For home gardeners and plant lovers all over the world, grow boxes have been a savior. Even those who don’t have enough space in their home for actual gardens, or lack the availability of elements like natural sunlight, can grow whichever plant they wish to with the help of a grow box.
But for many people, grow boxes still remain a mystery. Despite its excellent functioning, and unique design that allows people to grow their favorite plants even when it’s not in season, a lot of people have been unable to utilize it simply because they hardly know anything about it.
That’s why in this article, we’re going to tell you all you need to know about grow boxes, including what they are, how they function, why you should use them, and much more. To know all about it, just read on.
What Are Grow Boxes?
Grow boxes are self-contained indoor cultivation systems, which are self-sustaining environments. They contain soil and water systems inside that stimulate the natural conditions required for plant growth.
For more information you need to check out here: https://modernliving101.com/best-grow-box-for-beginners/
Why Should You Use Grow Boxes?
Did you know that a lot of people all over the world are unable to grow their favorite plants due to a lack of space in their home, or due to the unavailability of the natural elements required to grow plants?
Grow boxes are self-contained or self-sustaining, meaning that they have inside them all the elements required to grow plants. They consist of LED lights, water dispensation and nutrient dispersion systems that provide the sapling with all that they need. So you don’t have to worry about them not getting sunlight or adequate water. The in-built fans and misters also help maintain a steady humidity level as well as a constant temperature.
At the same time, they also protect the plants from germs, pests, bacteria, and fungi, as well as bad weather and other harmful elements that would have damaged the plants otherwise. They require very little fondling, and you can pretty much leave the plants all to themselves, except for the occasional monitoring to make sure that everything is in working condition.
On top of this, grow boxes are super flexible and versatile. You can place them pretty much anywhere, whether that is the attic, basement, or even your living room! You can also grow pretty much every type of plant, given that there is sufficient space. This is one of the main reasons why people like to grow boxes, as it allows them to grow every kind of plant regardless of climatic conditions and season.
What Are The Types Of Grow Boxes?
There are two forms of grow boxes: Open Grow Boxes & Enclosed Ones. Open grow boxes are more commonly used and have been around for quite a while. They consist of simple technology and are fairly easy to use and maintain. On the other hand, enclosed grow boxes are completely shut and have LED lights and a water-nutrient dispensation system. It is far more advanced.
Grow boxes come in two primary types: Hydroponic & Soil-Based. As you may guess from the names, hydroponic grow boxes grow saplings by using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent, whereas soil-based ones use the regular method of placing saplings in soil.
Grow boxes have several different kinds of systems inside, as elucidated here, which include the following:
- Drip Systems: Drip systems are one of the most common grow box types. Here, you will find small containers filled with solutions of either perlite, mineral wool, or a similar substance. It basically consists of a pipe system, which is attached to timers and pressure compensators, that make sure that the required amount of solution is dispersed at the root of every sapling. This is a great option since it is low-waste and highly sustainable.
- Nutrient Film: In this, there is a shallow tray filled with nutrient solution. Plants are gently suspended over it, and a small pipe keeps pushing the nutrient solution over the roots of the suspended plants, providing them with air, water, and required nutrients.
- Drain-To-Waste: Drain-to-Waste is one of the most sustainable grow box systems, and here, you are supposed to give your plants more-than-required nutrients. While this may seem wasteful at first, there is a container underneath every plant to collect the excess nutrient solution.
- Aeroponics: The Aeroponic system is perhaps the most advanced out of all, and it consists of pressurized mist dispensers that intermittently disperse nutrient-rich mist inside the grow box.
Of course, grow boxes can also be categorized according to the type of material that they are made of.
- Canvas: Canvas grows boxes are, as the name implies, made of high-quality, strong canvas. These are easy to construct and set-up, and comparatively portable as well. The tent is held up with poles, and the interior consists of reflective material that increases light intensity.
- Metallic: Contrary to canvas grow boxes, the metallic boxes are highly sturdy and much heavier. These ones are perfect if you want to make sure that your plants will be as safe and secure as possible. On top of that, metallic grow boxes tend to have more advanced systems compared to canvas ones.
How To Buy A Grow Box?
Now that you know what there is to know about grow boxes, I’m sure you’re considering buying one, right?
But before you do, here are some important factors to keep in mind, to make sure that you get the best grow box that suits your needs, requirements, and budget.
- Size: Size is one of the primary things to take into account when you’re buying a grow box. Grow boxes come in a large variety of sizes, from small to extra-large, and considering the amount of available space in your home, as well as the kinds of plants you want to grow, you should pick a size that fits every glove.
- Overall Design: The overall design is another extremely important thing to consider as it covers every aspect, including the material it is made of, the interior system (whether that’s hydroponic or soil-based) as well as the interior lighting systems.
- Price: Of course, whichever grow box you buy has to suit your budget. Buying an extremely expensive grow box will serve no purpose, and you’ll only have to spend a lot of time figuring out the details. But at the same time, don’t skimp out on spending either.
