How to Lower Temperature in Grow Tent
Forget fancy genetics, potent potions, or fantastic lights – the key to a thriving garden lies in one vital ingredient: a perfect environment.
You could have the best of everything, but with the wrong temperature, your plants will suffer. Think of it like a recipe – even the most delicious ingredients won't turn out right if the oven's on the fritz!
Every stage of a plant's life has its ideal temperature range, just like we all have our preferred room temperature.
For our plants, three main factors create the perfect climate: temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. All three need to be just right for your garden to sing.
Today, we'll focus on the master of warmth, temperature! Don't worry, we'll tackle humidity control in another article, so your plants won't have to endure a dry spell.
For individual growers, don’t be overly concerned if you can’t achieve these precise conditions. These are simply guidelines for you to aim for, not strict necessities.
We must all work with the realities of our individual grow spaces and may not always have the resources to invest in equipment to combat environmental obstacles.
Now, for growing in a tent, these are the recommended temperature sweet spots for each stage of your plant's life:
| Growth Stage | Leaf Temp (°F/°C) | Light Cycle (hr.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mothers | 79-82°F / 26-28°C | 18 on, 6 off |
| Clones | 77-80°F / 25-27°C | 18 on, 6 off |
| Seeds | 77-80°F / 25-27°C | 18 on, 6 off |
| Vegetative | 79-82°F / 26-28°C | 18 on, 6 off |
| Early Flower | 79-82°F / 26-28°C | 12 on, 12 off |
| Mid Flower | 79-82°F / 26-28°C | 12 on, 12 off |
| Late Flower | 79-82°F / 26-28°C | 12 on, 12 off |
Imagine your garden as a cozy house, and your plants are the adorable inhabitants. They thrive when things are "just right," not too hot, not too cold. But what happens when the temperature throws a tantrum?
Let's explore!
Too Hot: Plants in a Sweat:
Think of a plant like a tiny factory. When things get too hot, these factories struggle. They open their little stomata (like tiny windows) to release water vapor, like sweating for plants.
They even turn their leaves away from the light to avoid overheating. All this energy spent cooling down means less energy for growing those fruits and flowers you love.
Plus, imagine the enzymes in the plant, the tiny workers that make everything run, like baking cookies.
Each enzyme has its own ideal temperature, and outside that range, they stop working altogether! That's like the oven being too hot or cold – your cookies won't turn out right.
So, what's too hot? Think of your own comfort zone. Gardens generally do best when leaf temperatures stay below the low 80s Fahrenheit (upper 20s Celsius).
Cooling Down Solutions:
- Fans: Your garden's best friends! They whisk away hot air and bring in fresh, cool air. Think of it like opening a window on a breezy day.
- Bigger Exhaust Fan: If your current fan isn't cutting it, consider upgrading to a stronger one. Remember, the air outside needs to be cooler than your desired garden temperature for this to work.
- Air Conditioner: For those scorching days, an air conditioner might be your hero. Look for one with a high SEER rating – that means it's energy-efficient, so your wallet won't melt.
The importance of Temperature when growing Cannabis!
Too Cold: Plants Shivering in Their Sleepwear:
While heat is usually the bigger villain, the occasional cold snap can also throw your garden off balance.
Extended periods below 75°F (24°C) can stunt growth and shrink your harvest. Winter can be especially harsh for indoor gardens.
Warming Up Techniques:
- Heaters: Be careful with these energy-guzzlers! Don't blast your plants with hot air, or you'll cook them instead of warming them. Oil-filled heaters are gentler, spreading warmth like a cozy fireplace.
- Fan Speed Controller: This nifty gadget automatically adjusts your exhaust fan speed based on temperature. It's a budget-friendly way to keep things just right.
- Backdraft Dampener: This acts like a door, preventing unwanted cold air from sneaking in through stopped fans.
- Flipping the Airflow: Instead of pulling hot air out from the top, try drawing it out from the bottom and bringing in cool air at the top. This keeps the whole garden at a cozy temperature.
Remember, every garden is unique. Experiment, observe, and adjust to find the perfect temperature zone for your leafy friends.
With a little tender loving care, you can create a garden paradise where plants thrive and your harvest flourishes!
Bonus Tip: Keep an eye on your thermometer! Monitoring temperature changes helps you catch problems early and keep your garden in its happy place.
