How to grow enough to make home grow worth it?

[elusive]

Some of you may have seen me gripe in another thread about home growing not being worth it for me, and before I toss in the towel, I’m looking for suggestions.

I currently have 2 spaces to grow in inside (can’t grow outside, so that’s not an option). The first space is a 2x4’ tent with 2000/200w light. The second is ~5x5’ with a 4000/400w light.

The most I’ve been able to grow is about a qp with 5 plants. With fertilizers/nutrients/soil and electricity, that cost about $1500, so about $200-$250 per ounce (it was like 5-6 ounces in total).

I can buy an ounce for $80-$100.

Granted, I’ve always enjoyed my grow better than street or dispensary weed, but I can’t justify it anymore.

The 2x4 tent i can comfortably fit 2 plants, maybe 3. The 5x5 room i can comfortably fit 5-6 plants and still be able to reach the far back plants.

Is this a pipe dream, or is it possible to grow a pound or more every 12-14 weeks and have it close to being ~$100 per ounce with the space I have?

I’ve given up on my current grow and basically let the plants shrivel up at this point. I’m willing to start over and give it a final shot, but I feel like this is a losing battle.

Hit me with your best.

 

[Aqua Man]

Ok 1 of these cut in half gives you 2-6ft x26” pieces. You can cut to any size you need but you overlap them so you get 4x6’. Can cut down to 4x4 or 5x4 feet if needed.

Palruf 26 in. W X 144 in. L PVC Roof Panel White Opaque Mfr# 101339 - Ace Hardware

Palram's white Palruf panels are the perfect solution to cover patios and decks. They also offer a great, economical solution for use as a drip stop under an overhead deck. The corrugations offer strength and a natural channel for water drainage. Economically priced Palruf corrugated roofing...

www.acehardware.com

You build a small frame from 2x3 the size of the table you want. You rest on side on the ground and add 1-2” block on the other so it drains to the low side. The ridges act to divert water in that direction.

Then a 4-5” piece of eavesdropping to catch the runnoff. Then into a shallow bucket with a small float and pump you can run to a drain or catch basin. You can buy combo or just a float switch if you have a pump already.

I ran my to the drain with and AC furnace drain pump like this. But cheaper ones are out there. You can just add a drain hole to the eaves that goes into the built in catch pan.

Little Giant 554425 VCMA-20ULS 80 GPH 1/30 HP Automatic Condensate Pump with Safety Switch for HVAC, Dehumidifier, Furnace, Air Conditioner
https://a.co/d/99bCNU9


To feed you need a seconds timer and depending on the pump you have you feed as often as need for as long as need to get the volume. You simply mix a res up and use 1/4 tubing for like irrigation like this to each plant.

Limited-time deal: MIXC 1/4 inch Blank Distribution Tubing Drip Irrigation Hose, 50ft Roll
https://a.co/d/gHh83Sq

use 1/2 black tubing to make a loop then branch off with the 1/4 tube. Using connectors like this for tubing. Im sure they are on amazon cheaper.

DIG Self Piercing 1/4 in. Insert Connector for 1/2 in. Tubing (5-Pack) D5010 - The Home Depot

The DIG Corp self-piercing insert connector takes away the need for a hole punch. Simply put around any 1/2 in. irrigation tubing and squeeze the ratchet mechanism to provide a secure water tight fit.

www.homedepot.com

Thats you autofeed auto drain set and forget it system. Maybe $200 and you will only ever need to fill up a res and never have to water your plants again

 

[elusive]

Ok 1 of these cut in half gives you 2-6ft x26” pieces. You can cut to any size you need but you overlap them so you get 4x6’. Can cut down to 4x4 or 5x4 feet if needed.

Palruf 26 in. W X 144 in. L PVC Roof Panel White Opaque Mfr# 101339 - Ace Hardware

Palram's white Palruf panels are the perfect solution to cover patios and decks. They also offer a great, economical solution for use as a drip stop under an overhead deck. The corrugations offer strength and a natural channel for water drainage. Economically priced Palruf corrugated roofing...

www.acehardware.com

I think I actually have some left over from my greenhouse project from a year and a half ago (clear instead of opaque). I'll have to check.

You build a small frame from 2x3 the size of the table you want. You rest on side on the ground and add 1-2” block on the other so it drains to the low side. The ridges act to divert water in that direction.

Then a 4-5” piece of eavesdropping to catch the runnoff. Then into a shallow bucket with a small float and pump you can run to a drain or catch basin.

I'm assuming you mean build the frame out of 2x3 planks? For the eavesdropping, are you using left over roof flashing, or are you using something more like a house gutter? This seems to be kind of a "whatever you have that works will work" situation, yeah? Also, are you securing the roof flashing, or just resting it on the frame?

