Contributor: J.P Green
As a cannabis enthusiast, there is nothing more satisfying than growing cannabis of your own. Lucky for us, there are a ton of different ways to do just that. Also, with its legality becoming more and more accepted across the nation, the affordability of these in-house grow setups are starting to put less of a strain on the old wallet. Believe it or not, there are plenty of cheap indoor grow setups that you can employ in order to cultivate a batch of personal cannabis.
While the natural elements of an outdoor grow may be enjoyable to some, there are far more benefits to growing marijuana indoors. You don’t have to battle with unforeseen problems (too much/too little sun, insects, lack of nutrients, etc.). With indoor grows, you have way more control over the process, and anything that puts you more in the “driver’s seat” the better.
The Most Cost-Effective Ways To Grow Cannabis At Home
For the sake of this topic, we have decided to focus on three different price levels for grow setups: $100, $500, and $1000.
Sure, these figures may seem daunting to some, but if you are serious about growing marijuana on your own, this sort of investment is necessary. So, without any further ado, let’s start breaking down how to grow pot at these varying price levels.
$100 Grow Tent Setup
This route is meant to satisfy those of us who are on a tight-budget, but still want to try our hand at growing cannabis. Also, if secrecy is of the utmost importance, these nano-grows are very inconspicuous. Their small stature is easily concealable, and able to fit inside most closets.
What you will need:
– 24” x 24” x 48” Indoor Grow Tent (roughly $50)
– 24-Hour Mechanical Timer ($10)
– 150w LED Full Spectrum UFO Light (roughly $40)
– 6” Fan w/ Clip-On Attachment (roughly $15)
Those are the essential elements needed for this level of grow. However, you could also choose to use an Inline Duct Fan and Hydro/Thermometer to really round out your grow tent setup, should you choose to do so. Without those added accoutrements, you are looking at a total of roughly $115 bucks. But, if you were to spring for those extra items, the grand total would be hovering around $150 or so.
Air circulation and low-heat lighting are the key players in this grow setup, that is for sure. It is all about creating an optimal environment for your plants to thrive in, and these items help your crops get the atmosphere they so desperately need, even if its snuggled inside the tight confines of a closet.
The tent will provide a perfect amount of reflective nature for the light to encapsulate itself in and around your growing buds. Speaking of the lighting, you will want to make sure to get a quality, reliable mechanical timer to help keep that UFO lighting on a strict schedule. With all that, and the proper knowledge, you will be able to produce some high-quality, though rather stout, plants.
$500 Grow Tent Setup
This, as you could imagine, is a slight step up from the initial $100 setup. No, you won’t need to build a grow room in order for this to work. But, if you are looking for a moderately affordable way to create some cannabis of your own, this may be the route for you.
What you will need:
– 32” x 32” x 64” Indoor Grow Room ($65)
– Hydro/Thermometer ($12)
– 4” Grow Exhaust Kit, Carbon Filter, Fan, and Ducting (roughly $120)
– Variable Speed Vent Fan ($12)
– 15 amp Grounded 5-Outlet Adapter (roughly $30)
– Programmable Digital Timer ($13)
– 6” Fan w/ Clip-On Attachment (roughly $15)
– Inline Duct Booster Fan ($20)
– 315W Grow Light Kit, 120v Fixture with 3100k Bulb (roughly $180)
All said and done, this will probably total somewhere in the realm of $470.
The main difference between this and the first closet grow is ventilation. This far more intricate ventilation system is designed to help rid the space of any hot air that may be lingering in the grow area, as well as bring in cool, clean air for the plant to enjoy. It is all about climate control with this setup, and the benefits of such a home-grow often result in happier plants.
But that is not where the differences end. The larger tent setup allows you to grow multiple plants, at a larger height, all at once. Also, the type of lighting system used in this particular setup is designed to aide plants that find themselves in the vegetative and flowering stages of the process. The hydro/thermometer allows you to stay as updated as possible with the varying levels of humidity within the tent, itself.
$1000 Grow Tent Setup
Now, if you have the loot, this is the way to go. Obviously, this isn’t going to fit everybody’s budget, but if you feel like this is a worthwhile investment, than by all means, go for it.
What you will need:
– 60” x 48” x 80” Dual Room Indoor Grow Tent (roughly $190)
– 4 Bulb t5 Grow Light Fixture – 2 of them ($75/piece)
– Heavy Duty Programmable Digital Time, Dual Outlet – 2 of them ($13)
– 6” CFM Indoor Grow Exhaust Kit, Carbon Filter, Fan, Timer, Ducting ($120)
– 6” Fan with Clip-On Attachment – 4 of them (roughly $15/piece)
– 630W CMH Grow Light Kit, 120v Fixture with 2 3100k Bulbs (roughly $320)
– 6” 240CFM Inline Duct Booster Fan – 2 of them ($20/piece)
– Hydro/Thermometer – 2 of them (roughly $12)
As you can see, not only are these pieces of equipment a little more expensive, the quantity of most of them has doubled, as well. Which, when you think about it, makes sense. I mean, with more grow space comes more equipment. If you find yourself ready to splurge on all of those aforementioned items, you are looking at a grand total around $920 or so.
Currently, at this price point, this is the most legitimate in-house grow setup on the market. If used correctly, it can result in a hefty yield. Also, while outdoor grows are fairly restrictive, this massive grow space allows the grower to tend to various crops at various stages in the growth process. It is a multi-faceted operation that will turn any novice grower into a professional in no time.
For this size of grow setup, you will need to dedicate the majority of a spare room or garage to house it. Which, unfortunately, isn’t as accessible to most (myself, included). If you have the spare real estate and a passion for cannabis, this is the way to go – no doubt about it.
The tent has two separate chambers. That way you can keep the growing going all year round. Also, this high-tech lighting system makes it easier for you to keep track of each plant during its vegetative and flowering process, and you will find that it is a tremendous help when starting off with germination and the “cloning” of one of your own homemade creations.
Like we mentioned previously, there are a million ways to tackle a home-grow, and these are just a few basic options. Regardless of which route you take, you should be sure to do your homework, as far as growing cannabis is concerned. It is a far more intricate, complicated, time-consuming process than many would think. However, if you have the time, the money, and the gumption to take on a project like this, you will be smoking your own homemade cannabis before you know it.
Good luck and happy growing, my fellow cannabis enthusiasts.
