🌡️ Environmental Control: The Grow Room Climate
Optimizing your grow environment is as important as nutrient management. These factors directly influence photosynthesis, transpiration, and overall plant health.
💡 Light Intensity & Spectrum
- Intensity (PPFD): Measure with a PAR meter. Seedlings need less (200-400 PPFD), veg needs moderate (400-600 PPFD), flower needs high (600-1000+ PPFD).
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum LEDs are ideal. Blue light for veg, red light for flower.
🌡️ Temperature
- Day: 75-85°F (24-30°C) during lights-on.
- Night: 65-75°F (18-24°C) during lights-off. Maintain a consistent temperature difference.
💧 Humidity (RH)
- Seedling: 60-70% RH (high for initial root development).
- Vegetative: 50-65% RH.
- Flowering: 40-55% RH (lower to prevent mold).
🌬️ Airflow & CO₂
- Air Circulation: Use oscillating fans to strengthen stems and prevent stagnant air/mold.
- Exhaust Fan: Essential for removing heat and humidity, and replenishing CO₂.
- CO₂: Plants use CO₂ for photosynthesis. Supplementing CO₂ can significantly boost growth in sealed environments with high light.
📊 Monitoring: Invest in good quality thermometers, hygrometers, and possibly a PAR meter to accurately monitor your environment.