Questions. Need answers.

[amitheonlyone]

Alright so here's my dilemma:

I want to grow just two measly plants in my woodshed. Thing is, it's winter time and it gets bloody cold outside. I need to grow in the shed as it's my only option (don't ask why, it just is). Now, I made a little greenhouse type thing out of a special type of plastic and put it in my woodshed. I figure there's enough space in it for two plants. Here's the thing though, I don't know what to use to heat it or to light it. I'd rather use a light that will fit into a regular socket as that's what I have at my disposal. As for heating, I have no idea what to use. Will marijuana only died and not grow if the roots are frozen or must it be warm all over? I have a space heater I could probably use... Is this a bad idea?

So, my questions are:
1) What light should I use that will work for two plants and fit in a regular socket?
2) What should I use to heat the plants? Do they need to be surrounded in heat or is it just the roots that need to be kept warm?

Thanks!

 

[kepitgrn]

if u run hid lights they might make enuf heat for the plants and u wont need a heater..i grow all winter in the northeastern US in a cellar with just my lights for heat they keep the cellar at 65-70 deg. all winter..the grow room is 70-75 deg average...

 

[iriefarmer]

You really want your whole plant to never drop under 70 degrees. Make sure you lift your pots up off the ground (maybe on a pallet or something, you can usually snag one from a walmart parking lot), so that the concrete doesn't make it even harder to keep warm. I'd recommend using a MH, or HPS bulb, they have build your own ballast kits for 40 dollars online. And last but not least, have you considered what you're going to do about water run off? Is there a drain? A slant even? Just trying to help you plan ahead & make sure that when you water them, the water is "room temperature" & either distilled or has been sitting out for 24hrs to rid itself of chlorine! good luck

 

[amitheonlyone]

You really want your whole plant to never drop under 70 degrees. Make sure you lift your pots up off the ground (maybe on a pallet or something, you can usually snag one from a walmart parking lot), so that the concrete doesn't make it even harder to keep warm. I'd recommend using a MH, or HPS bulb, they have build your own ballast kits for 40 dollars online. And last but not least, have you considered what you're going to do about water run off? Is there a drain? A slant even? Just trying to help you plan ahead & make sure that when you water them, the water is "room temperature" & either distilled or has been sitting out for 24hrs to rid itself of chlorine! good luck

I was going to put a tray to drain water off. The pots are in the top of the shed for three reasons: 1) heat rises so any heat in there will be at the top 2) the top is made of wood, not concrete so I shouldnt have to worry too much about it stealing heat and 3) I live with my parents and they probably won't look there (I'm only 20 and in college so I can't afford my own place).

As for the HPS light, I was thinking about it but the light wont be on 24/7. Im planning on doing a 12/12 lighting cycle. How will I keep it warm the other 12 hours...?

Here's another barrier: I'm broke to the max so the less money I have to spend, the better .

 

[amitheonlyone]

Oh, one more thing, will say a 125 watt HPS use up enough power to change the electricity bill noticeably? If so then I'm pretty much screwed because my parents cannot know I'm growing. They're not against pot, they just dont want tone screwed over for it. Am I being selfish by growing at their house...? I'm telling nobody and its only2 plants for personal use...

 

[woodsmaneh!]

You can buy a HO cfl grow bulb that will fit in any socket. You will need the heater, hope it has a thermostat? It's OK to water your plants with cool water and in fact it is better for them as it holds more food and dissolved oxygen (as low as 6. If you are using tap water that has chlorine in it, one smell will let you know, you should leave the water out for 48 hours in a bucket, large surface area is important for it to off gas properly. If there is a very slight smell than they are using clorimides and you need a charcol/carbon filter to get that out. (not the best for plants clorimide but it will do).

^^^^^^good stuff from Iriegardner

you 125 will not use much power. maybe 10$ 12$ a month

 

[secretweapon]

I grow in a tent that's wrapped in moving blankets for insulation , I'm sure it would help if you had your shed or grow box within the shed insulated. Also I use a passive heater with an adjustable thermostate that I have on 24/7 . Personal oil heaters also work well and pull lesser watts from the wall

Also you might want to save some moniez for rubbermaid tubs for a stealth cab, I think stealth is prob the way to go