How to Assemble Your Own DIY Grow Tent

grow tent

Anyone can make their own DIY grow tent.  Once you collect the supplies and tools that you need, it really is not hard at all.  Even a complete novice builder can put one together.  The rewards of building your own grow tent include money saved, a place to grow your own plants and the feeling of accomplishment.  So let’s get started on how to build your own grow tent.

Supplies You’ll Need for a DIY Grow Tent

Keep in mind that some people use wood or PVC pipes, but for this DIY grow tent you will be using an adjustable rack.  Here are the supplies that you will need for your homemade grow tent.

Panda Film

Panda film is for the inside of your grow tent.  The cost is usually around $17.

An Adjustable Rack

The rack is for holding your lights and plants.  The price will depend on where you get it, and what kind you got.

Strong Tape

Gorilla tape is a good, strong tape to use.  It is also very cheap, as it is only around $5. You can get some here.

Velcro or Cable Ties

This will be used to manage your wiring.

Four LED Lights

The price will depend on where you buy it, but most are cheap.

A Fan

The price will depend on where you got it, and what kind of fan it is.

Cost

DIY grow tents can be very cheap to make.  Some people have been able to do it for $100, while others have done it under $50.  While it all depends on what products you use, most DIY grow tents are very inexpensive.

How to Set Up a DIY Grow Tent

Now that you know the materials that you will need, as well as the cost, let’s get started on how to build your own grow tent.

Assemble Your Rack

The first step is to get your rack ready.  Put on as many shelves as you think that you will need.  Place your LED lights on the top shelf.  Run your wiring to the lights.  Use the Velcro to fasten the wire to the rack.

Position the Fan Underneath the Shelving Unit

Make sure that you put it in a way that it can be easily turned off and on.  Also make sure that it is not in a place where it is in the way.

Hang Your Panda Film

Hang the Panda Film around the shelving unit, with the white side facing inwards.  Tape the top edge of the Panda Film to the rack, and tape the other edges as well.  Make sure to leave some extra material that can be used for your door.

Make Modifications

If needed, adjust the temperature or humidity. If it’s too hot, you may need to cut some slashes in the top of the tent for ventilation.

Add Your Plants

Now that you have completed the grow tent, you can add some plants.  The plants will be placed on the shelves.  Depending on how much room you have between each shelf, you probably cannot grow tall plants in this grow tent.  This DIY grow tent is mostly for seedlings and shorter plants.

DIY Grow Tent

Image Source: Youtube

Best Places to Have a Grow Tent

If you will want to extend your natural growing season, then you may want to set your grow tent outside.  If you are wanting to grow vegetables year-round, then you will probably want it inside. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, make sure that you have plenty of space for the grow tent, equipment, and room for you to work.

 Also make sure that the grow tent is near water and power.  Before you set the grow tent in its place, make sure that the outlet works and that it can handle your grow tent needs.  Also, you should not put this near a rug that cannot be washed or by a priceless heirloom.  

Keep in mind that it can get a little messy, as soil can come out.  Make sure that where you put it is out of the way and it is in a place where a little mess won’t hurt anything.

What Materials and Tools Do I Need to Build a DIY Planter Box?

If you’re looking for ideas for diy planter boxes, you’ll need a few essential materials and tools. Firstly, gather wood boards, screws, a power drill, and a saw to construct the box. Consider options like cedar or redwood for their durability. Next, prepare measuring tape, pencil, and a level to ensure accurate dimensions. Lastly, grab sandpaper, a paintbrush, and outdoor wood paint or stain for finishing touches.

Best Frames and Fabric to Use

Best Frames to Use

When constructing your DIY grow tent, you will want to make sure that the frame is sturdy.  Not only does the frame hold the tent together and keep its shape, but it also holds the weight of mounted lights and other fixtures.  With that being said, there are two main types of materials when making a grow tent.  Those materials are PVC pipe and wood.

The PVC pipe grow tent has many benefits.  First, it is cheaper than wood, and simple to make.  PVC pipe comes in straight piping and easy-to-assemble corners and hinges.  This means that it is also very easy to take apart and rebuild.  It is also lighter than wood, so moving the grow tent around isn’t hard to do. 

Keep in mind that some PVC materials release toxic chemicals when exposed to heat.  Most PVC pipes are safe, but to be sure of that you may want to look at the product website.  

If you are wanting a more permanent grow house, then wood is your best option.  It is also very safe, and won’t release any toxic chemicals like the PVC pipe might.

Best Fabrics to Use

When building a grow tent, you will also want to choose the right fabric.  For a strong and durable tent you will need two different kinds of fabric, one for the outside and one for the inside.  

Some people choose to only use the inward type of material.  This is fine to do, but this also means that it might not be as durable.  For extra durability, you will want a fabric for the outside part as well.

Clear plastic sheeting works well for temporary outdoor use.  8-millimeter plastic is the best option for this, since anything thinner might tear in the wind.  If you will be making a more permanent grow tent, then you will probably want corrugated plastic.

For inside the DIY grow tent, Panda Film works well.  It is cheap, waterproof, and tear resistant. The outer black polymer provides a light-resistant partition, and the inner white polymer is 90% reflective.  This means that your plants will get all the light that it can get.

DIY Grow Tent

Image Source: Home Depot

Conclusion

I hope that this article motivated you to build your own grow tent.  It really is not hard at all, and the rewards are plenty.  Just think of how you’ll feel eating garden tomatoes that you started from seed in your own grow tent.  Once you get start growing plants, the possibilities of what you can grow are endless.

Related Article: Best Grow Tent for Growing Plants – Our Top 10 Choices for You to Choose

Image Source: DIY Trade

1 comment
  1. You speak about everything about the tent aside for material used on the outside. That is crucial info needed.

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