Use Grow Tents and Lights for Year-Round Gardening
Keeping your plants healthy year-round can be easy with the right equipment. You can extend the growing season and even cultivate tropical plants with grow lights, a grow tent and technology that enables you to monitor humidity and temperature.
Use a grow light controller to ensure your plants get the right balance of light and darkness. Some controllers also monitor humidity levels and temperature, and you can program them to turn fans on or off to keep conditions just right. With grow lights in the right hue, you can start plants from seed while the weather is still too cold outside. Controlling the humidity by circulating air or adding a humidifier can also be important.
A small growing tent is a great option for protecting sensitive plants from the cold and from curious pets. An indoor growing tent kit will include a strong tent form. The tent itself usually has vents, as well as a reflective material inside to make the most of your grow lights. Some tents also include a mount for your controller or sensor, as well as places to hang your lights and fans. For more information on the different types of grow lights, see our buying guide on that subject, Choose the Best Grow Lights for Plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How big should a grow tent be for four plants?
A: Four plants will need a tent that’s about 4 feet long by 4 feet wide. To determine the height you need, consider the adult height of your plants, the size of your lights and fans, and the recommended clearance. Generally, a height of about 5 or 6 feet will work.
Q: Do grow tents keep the smell in?
A: You can minimize any odors with adequate ventilation, circulation and carbon air filters.
Q: Should you leave vents open on a grow tent?
A: You need proper ventilation in your grow tent to keep your plants healthy. Plants require healthy circulation of carbon dioxide and oxygen to survive, so it’s important to use air vents to keep growing conditions optimal. You may not need to leave vents open at all times, but they should be open for at least several hours a day.