Maximum Yield USA 2015 December | Page 86

ACCESSORIZING YOUR GROWROOM Indoor gardening requires a vast range of equipment and supplies to help replicate the beautiful outdoor environment. Initially, starting an indoor garden can be overwhelming and confusing, but once you have the essentials in place, it’s all about accessorizing and upgrading to give your crops the best growing conditions possible. In this article, we break down the fundamental accessories and recent technological advances that will give you the greatest advantages in your garden. Indoor gardening accessories can be divided into three main categories: environmental monitoring, climate control and crop manipulation products. Environmental Monitoring Controlling the air temperature and relative humidity levels are essential for creating an optimal growth environment. These factors can be controlled with appropriate air conditioning, ventilation and lighting arrangements. “ Hygrometers are relatively cheap instruments used to measure temperature and humidity.” There are several eco-system-monitoring products that will give you a better understanding of your growroom’s current environmental conditions and the influence they have on your end-harvest. Hygrometers – Hygrometers are relatively cheap instruments used to measure temperature and humidity. Place the probes above and below the canopy to accurately display comprehensive information about the environmental conditions within your growroom. Hygrometers range in quality and durability, so talk to your local garden shop to ensure you select an appropriate model. Hygrometers also ensure your temperature fluctuations are not outside the norm for your selected produce. The ideal temperature during the day is around 80°F, although this varies according to your use of CO2 supplementation and choice of ventilation. Try to avoid temperature declines of more than 60°F at night, as this can cause excessive humidity or mold problems, especially during the blooming phase. 84 Maximum Yield USA  |  December 2015