In my experience working with hemp, I have come across some truly curious and unconventional self-built DIY grow rooms. When it comes to cultivation, the ingenuity and adaptability of an experienced grower are unmatched. You can set up a grow tent with an indoor growing kit in almost any space, provided it has adequate air circulation. Some common makeshift setups include boxes, fruit crates, PC grow boxes, as well as spaces under stairs, attics, shower enclosures, and more.
With the right conditions, you can create a DIY grow tent in virtually any environment to support healthy and vigorous plant growth. However, just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s easy—successful DIY requires skill and planning, especially when it comes to indoor growing and grow rooms. The tools you need to build your grow room will depend on your chosen space, but some essentials include a screwdriver, nails, screws, hammer, quality duct tape, and double-sided adhesive.
DIY Grow Tent: An Economical Solution
If you have basic handyman skills and some recyclable materials, a DIY grow tent can be an affordable and straightforward solution. However, the enclosure must meet certain fundamental requirements for proper air circulation. Since air must flow continuously and in sufficient quantity, you’ll need an exhaust hole at the top of the ceiling and an intake hole at the bottom of the grow room (as shown in the figure below).
The size of these holes must be proportional to the volume of air that needs to be extracted from the grow tent. You’ll also need to decide whether the air intake will be active (using fans) or passive (without fans). Another crucial factor for homemade grow tents is the choice of interior lining, which should provide good, if not excellent, light reflection.
Aluminum foil is not recommended. The most cost-effective solution for a cheap DIY grow tent is to paint the interior with glossy white paint or use black-and-white sheeting, which also provides some insulation. If you’re willing to spend a little more, reflective Mylar is the best option due to its high refractive properties.
Indoor Growing in Cabinets
Ikea cabinets (or similar storage units) are among the most popular choices for building a DIY indoor greenhouse. As mentioned earlier, ensuring proper air circulation in grow tents requires cutting intake and exhaust holes that match the air volume exchange needs. For instance, if you have a space measuring 80x80x160 cm (0.8 m²), you’ll need an exhaust fan with a capacity of 160-180 m³/h and a corresponding exhaust hole of 10-12.5 cm in diameter at the top of the grow cabinet. There are two possible intake methods:
- Active intake: Requires a 10 cm hole for an intake fan.
- Passive intake: Without an intake fan, the intake surface (typically 2/3 of the exhaust volume) should be three times the exhaust hole’s size.
Sealing corner cracks with high-quality adhesive tape is also recommended. To simplify ventilation setup, you can purchase our air treatment kits and extraction kits for grow tents.
DIY Greenhouse in a PC Case
The PC grow tent is a popular choice for those who want to recycle old computer cases and have limited indoor growing space. Existing air vents and built-in fans make it easier to install an extraction system, which should be positioned at the top. The choice of seeds is crucial—given the limited space in a PC grow tent, only small autoflowering varieties in proportionally small pots will thrive.
Frequent watering is advised when using small pots. Lighting is also a key consideration—since space is limited in a PC grow setup, CFL or LED lamps, which emit minimal heat, are the best options.
A determined grower will always find a way to cultivate, even in the smallest spaces!
Grow Tents Inside Boxes or Crates
To be honest, grow boxes made from cardboard don’t offer much in terms of plant growth potential, as the available space directly impacts the yield. However, DIY cardboard grow tents still showcase how inventive and resourceful growers can be in adapting any space for cultivation. As seen in the photos below, even the smallest areas, such as boxes or crates, can be transformed into a small self-built grow tent.
If DIY isn’t your strong suit and you’re not comfortable handling tools or working with recycled materials, there's an easier solution.
You can purchase a complete grow tent online from Growshopitalia, pre-equipped with all the necessary components and carefully selected by our expert staff.
Professional DIY Grow Tent
For serious growers, it's no longer about saving money—it’s about making a smart investment. In the photo below, you can see a professional grow room. To establish a fully operational intensive grow space, everything must be meticulously planned. You’ll need powerful extractors, soundproof ducting, climate controllers, and drainage trays.
Lighting is another crucial factor. Today, more efficient lamps are available that generate less heat than traditional HPS models. Extractors should be fitted with carbon filters and soundproof tubing to minimize noise and contain odors, which become particularly strong during flowering. Drainage trays are essential for managing runoff when watering 100-200 plants.
Additionally, air conditioning is a must in these setups, as multiple lamps generate substantial heat. Climate control systems ensure proper air circulation and temperature regulation. Although the initial investment may be significant, a well-equipped and properly set up professional grow room is the key to a successful harvest.
