Planting seeds is very popular this time of year, so let’s discuss how to do it using hydroponics.

For this explanation we’re going to use rock wool cubes. Other options would be to use composted root plugs or even just a soiless mixture of 50% perlite and 50% vermiculite.

Supplies

seeds
1gal nutrient mix for seeds
1″rock wool cubes
tray/dome setup
heating mat
thermostat
florescent light (optional)

Step by Step

Step 1)
Choose your seeds.

Step2)
Pre-soak your rock wool cubes or soiless mix.

Step 3)
Use a toothpick to poke a small hole into the top of the rock wool or mix.

Step 4)
Put seed into small hole.

Step 5)
Place rock wool cube into tray and tray onto the heating mat.

Step 6)
Cover seed tray with clear dome.

Step 7)
Place small amount of water in tray to help keep humidity up.

Step 8)
Set thermostat to correct temperature. (usually 79F to 81F)

Step 9)
Remove dome when seeds begin to germinate.

After your seeds germinate, you can then decide if you’re going to use some lights, the sun or a combination of both to grow your plants.

Seeds can be found at your local garden store. You can also try Wal-Mart or Home Depot. However if you’re interested in some high quality non-hybrid seeds, then I’d recommend Heirloom Organics.

Using the sun in combination with hydroponics is a great way to grow fruits and vegetables. Once you’re familiar with the process, I’m sure you’ll be amazed with the results.

Happy Growing!

Building a grow box is a simple process that can be accomplished using a few basic tools and supplies. Here is one example of how to build a grow box.

Supplies

saw                                                              2×4′s
plywood or flat boards                       nails or screws
hook screws or eye hooks                 styrofoam
box cutter                                                hole saw
hammer                                                    drill
computer fan or small exhaust fan

The first thing you will need to decide on is the size of your grow box. This is going to be determined by the space you’ll be using it in. A closet is probably the most popular place. I have also seen them used in garages and/or sheds. Keep in mind, that if you plan on using a grow box indoors, (like your house) you may need to vent the room you’re growing in to keep the smell and/or heat and humidity to a minimum.

Use the 2×4′s to build a frame (example above) and create the “shell” using plywood or whatever cover you’d like. I have seen coverings built with any number of items such as plywood, hardwood boards, and even tarp. Adding a 3rd 2×4 down the center of the top part of the frame works great for inserting couple of hook screws or eye hooks to hang your lights.

If you are growing in a cool environment, then I’d recommend using styrofoam boards as insulation because it’s easy to clean, and easy to cut to the right size.

You will need to cut a hole on top so that you can vent the humid air out of the box. You can use a computer fan or a small exhaust fan to accomplish this.

If you’re using HID lighting, then make sure to put your ballast outside of the box to help keep the heat to a minimum. Get yourself a light reflector that has an air attachment to connect fans for ventilation. Also, make sure your reflector has a glass cover to prevent water from reaching the hot bulb.

A 2nd small fan to push the air around would also be a good idea. You can add a thermostat for the fans if you like or just use a timer. Humidity will build up fast, so make sure your exhaust fan will be on for a large part of the 24 hour cycle.

If on the other hand you are using this grow box for your clones, then skip the part about the fans. Humidity is exactly what you need to grow clones. Again, make sure you have insulation and are cloning at the right temperature.

Building your own grow box is easy to do and can be very rewarding.  However,  another option would be to buy a professionally built grow box. Sunlight Sheds Growing Systems has some high quality products that I think you’d like. If you would prefer having the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your grow box was built by a professional, then I would recommend using their products.

Happy Growing!