Now how shallow of a bucket? I have some buckets that are around 5" tall (very similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Rosebloom-Rectangle-Plastic-Washing-Basins/dp/B0CSFKWHWZ) that I was initially using as reservoirs for water wicking/self watering, so I guess as long as the table is high enough for the runoff to be above the bucket, it should be fine yeah?

You can buy combo or just a float switch if you have a pump already.

I ran my to the drain with and AC furnace drain pump like this. But cheaper ones are out there. You can just add a drain hole to the eaves that goes into the built in catch pan.

Little Giant 554425 VCMA-20ULS 80 GPH 1/30 HP Automatic Condensate Pump with Safety Switch for HVAC, Dehumidifier, Furnace, Air Conditioner
https://a.co/d/99bCNU9

To feed you need a seconds timer and depending on the pump you have you feed as often as need for as long as need to get the volume. You simply mix a res up and use 1/4 tubing for like irrigation like this to each plant.

So if I'm understanding you correctly, I could just have the run off go into this unit you linked here to keep it recirculating? Then from this unit, run the 1/2" tubing around all of the pots? Do you mix your feed and just put in this pump? In the past with my small aerogarden, I've noticed some nutrients gunk up the motor fairly quickly and required it to be cleaned in a very short period of time. What kind of nutrients would you recommend for this?

Also, you're going 1/2 tube to the 1/4 self tap, to 1/4" tubing, or are you curling the 1/2" around the pot and using the self taps and having those just point to the center of the pot?

For the coco coir - are you using any specific product, or are you getting a brick of coir that you basically just add water to and break up by hand?

For the mother plant, which I need to start soon I guess, when do you start taking clones? I've experimented with it when I trimmed other plants, but never took more than maybe 2 or 3 at a time. Is there a good video/resource on how to properly take clones from a mother plant without stressing the plant out/cutting too much/too often/whatever else?

Overall, though, I think I have most of the stuff to build this aside from the pump, the 1 gallon pots, and maybe the tubing, and will likely need a timer.

You mention a seconds timer. Do you mean a timer that counts in seconds, or did you mean a second timer to run the pump? Assuming the latter. How long do you run the pump for and how often? Should I look for a timer that runs X minutes every Y hours?

 

[Garbage_bear]

Just grow with living soil. Doesn’t cost shit and gets better every year.

 

[SSgrower]

Some of you may have seen me gripe in another thread about home growing not being worth it for me, and before I toss in the towel, I’m looking for suggestions.

I currently have 2 spaces to grow in inside (can’t grow outside, so that’s not an option). The first space is a 2x4’ tent with 2000/200w light. The second is ~5x5’ with a 4000/400w light.

The most I’ve been able to grow is about a qp with 5 plants. With fertilizers/nutrients/soil and electricity, that cost about $1500, so about $200-$250 per ounce (it was like 5-6 ounces in total).

I can buy an ounce for $80-$100.

Granted, I’ve always enjoyed my grow better than street or dispensary weed, but I can’t justify it anymore.

The 2x4 tent i can comfortably fit 2 plants, maybe 3. The 5x5 room i can comfortably fit 5-6 plants and still be able to reach the far back plants.

Is this a pipe dream, or is it possible to grow a pound or more every 12-14 weeks and have it close to being ~$100 per ounce with the space I have?

I’ve given up on my current grow and basically let the plants shrivel up at this point. I’m willing to start over and give it a final shot, but I feel like this is a losing battle.

Hit me with your best.

No brother, you are not doing something right. You should yield a 1lb. plus a light. So, 2 micro-climates, ? 1 "Lung Room" at 76 degrees? We gonna get you straighten out brother. Ok. Better help than me guys come on. SS I grow in Coco, but it's my super soil recipe. HELP budbuilders

 

[Aqua Man]

Just grow with living soil. Doesn’t cost shit and gets better every year.

He is looking for the most productive way to grow. Volume wise

 

[Aqua Man]

I'm assuming you mean build the frame out of 2x3 planks? For the eavesdropping, are you using left over roof flashing, or are you using something more like a house gutter? This seems to be kind of a "whatever you have that works will work" situation, yeah? Also, are you securing the roof flashing, or just resting it on the frame?

Yes build frame with 2x3.
For eaves i used a gutter.
I secured it with the screws for metal roofing that have the oring seals on them.

Now how shallow of a bucket? I have some buckets that are around 5" tall (very similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Rosebloom-Rectangle-Plastic-Washing-Basins/dp/B0CSFKWHWZ) that I was initially using as reservoirs for water wicking/self watering, so I guess as long as the table is high enough for the runoff to be above the bucket, it should be fine yeah?

I would go with a condensate pump to keep the table as low as possible to retain height in the tent.

