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How do I Set up a Hydroponic Grow Room?

Angela Crout-Mitchell
Angela Crout-Mitchell

There are several vital steps involved in setting up an effective hydroponic grow room designed for the purpose of growing healthy vegetables for home consumption. Certain supplies are necessary, as well as a predetermined room or space for the equipment and plans for the system. During the planning and installation process, it is also important to keep ease of use and safety in mind, as the large quantities of water may create slipping hazards in addition to fire risks from exposed electrical outlets. In most circumstances, hydroponic gardeners cover the walls in plastic sheeting and place non skid mats on the floor. This method for growing vegetables is considered to be healthy for the plants, cost effective, and relatively easy, once the initial set up has been completed.

For almost every type of hydroponic grow room, it is essential to have the correct tools and supplies to work with. In addition to plastic sheeting, the grow room will also require an exhaust fan, grow lights, and a carbon dioxide generator. Adequate shelving for the vegetable plants and the correct hydroponic components, such as an effective nutrient mix, is important as well. Many experienced hydroponic gardeners also suggest adding a sink to the room, if one is not already present, to simplify the watering process. Many of these gardening systems frequently need a constant water source to function properly.

A hydroponic grow room can be set up in a shed equipped with electricity.
A hydroponic grow room can be set up in a shed equipped with electricity.

A hydroponic grow room can be set up in a variety of different places on a home property. Small rooms, spare bedrooms, extra bathrooms, and basements have all been used successfully for this type of project. Other rooms or areas, such as garages, outdoor sheds, and barns can be converted to hydroponic food gardens as well. The important elements needed are that the space can be modified to provide the proper environment for the plants, that it has adequate water and electrical supplies, and that the space fits the size needs of the gardener.

Growing your own organic vegetables can be a good alternative to buying expensive organic produce.
Growing your own organic vegetables can be a good alternative to buying expensive organic produce.

The novice gardener will find that there are many options for hydroponic grow room plans. Some systems can be bought in gardening or home improvement stores, complete with all the necessary materials. It is also not uncommon for homeowners to choose do-it-yourself plans to produce a more customized set up for their home. Each types of system includes a specific type of grow light, nutrient packages for feeding the plants, and methods for encouraging the proper temperature inside the grow room.

Discussion Comments

bythewell

@croydon - Well, if you're interested, there are several blueprints online for people who live in small spaces and want to start a hydroponics system. Often they will be made out of recycled materials and designed to fit into the space in front of a window.

They won't exactly grow an entire room's worth of vegetables, but they would be a good way to start.

croydon

@pastanaga - Most kits will take this into consideration I think. And it can't be that difficult as there are millions of shower rooms out there which have a steamy atmosphere and manage to exist without growing huge amounts of mold.

I think for most people it's the space that is the big issue. It's really difficult to find a lot of space that has access to enough sun in the average house without putting it outside. I feel like the people who would want to grow vegetables the most are those in apartments and they are the ones with the least amount of space and sunshine to spare.

pastanaga

I think ventilation is one of the most important and tricky considerations. You don't want to waste a lot of water by venting it out of the room, but you also don't want to end up with a bunch of mold in your walls and ceiling.

If you can make a system that is entirely self contained so that the water doesn't have anywhere to go except back into the plants, then that could work. But you have to make sure you aren't going to end up with bacteria or mold growing there either.

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    • A hydroponic grow room can be set up in a shed equipped with electricity.
      By: Crisferra
      A hydroponic grow room can be set up in a shed equipped with electricity.
    • Growing your own organic vegetables can be a good alternative to buying expensive organic produce.
      By: Boggy
      Growing your own organic vegetables can be a good alternative to buying expensive organic produce.