 3 to 4 months. However, this yield can be increased to around 10 to 16 ounces by optimizing the growing conditions and using high-quality equipment.
Do grow tents still smell? ›
While a grow tent is capable of insulation, odors may still seep through tiny slivers of openings like the zipper and duct ports. Well routed ductwork will exhaust odors away from the growing system, but simply moves the foul smell towards the exterior.
Do grow tents hold humidity? ›
If you don't control humidity in your grow tent, your plants will suffer. Both ends of the spectrum can cause problems. If humidity is too high, your plants are much more susceptible to mold and mildew issues. These can quickly spread in a grow tent, and ruin an entire crop.
How effective are grow tents? ›
Better light levels and cheaper running costs
Most grow tents use a reflective mylar interior coating to boost light levels – minimising input costs – so you save money on your bills. Plants need light to give them life, and the more you can give (from every angle), the better they'll grow.
Are grow tents worth it for vegetables? ›
For a good reason, grow tents are a beloved plant-growing solution. They're affordable for the hobbyist, can fit nearly anywhere and yield impressive results. They offer total environmental control, so you can create ideal conditions for any plant.
What is the most popular grow tent size? ›
5' x 5' and 4' x 8' Grow Tents - Our most popular tent sizes (4-10 plants) 5' x 9' and 8' x 8' Grow Tent - Great for a spare bedroom, expect large harvests (9-16 plants) 10' x 10' Grow Tent - Another perfect size for a spare bedroom or in the garage.
Is it cheaper to build a grow tent? ›
That's where a DIY grow tent comes in; for many people, a homemade grow tent proves to be the most cost-effective and efficient setup. While small grow tents are pretty cheap, you can build your own tent for next-to-nothing if you take the time to hunt around for supplies.
How many CO2 bags for a 4x4 grow tent? ›
A rule of thumb for an enclosed space is one co2 bag per 4x4 area or per 4x4 grow tent. For large-scale operations, growers use tanks of compressed CO2 or CO2 generators in order to automate delivery and send the CO2 gas down through pipes for an uninterrupted supply to your crops.
How often should I clean my grow tent? ›
On a weekly basis, give your grow tent a more in-depth cleaning to provide your plants with the best possible environment. Wipe Down Trays and Equipment: Using a sponge or cloth, plus hydrogen peroxide, wipe down all of your equipment and growing trays weekly to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.
Unlike grow tents, which may have limited space to maneuver, grow rooms offer more accessibility, making it easier to tend to plants, prune, and harvest. Choosing between a grow tent and a grow room ultimately depends on your gardening goals, available space, and budget.
Can I use grow tent as dry room? ›
While many growers use separate drying rooms for this process, others prefer to use their grow tent to save space and maximize efficiency. Using your grow tent as a drying room can be a great way to streamline your process and ensure the best possible results.
Is 70% humidity too high for flowering? ›
Nearly three-fourths (73%) of respondents said the optimal humidity level in flowering rooms is in the range of 40% to 55%. Eighteen percent said 56% to 65%. While 3% of cultivators said that their ideal flower-room humidity level is in the range of 76% to 80%, none said that above 80% humidity was ideal.
Do grow tents get hot? ›
You absolutely need a means of removing hot, stinky air from the grow tent. This can be as simple as an exhaust fan, carbon filter, and ducting. It is best to duct the air either out a window or into a hole in the ceiling to the attic, to ensure you aren't heating up the room your tent is in.
Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier in a grow tent? ›
This depends on how many dehumidifiers you need. If only one is needed, centrally located in the room, above or next to the lights is generally the best placement.
Is it better to build a grow room or grow tent? ›
Unlike grow tents, which may have limited space to maneuver, grow rooms offer more accessibility, making it easier to tend to plants, prune, and harvest. Choosing between a grow tent and a grow room ultimately depends on your gardening goals, available space, and budget.
Are grow tents noisy? ›
When it comes to indoor gardening and cultivation, grow tents provide an ideal environment for plants to thrive. However, the equipment and systems used in these tents can generate significant noise, which can be bothersome and disruptive.
Does grow tent need intake? ›
An active intake system usually isn't needed unless you have a very large tent, or you are a serious grower wanting to create the best environment possible for your plants. You may also need one if you struggle with high temperatures, or your intake ports at the bottom are smaller than your exhaust ports.
