You can get a crop in an extremely limited space. Modern progressive plant growing allows you to do this in a separate apartment.
A growbox is a closed system for growing, a micro greenhouse that you can do yourself. It is only necessary to observe a number of simple, but necessary conditions for any plant.
It is necessary to provide illumination, access to fresh air and monitor the temperature. Then the plants will develop well and quickly. The installation, simple with skillful operation, is suitable for growing capricious and rare plants in care.
It takes up little space, is hidden from prying eyes, and can be a fun activity and a method of some relaxation in your free time.
Correct temperature in the grow box
One of the important conditions for plants is maintaining the correct temperature. Optimum temperature in the growbox + 22-270C.
Temperature fluctuations during the night and during the day are quite acceptable, as they recreate the usual growth conditions. So the minimum acceptable is +150With night and maximum +350With day.
Daily fluctuations at 10-110 are considered normal.
A regular thermometer can be used to keep the temperature in this range.
In case of more severe changes in the plant box, conditions may arise that contribute to the emergence and development of mold.
Scientists have long noticed that temperature can be used to influence the height of plants. When kept warm, green shoots stretch more. Thus, only by regulating the temperature in the grow boxes can the desired shape of the bushes be achieved without resorting to chemical growth regulators.
How to measure temperature
Temperatures in the grow boxes are measured using a conventional thermometer. In order for the readings to be as accurate as possible, it is impossible to place the thermometer in the immediate vicinity of the lamp, since it itself heats up very much.
When you have already gained sufficient experience in compact crop production, you should think about purchasing a thermometer with memory that records the temperature at specified hours. So it will be easier to develop an individual thermal regime during the day.
How to maintain the temperature
It is clear that lighting fixtures will greatly heat up and dry out the air. Moreover, the closer to the light source, the higher the heating will be. To avoid this undesirable effect, you need to adhere to certain rules and monitor the balanced operation of all systems.
Lamps
The temperature inside the grow box is most influenced by the lamps. The most popular high frequency sodium lamps for growers are HPS. But they just very strongly heat the air inside the box. This unpleasant side effect is neutralized with the help of special ventilated lamps.
Energy-saving fluorescent and energy-saving lamps, as well as LED lamps, have proven themselves equally well. They don’t heat up the air that much.
Watch the plants carefully and at the first sign of their “malaise” take urgent measures:
Evidence
Cause
Remedy
Darkening, folding, falling leaves. The temperature is too low. Install additional heaters. Drying of the tips, dropping of the lower leaves. Flowers wither before they bloom.
The stems are pulled out with sufficient lighting. The temperature is too high. Ventilate, install ventilation. The leaves turn yellow, lose their tone and color. Sudden changes in temperature. Establish control over the temperature regime at night and during the day. Use temperature sensors.
Ventilation
Ventilation inside the box with plants is equally important to create an optimal temperature. The air conditioner will pump hot air out of the box and, accordingly, provide the flow of outside air through holes specially made for this.
When using a ventilation system, you can lower the temperature by 5 degrees.
If the temperature outside your closed greenhouse does not differ much from the inside, then ventilation without additional cooling will not give any effect.
Ventilation is used as an extreme way to quickly change air. It should be borne in mind that often opened doors lead to significant losses of illumination.
If the grow box is located in an unheated room – on the veranda or in the garage, on the contrary, you will have to use additional heaters,
Humidifiers
Humidifying the air will help lower the temperature by a couple of degrees. Sometimes this is enough. Plants benefit from humid air as the lighting fixtures not only heat but also dry the air. But you shouldn’t get carried away with moisturizing.
Most favorable humidity:
for seedlings 80-95%,
for the formation of greenery 65-70%,
during flowering 60-65%.
Excess moisture at high temperatures creates a favorable environment for the development of bacteria and fungal diseases that can destroy plantings.
The humidity inside the box is measured using a special device – a hygrometer.
Automatic temperature control devices
The process of maintaining the required microclimate can be greatly simplified. For these purposes, there are many modern devices for automatic temperature control. They are equipped with control sensors and according to the temperature amplitude you set, they can turn on and off the ventilation mode.
If you decide to start breeding crops at home, remember that maintaining the temperature regime has a beneficial effect on the plants.
In the absence of this, your plantings will experience stress, and will not be able to fully feed and develop.
Remember that the right temperature is the key to success in the grower’s business. But if you are not confident in your abilities, do not have enough experience, you can buy a ready-made system from experienced growers. It is enough to turn to the search, and the Internet will give out many offers, one of which is right for you.
