• Key components include relative humidity,temperature, CO2, and air circulation/exchange
• Ideal humidity is between 40%-60%
• Some plants like higher humidity, but that can lead to problems with fungus and disease
• Ideal temperature is between 68º–75º F
• Plants need CO2 to grow - with good air circulation and exchange, a room will naturally have between 300-400 PPM without supplemental CO2
• Water quality is essential to plant growth
• PPM (parts per million) or EC (electrical conductivity) measure salts in a solution
• Start off with a low PPM or EC and add nutrients specific to your plant variety requirements
• A Reverse Osmosis system can reduce PPM/EC
• pH (potential hydrogen) measures acidity or alkalinity in a solution on a scale of 0–14
• pH should range 5.8-6.2 in hydro and 6.0-6.8 in soil
• Nutrient “lockout” occurs in too high or low pH levels
• Ebb & Flow gardens flood and drain a tray of plants with a nutrient solution at regular intervals
• Drip gardens provide a nutrient solution to each plant through tubes & emitters (drip stakes)
• Aeroponic gardens mist an oxygenated nutrient solution directly to the roots of its plants
• NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) gardens flow a slow moving nutrient solution over the plants roots
• Organics are possible using many methods, and are often grown in container gardens
• Growing mediums act as the root anchor system
• Coco is made from the husks of a coconut, is pH stable, and provides moisture retention and aeration
• Expanded Clay pebbles provide moisture retention and aeration and are reusable if sterilized
• Rockwool stone is heated and spun into fibers then compressed, provides an excellent oxygen to water ratio, though flushing/conditioning is recommended
• Silica helps slow transpiration, provides moisture retention and aeration, and is reusable if sterilized
• Peat mixes can be altered to varying air/water ratios
• Liquid/Dry nutrients can be organic or synthetic
• Over or under fertilizing can cause burning, curling or yellowing of plants
• Most nutrient bottles are labeled with N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium)
• Additives/supplements can bolster microbial activity at the root zone, strengthen plant cell walls, increase flower sites, shorten length to harvest, increase size,flavor and aroma of fruits and flowers and more
• When used together, nutrients and supplements will help you achieve maximum results
• MH (Metal Halide) and HPS (High Pressure Sodium) are types of HID lights used in grow rooms
• MH lamps = Blue spectrum for vegetative
• HPS lamps = Orange/Red spectrum for flowering
• T5 lamps are high-output fluorescents with low heat/energy consumption ideal for cuttings, mother plants, and short growth cycles
• DE (Double-Ended) lighting is an improved spectrum HID lamp with a higher par reading than a single ended
• Plants in vegetative stage need 15-18 hrs. of light
• Plants in bloom stage need 10-12 hrs. of light
• There are many meters available for testing solution pH, PPM, and EC
• Environmental controllers and meters are available to automate and more accurately control and maintain the temperature, humidity, CO2 and lights
• Testing equipment for the water-nutrient solution,light, room temperature and humidity, CO2, and air circulation is the key to a providing optimal conditions for a bountiful garden
• Grow/Garden room accessories are essential for optimized growth and harvest
• Atmosphere drive devices such as fans, blowers,CO2 emitters, and integrated timers are a grow rooms greatest accessory
• Trellising, stakes, supports, shears, and labels are useful when growing fruiting/flowering crops
• Pest and disease control may be needed and there are many organic options available
• For more information visit SunlightSupply.com!