So if I'm understanding you correctly, I could just have the run off go into this unit you linked here to keep it recirculating? Then from this unit, run the 1/2" tubing around all of the pots? Do you mix your feed and just put in this pump? In the past with my small aerogarden, I've noticed some nutrients gunk up the motor fairly quickly and required it to be cleaned in a very short period of time. What kind of nutrients would you recommend for this?

I prefer dry salts as they dissolve easily and don’t gunk up.

You could recirculate it but i did drain to waste.

For the coco coir - are you using any specific product, or are you getting a brick of coir that you basically just add water to and break up by hand?

Canna coco is certified pest free. Rinse if bricks or use the pre expanded stuff.

For the mother plant, which I need to start soon I guess, when do you start taking clones? I've experimented with it when I trimmed other plants, but never took more than maybe 2 or 3 at a time. Is there a good video/resource on how to properly take clones from a mother plant without stressing the plant out/cutting too much/too often/whatever else?

Just going to be based on when the plant has enough site to take enough clones. Probably 2 month veg should do.

Overall, though, I think I have most of the stuff to build this aside from the pump, the 1 gallon pots, and maybe the tubing, and will likely need a timer.

You mention a seconds timer. Do you mean a timer that counts in seconds, or did you mean a second timer to run the pump? Assuming the latter. How long do you run the pump for and how often? Should I look for a timer that runs X minutes every Y hours?

Yes a time that counts seconds. Nearpow is what i used like this one.

Timer Outlet, Nearpow Multifunctional Infinite Cycle Programmable Plug-in Digital Timer Switch with 3-Prong Outlet for Appliances, Energy-Saving Timer, 15A/1800W
https://a.co/d/1mc6dSo

 

[MDK]

What's enough? I just fill up my tent and get an average of a dozen 1/2 gallon jars of weed...they're usually about 75% full....around a couple pounds

 

[SSgrower]

Yes build frame with 2x3.
For eaves i used a gutter.
I secured it with the screws for metal roofing that have the oring seals on them.



I would go with a condensate pump to keep the table as low as possible to retain height in the tent.

I prefer dry salts as they dissolve easily and don’t gunk up.

You could recirculate it but i did drain to waste.

Canna coco is certified pest free. Rinse if bricks or use the pre expanded stuff.

Just going to be based on when the plant has enough site to take enough clones. Probably 2 month veg should do.



Yes a time that counts seconds. Nearpow is what i used like this one.

Timer Outlet, Nearpow Multifunctional Infinite Cycle Programmable Plug-in Digital Timer Switch with 3-Prong Outlet for Appliances, Energy-Saving Timer, 15A/1800W
https://a.co/d/1mc6dSo

You don't need to wash or treat Canna brick @Aquaman. Thanks for the imput, we gotta keep him growin.

 

[elusive]

Yes build frame with 2x3.
For eaves i used a gutter.
I secured it with the screws for metal roofing that have the oring seals on them.



I would go with a condensate pump to keep the table as low as possible to retain height in the tent.

I prefer dry salts as they dissolve easily and don’t gunk up.

You could recirculate it but i did drain to waste.

Canna coco is certified pest free. Rinse if bricks or use the pre expanded stuff.

Just going to be based on when the plant has enough site to take enough clones. Probably 2 month veg should do.



Yes a time that counts seconds. Nearpow is what i used like this one.

Timer Outlet, Nearpow Multifunctional Infinite Cycle Programmable Plug-in Digital Timer Switch with 3-Prong Outlet for Appliances, Energy-Saving Timer, 15A/1800W
https://a.co/d/1mc6dSo

Thanks for the info! I think the pump you linked to will be good. Unless the plants are going to grow 6'+ tall, I think having a 6-7" high table should be okay, or I can just drain to waste like you and just use a short waste pan/bucket and not worry about it.

So would something like this be all I would need for nutrients? https://www.amazon.com/MASTERBLEND-4-18-38-Complete-Combo-Fertilizer/dp/B0727VTWH5/

What's enough? I just fill up my tent and get an average of a dozen 1/2 gallon jars of weed...they're usually about 75% full....around a couple pounds

A pound of weed every 16 weeks for $100 or less per ounce. Right now I can get an ounce of pretty good stuff for $100/ounce, and some bottom end mids for $80/ounce (it actually smokes pretty good, but it's not trimmed well and doesn't look/smell as good as other stuff)

 

[Aqua Man]

Thanks for the info! I think the pump you linked to will be good. Unless the plants are going to grow 6'+ tall, I think having a 6-7" high table should be okay, or I can just drain to waste like you and just use a short waste pan/bucket and not worry about it.

So would something like this be all I would need for nutrients? https://www.amazon.com/MASTERBLEND-4-18-38-Complete-Combo-Fertilizer/dp/B0727VTWH5/



A pound of weed every 16 weeks for $100 or less per ounce. Right now I can get an ounce of pretty good stuff for $100/ounce, and some bottom end mids for $80/ounce (it actually smokes pretty good, but it's not trimmed well and doesn't look/smell as good as other stuff)

Yep master blend will do it

 

[elusive]

Yep master blend will do it

Awesome, thanks.

