Transforming Your Bedroom Into A Grow Room: Is It Possible?

Can You Make Your Bedroom a Grow Room?

If you're looking to grow your own fruits, vegetables, or cannabis at home, you'll need a dedicated space to do so. This is where the idea of converting your bedroom into a grow room comes in.

Factors to Consider

- Privacy and Discretion: Choose a room that is infrequently used and allows you to block out external light. Avoid areas with constant traffic to minimise the risk of light leakage, which can confuse plants and lead to lower yields or hermaphroditism.

- Ventilation and Airflow: Ensure the room has natural ventilation and access to fresh air through windows. This helps regulate temperature and humidity, preventing issues like mould and pests.

- Electricity and Lighting: Growing plants require significant electricity for ventilation and lighting equipment. Assess your room's electrical capacity and choose the appropriate lighting system (e.g. HPS, LED, LEC) based on the size of your grow area and growth stage.

- Water and Moisture: Consider the proximity to a water supply and the potential impact of moisture on the room's surfaces and floor. Avoid carpets that retain moisture and opt for wood, cement, or tile floors.

- Height and Space: Assess the height and square footage of the room to determine the number and size of plants you can accommodate. Fluorescent lights require less height clearance than HID lights.

- Safety and Fire Prevention: Water is a significant risk in the grow room due to electrical equipment. Keep electronics elevated and use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical leaks. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating, and have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Setting Up Your Grow Room

Once you've selected an appropriate room, you'll need to prepare the space by cleaning and disinfecting it, ensuring light-proofing, and installing necessary equipment like fans, extractors, odour filters, and thermohygrometers.

By carefully considering these factors and following the steps outlined above, you can successfully convert your bedroom into a functional grow room.

Choosing a room: Select a space that is infrequently used, can be sealed off from external light, and has natural ventilation

When choosing a room to convert into a grow room, it is best to select a space that is infrequently used, can be sealed off from external light, and has natural ventilation.

The first factor to consider is the room's location and level of usage. It is advisable to choose an area that is not frequently accessed, as this helps maintain a controlled environment and avoid light leaks. Basements, garages, spare bedrooms, attics, cupboards, and walk-in robes can all be suitable options. Additionally, ensure the room has natural ventilation, such as a window, as this facilitates the installation of an extraction system.

The next consideration is the ability to block out external light. A crucial aspect of creating a grow room is providing the optimal lighting conditions for the plants, and this requires complete control over the light exposure. Therefore, select a room where you can achieve total darkness during nighttime periods by sealing windows and doors and using light reflectors.

Finally, it is essential to ensure the room has adequate ventilation. Proper ventilation helps regulate temperature and humidity, prevents the buildup of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and mitigates issues such as mould and pests. It is recommended to install an extractor and intractor system, with the extractor placed at the top of the room and the intractor at the bottom. Additionally, consider using fans to keep the air circulating and avoid hot spots.

Ventilation: Install an extractor and intractor to facilitate air renewal and odour control

Ventilation is one of the most important aspects of growing healthy plants indoors. A good ventilation system will provide fresh air for your plants to breathe and photosynthesise, and will also help to regulate the temperature and humidity in your grow room.

To set up a basic ventilation system in your bedroom grow room, you will need to install an extractor fan and an intake fan. The extractor fan will pull stale, warm air out of the room, while the intake fan will bring in fresh, cool air from outside. It is important to ensure that the airflow capacity of the intake fan is lower than that of the extractor fan. This will create negative air pressure in the room, making it easier to control the temperature, humidity and CO2 levels.

When selecting an extractor fan, it is important to consider the size of your grow room and the lighting system you are using. The more light output you are using, the more powerful your extractor fan will need to be. For example, if you are using HM or HPS bulbs, it is recommended to use industrial extractors such as RVK or Prima Klima. These types of extractors also allow you to attach carbon filters, which are effective at removing odours from the plants.

In addition to the extractor and intake fans, you may also want to consider installing an interior fan to improve air circulation within the grow room. This can help to prevent air stratification and ensure that all your plants receive adequate airflow. Oscillating fans are a popular choice for indoor grow rooms, as they can be directed to blow in different directions.

To calculate the size of extractor fan you need, you can multiply the length, width and height of your grow room to get the cubic volume. Then, multiply this number by the number of air exchanges you want per hour (recommended 15-30) and divide by 60 minutes. For example, for a bedroom that is 6ft x 5ft x 6ft, you would need a fan with a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of 90.

It is also important to consider the noise generated by your ventilation system, especially if you are growing in a residential area. To reduce noise, you can use soundproof air ducts, controllers with thermostats, or isolate the extractor fan with soundproof material.

Lighting: Opt for HPS, LED, or LEC lights, considering the size of the grow area, type of growth, and energy consumption

When it comes to lighting, you have a few options: HPS (High-Pressure Sodium), LED (Light Emitting Diode), or LEC (Light Emitting Ceramic) lights. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on the size of your grow area, the type of growth you're aiming for, and your energy consumption preferences.

HPS lights are a popular choice for experienced and commercial growers, especially those seeking optimal yields. They produce intense light and considerable heat, which is beneficial for plant growth, particularly during the flowering stage. HPS lights are also known as HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lights. They offer a full spectrum of light, containing all the ranges of radiation required by plants in all growth stages. However, they have lower efficiency than LED lights, as some electrical energy is wasted as heat, resulting in higher electricity consumption. HPS lights also have a shorter lifespan and require adequate ventilation due to the heat produced.

