Turning a Well Room Into a Year Round Growroom
by Jennprice33 in Living > Gardening
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Turning a Well Room Into a Year Round Growroom
In my basement we had an old well room that could not be used. Since I am such an avid gardener we decided to make it into an indoor grow room. I use the grow room about 9 months out of the year. I use it to start plants inside for my garden. I also use it to grow fresh vegetables during the winter.
Here are the steps I take every year to start it up again.
Here are the steps I take every year to start it up again.
Converting the Well Room Into a Grow Room
Here are pictures of what the well room looks like when it is empty. There is a grow room shelf, 2 fans, an old coffee table, and the lamp. 1 fan for circulating air and the other fan is to take the air out. I use an old flag to cover over the door. The old door was metal and rusted, so we removed it. I have plans on building a shelf/door that will hide the room.
The room is 4 by 8.
The room is 4 by 8.
Cleaning and Sterilizing the Planters
The first thing I do is get my planters out. I must sterilize and clean them for the grow room. It is very important to clean all the materials that will be used in the grow room every year. I Use hot soapy water to clean the planters. It is important to clean everything to kill diseases and other bacterias that could harm the plants.
Cleaning and Sterilizing the Grow Room
while the planters are drying I sterilize and clean the well room using ammonia and Pine Sol. I have a drain in the floor so it makes it easy. I painted the room white a few years ago. After this growing season I will have to paint it again.
The second picture is of the audience I had while setting up the grow room. ;)
The second picture is of the audience I had while setting up the grow room. ;)
Setting Up the Grow Room
Once Everything is dry and sterilized, I place a plastic garbage bag on top of the old coffee table to protect it from water.
Next, I place my planters on the shelfs.
I Also placed a lime tree and a tropical plant in the grow room. I added new soil to both of the plants to give them added nutrients.
Then, I place my circulating fan in the corner and plug in both fans. The out take fan runs outside like a dryer vent.
I also place a thermometer in the grow room, that measures humidity and temperature.
And last I place a humidifier in the room to add moisture.
Next, I place my planters on the shelfs.
I Also placed a lime tree and a tropical plant in the grow room. I added new soil to both of the plants to give them added nutrients.
Then, I place my circulating fan in the corner and plug in both fans. The out take fan runs outside like a dryer vent.
I also place a thermometer in the grow room, that measures humidity and temperature.
And last I place a humidifier in the room to add moisture.
Selecting What Plants to Grow
The pictures shows some of the seeds I will start in the grow room. I also have an order from burpee on its way. The last picture is of my lime tree and tropical plant.
Materials You Will Need to Start the Plants.
In these 11 pictures you will see all the materials I used to start up my grow room.
1. & 2. The first two pictures show my seeds in the container that I keep it in. The containers airtight, Sun resistant, and waterproof.
3. The third picture is of 5 gallon grow bags. Usually in the eary spring I will buy fruit trees off of eBay and start them in the grow room until they are ready to be planted outside.
4. soil- I use a mixture of organic soil, bat droppings, & a regular bag of soil.
5. Picture 5 shows the containers I use to start my plants.
6. Picture 6 shows the grow light that I use. I run the light 12 hours on and 12 hours off using a timer. Replace the bulb every year. The light bulb is the most expensive part of the grow room.
7. In this picture it shows the white circulating fan that I use to push air around the grow room and plants.
8. Picture 8 shows clear wrap- In the beginning I cover my plants with clear wrap to promote moisture.
9. Picture 9 shows A Thermometer to gauge heat and humidity. Like to keep the grow room above 72.
10. Picture 10 shows, wooden sticks and a Sharpie to label my planners.
11. Picture 11 shows, I Use these larger round planters for my tomatoes.
Not pictured...I also use a humidifier and a spray bottle. The humidifier is used to add moisture and gives grow room a typical feel. I use the spray bottle to spray a mist in the room and on the plants.
1. & 2. The first two pictures show my seeds in the container that I keep it in. The containers airtight, Sun resistant, and waterproof.
3. The third picture is of 5 gallon grow bags. Usually in the eary spring I will buy fruit trees off of eBay and start them in the grow room until they are ready to be planted outside.
4. soil- I use a mixture of organic soil, bat droppings, & a regular bag of soil.
5. Picture 5 shows the containers I use to start my plants.
6. Picture 6 shows the grow light that I use. I run the light 12 hours on and 12 hours off using a timer. Replace the bulb every year. The light bulb is the most expensive part of the grow room.
7. In this picture it shows the white circulating fan that I use to push air around the grow room and plants.
8. Picture 8 shows clear wrap- In the beginning I cover my plants with clear wrap to promote moisture.
9. Picture 9 shows A Thermometer to gauge heat and humidity. Like to keep the grow room above 72.
10. Picture 10 shows, wooden sticks and a Sharpie to label my planners.
11. Picture 11 shows, I Use these larger round planters for my tomatoes.
Not pictured...I also use a humidifier and a spray bottle. The humidifier is used to add moisture and gives grow room a typical feel. I use the spray bottle to spray a mist in the room and on the plants.
Planting
These 10 pictures show you the steps we took in planting are seeds.
1. I fill the planters with dirt
2. I use a sharpie or my finger to poke a hole in the dirt.
3. Next i place my seed in the hole and cover it with dirt.
4. I place the planter on the shelf.
I Also added more organic fertilizer to my lime tree and tropical plant to promote growth.
1. I fill the planters with dirt
2. I use a sharpie or my finger to poke a hole in the dirt.
3. Next i place my seed in the hole and cover it with dirt.
4. I place the planter on the shelf.
I Also added more organic fertilizer to my lime tree and tropical plant to promote growth.
Finishing Steps
The finishing steps in the grow room are very typical for any garden.
First, I water all my plants.
Next, I check to make sure that they all are getting light.
Last, I cover my plants with clear wrap to promote moisture. Once my plants start to sprout, I will remove the clear wrap.
First, I water all my plants.
Next, I check to make sure that they all are getting light.
Last, I cover my plants with clear wrap to promote moisture. Once my plants start to sprout, I will remove the clear wrap.
Grow Room Maintenance
I check on the grow room a few times a week to water, and check on everything. once the plants start to sprout I will check on them every day.
Most plants will sprout in 2 to 3 weeks. (I will add to this instructables once they start to sprout.)
Most plants will sprout in 2 to 3 weeks. (I will add to this instructables once they start to sprout.)
Updated
picture:
1. Lettuce spinach and white cabbage are sprouting.!!!
2. latest pictures 2/6/14
1. Lettuce spinach and white cabbage are sprouting.!!!
2. latest pictures 2/6/14