I know the mother plant doesnt matter if shes in soil or not, but should I stick to a 5 gallon pot? I can also go down to a 3, or up to a 7 if it’s preferable.

With the clones, should I get some rooting/cloning gel? Would fresh aloe be useful? (I have a few aloe plants that I could harvest). Other than that, is it just putting them in coco/the 1 gal pot and then hand water with nutrients?

 

[Aqua Man]

Awesome, thanks.

I know the mother plant doesnt matter if shes in soil or not, but should I stick to a 5 gallon pot? I can also go down to a 3, or up to a 7 if it’s preferable.

With the clones, should I get some rooting/cloning gel? Would fresh aloe be useful? (I have a few aloe plants that I could harvest). Other than that, is it just putting them in coco/the 1 gal pot and then hand water with nutrients?

Whatever you feel comfortable with any will work and you can always start a nee mother from a clone in the future.

I would use cloning gel and rapid rooters with a tray and dome. They sell fairly reasonably priced kits that come with the rapid rooters

 

[elusive]

Whatever you feel comfortable with any will work and you can always start a nee mother from a clone in the future.

I would use cloning gel and rapid rooters with a tray and dome. They sell fairly reasonably priced kits that come with the rapid rooters

Okay cool. I’ll prob start a mother plant this weekend - get everything cleaned up and ready for it.

I’ll also start getting things here and there over the next 2 months while I build up the table and get that room all situated.

 

[freezeland]

Okay cool. I’ll prob start a mother plant this weekend - get everything cleaned up and ready for it.

I’ll also start getting things here and there over the next 2 months while I build up the table and get that room all situated.

How much were you pulling per plant in yield? 3 - 4 oz per plant in cured bud is about my average. Occasionally the monsters pop up and give 6 - 8 but that’s not often for me. I grow in 5 - 7 g fabs.

 

[Star Dog]

Vegging with 12-12 idk total or individual weights but it's decent.

These days after vegging/sexing with 12-12 I go to 11-13 I get a shorter more compact plant allowing me to grow more variety and even 2 per pot.

These two for example are in the same pot.


One of two plants from the same pot.

Coco mineral salts, dtw and autopots if I can help out with a plan give a shout.

 

[elusive]

So my recent utility bill with their new rates makes everything not even worth it anymore. My delivery charge is 3x my usage, which would increase my bill $300 per month. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is.

Instead, I'll just try my luck with some outdoor plants next year. Such is life.

 

[SSgrower]

My bill has an average price of about $230.00 so I grow on, I sell or have patient's who need cannabis, this forum has given me the ability to "Learn to grow more", and they re-supplied me as I screwed up my "Head stash" I am amazed at this Community or ".Org" respect. SS

 

[elusive]

My bill has an average price of about $230.00 so I grow on, I sell or have patient's who need cannabis, this forum has given me the ability to "Learn to grow more", and they re-supplied me as I screwed up my "Head stash" I am amazed at this Community or ".Org" respect. SS

That used to be my average bill, then in January 2023, my bill went from 190ish to 480.

Got solar panels installed ($220 a month), which dropped my electric bill to non-existent last summer.

End of last summer increases happened again. This time it was delivery is now the same price as usage. This basically turned all savings off as I was now paying between $350 and $450 between both.

But that wasn’t enough for them. Delivery is now 3x my usage. So last month was $310 total, with pretty minimal usage (lowest in September since I lived here, but the second highest bill in that month).

If you try to save $1, they find a way to get that $1 back and add on another $3. This state is such crap for being in their pockets.

It’s absolutely discouraging to the point that I’m most likely going to sell all of my equipment, minus seed starting stuff for my outdoor garden.

 

[Observer]

was always under the assumption of 5 gal pots

For soil?

Even then 3-4 gal is probably enough.

Salts, coco and or perlite is cheap.

Water as media is cheap.

 

[Observer]

Nope use the 2x4 as a mother and clone tent. Run 20ish plants in the 5x5 1 week veg and flip.

1/2-1 gal pots or rockwool drain to waste. 8 week strain means 9-10 weeks per harvest.

Method is called sea of green and is the most productive per space by a long shot IMO. Yeah all the plants are small but the overall yield is as high or higher.

You cut clones 2weeks before garvest and root tgem in the mother tent with the mother. Then transfer to the grow tent. Ceg 1 week and flip. Repeat continuously

100%

 

[elusive]

So just to see an example of this month’s electric charge:


Used $8.55 of electricity, paid $40.55 in “delivery” charges.

A near zero month with solar still cost me nearly $50.