LED lights, on the other hand, are the first choice for many indoor commercial farmers today due to their high efficiency. They can offer 80% or more efficiency, reducing energy bills and heat production. LED lights like the Medicgrow NEO 1000W allow for brightness control and daisy chaining, and they come in various shapes and types to suit different grow areas. Additionally, LED lights have a longer lifespan, lasting 50,000 hours or more. They are also compact and easy to handle and place, making them suitable for almost all indoor farms, regardless of size. However, LED lights have a higher upfront cost, and the light intensity is not as strong as HPS lights.

LEC lights are not mentioned as extensively as HPS and LED lights in the sources provided, but they are worth considering as well. LEC lights are known for their high efficiency and low heat output, which can lead to reduced energy costs. They also have a long lifespan and are suitable for various growth stages. However, LEC lights may be more expensive upfront and may not be as widely available as other lighting options.

When choosing your grow lights, consider the size of your grow area and the amount of heat you can manage. Additionally, think about the type of growth you're aiming for, as different plants have different light requirements. For example, blue light promotes leafy and vegetative growth, while red light is better for flowering and fruit-producing plants. You should also factor in your budget and energy consumption preferences, as some lighting options are more expensive upfront or have higher ongoing energy costs.

Climate control: Maintain temperature and humidity levels with a humidifier, dehumidifier, and/or AC units

Climate control is an important aspect of creating the optimal environment for your plants. This involves maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels, which can be done through the use of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and/or AC units. Here are some detailed instructions on how to achieve effective climate control in your bedroom-turned-grow room:

Maintain Temperature and Humidity Levels:

• The ideal relative humidity (RH) level for most indoor grow operations is 40-60%. However, this may vary depending on the plant's life stage. For seeds, aim for 65-75% RH, for vegetative growth, 50-70% RH, and for flowering, 40-50% RH.
• To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier, especially during the early germination or clone growing stage.
• To decrease humidity, improve ventilation by opening doors or windows, using fans, or installing an exhaust fan. You can also use a dehumidifier, which is particularly important if you live in a naturally humid climate.
• Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, which can range from simple thermometers to more advanced controllers that can also manage ventilation equipment.
• Avoid overwatering your plants, as this is a common cause of high humidity.
• Check plant density, as too many plants in a small space can raise humidity levels.
• Remove any stagnant water, as this contributes to higher humidity.
• Be mindful of the temperature, as higher temperatures can hold more water vapour in the air.

Use of Humidifiers:

• Humidifiers are particularly useful during the early stages of plant growth when higher humidity is required.
• Look for large-capacity humidifiers with several-gallon tanks to reduce the frequency of refills.
• Common brands for standalone humidifiers include Aircare, Honeywell, and Aprilaire.

Use of Dehumidifiers:

• Dehumidifiers are essential for removing excess moisture from the air, especially in grow rooms with high relative humidity or in naturally humid climates.
• Dehumidifiers come in various sizes, from portable units for small rooms to large, industrial dehumidifiers for spacious grow spaces.
• When choosing a dehumidifier, consider the size of the space, the intensity of dehumidification needed, and your budget.
• Popular brands for grow room dehumidifiers include Quest, Eva-Dry, IdealAir, and Utopian Systems.

Use of AC Units:

• Air conditioning units can help regulate both temperature and humidity.
• When using AC, ensure proper ventilation to maintain optimal humidity levels.
• Consider pairing your AC with a smart thermostat for more precise control over temperature and humidity.
• If your grow room is not accessible from your ducted HVAC system, opt for a ductless mini-split AC with an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler.
• For smaller grow spaces, portable AC units or through-the-wall units can be effective.

By following these guidelines and investing in the appropriate equipment, you can effectively control the temperature and humidity levels in your bedroom-turned-grow room, creating an optimal environment for your plants to thrive.

Safety: Ensure fire safety measures are in place, such as a fire extinguisher and a ground fault circuit interrupter

To ensure fire safety when converting a bedroom into a grow room, it is important to take several precautions. Here are some detailed guidelines to enhance fire safety in your grow room:

• Fire Extinguishers: Always keep multiple fire extinguishers in your grow room and ensure they are easily accessible. Regularly check that they are in good working condition and replace them before the expiry date. It is also a good idea to conduct a training course for yourself and anyone else with access to the grow room to ensure that everyone knows how to use the fire extinguishers properly.
• Smoke Detectors: Install smoke detectors throughout the grow room and test them periodically. This will alert you to any fires, giving you time to respond and evacuate safely.
• Circuit Breakers: Be mindful of the electrical load on your circuit breakers. Avoid overloading them by using multiple high-power devices simultaneously. If necessary, use extension cords to connect to different circuits.
• Electrical Devices: Keep electrical devices, such as extension cords, away from water sources. This will reduce the risk of short circuits and electrical fires.
• Professional Consultation: Consult a local electrician before setting up your grow room. They can inspect your space and identify any potential fire hazards or electrical issues that you may have overlooked.
• Fire-Resistant Door: Install a heavy-duty, fire-resistant door for your grow room, especially if it is located within or attached to your home. This will help slow down the spread of fire and give you more time to respond.
• Exit Plan: Have a well-thought-out exit plan in case of a fire. Identify all possible escape routes from the building and determine how you will alert other occupants and emergency services.
• Electrical Wiring: Ensure that your grow lights are correctly wired and installed by a qualified person. This will reduce the risk of electrical fires due to faulty wiring.
• Flammable Materials: Remove any flammable materials from your grow room, including trash and other combustible items. This will reduce the fuel available for a potential fire.
• First Aid Kit: Keep a fully stocked first aid kit in a readily accessible location. This will help you address any minor accidents or injuries that may occur.

By implementing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire and enhance the overall safety of your grow room setup.

Frequently asked questions