A grow tent is an ideal way to garden indoors. It can be set up anywhere and can be just about any size. However, for it to be useful it has to have the right humidity level. There are a lot of things that can be done to maintain the right amount of moisture in the air.
Some of these ideas are simple, others are more complex. Which to choose will depend on the plants being grown, the weather and the size of the tent. They also run the gamut of inexpensive products probably already available to those that require some expense.
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Table of Contents
What Is The Importance Of Increasing Humidity In A Grow Tent?
Humidity isn’t necessary to water the plants. Most plants get the water they need from their root systems. The problem with low humidity, particularly coupled with high temperatures, is that the plants lose the water they’ve absorbed into the atmosphere. It probably won’t kill the plants but they will not grow to their full potential.
Another problem caused by low humidity is that it can cause unwanted visitors. Bugs and mold will be attracted to the plants, which will also have lower immunity to them. High moisture content in the air can help reduce these problems.
Ideal And Right Temperatures In A Grow Tent
Temperature control is important, not just for the plants but in order to maintain the proper humidity. This can sometimes be controlled simply by allowing the sun to do its job. However, in some areas of the world that isn’t useful, nor is it likely to be useful all year long.
Seedlings require slightly higher temperatures than other stages of plant growth. That range is between seventy-two and eighty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Vegging and flowering stages need sixty-eight to seventy-seven degrees.
It is important to make sure that the temperature in the grow tent is close to this range at the point where the top of the plants, known as the canopy, are. The temperature inside the tent can fluctuate, so having a thermometer at that height will help.
How Does Humidity Help Plants?
Plants, like animals, lose water when humidity is low. They lose it even faster when it is hot and there is low humidity. Lack of humidity may not kill the plant, but it will cause problems. Living organisms require a certain amount of water to grow properly and stay healthy. Plants get that water from their roots, but they can lose it to the atmosphere if there isn’t sufficient moisture already in it.
Proper humidity, which is usually around sixty percent, helps plants to flourish. They will flower more vigorously, produce better fruits and vegetables and have better foliage. Proper humidity will help keep plants from wilting, even if the temperature is a few degrees above ideal.
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Tips For Increasing Humidity In A Grow Tent
There are multiple ways to increase humidity in a grow tent. Water is, of course, the key. Which to use will depend on the budget for the grow tent as well as how much humidity is needed. Some require special equipment, although not all of that equipment is terribly expensive.
The simplest way to increase humidity is to put bowls of water around the tent. The bowls will have to be watched and the water changed daily so it doesn’t attract mosquitos or other insects. They should also be washed daily to prevent mold from developing.
The next idea is to take sponges and soak them in water. These sponges, like the bowls, would be placed around the tent. They don’t have to be washed as often, but they are likely to need to be dunked in the water several times a day if the weather is hot and the humidity is particularly low. Likewise, wet towels can be hung up around the tent.
The above ideas use things that are readily available in the home or at dollar stores. The next step is to purchase a humidifier. Some humidifiers specifically designed for this purpose. There are also humidifiers available such as those used for children when they become ill. Make sure that the one chosen is safe for the grow tent.
The last way of increasing humidity is in part based on weather. It would be hard to do this if the weather is particularly hot outside, but if the temperature of the tent is lower than inside, the humidity level in the tent will rise.
This may require the purchase of a heater. Again, there are heaters specifically designed for this purpose. There are also ceramic heaters that are relatively inexpensive. These heaters will automatically turn off if they are turned over.
Final Words
Humidity is very important to the proper growth of plants, whether in or out of a grow tent. Fortunately, humidity can be controlled better in a grow tent than it can outside. It is a good idea to monitor the humidity level in the tent so that action can be taken if it is too low.
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I wunt to keep the potted garden plant through the winter and was thinking of a tent in my basement and have florescent lighting is there any information as to how to get this started