Grow Stand

[jimisox]

Are there any places to go to get a grow stand plan to build one? I think I can figure it out, I just wanted to fine out about the right lighting and how to set it up with multiple shelves, and any hints as to 2 or 4 lights per shelf? I have a big room and am just getting started but already up to 11 plants on a little bookshelf with 1 24 inch grow light. The space is about 24" long by 14 wideish, so I am running out of room and plan to build over the thanksgiving holiday weekend. Any little additional hints would be great also......Thanks Jimi

[Lambert]

Sorry I can't help you Jimi but I am sure someone will be able to give you some advice on this (and in the meantime I am bumping your post back on top! )

[Nordic]

how much space do you have...? also height...
The shorter bulbs are not quite as effective as the "good" light only gets emited by a smallish zone in the centre of the tube... the longer the tube, the bigger this zone. Also this shrinks with useage and is why you should throw out a grow bulb after a year, even if it still shines.

I would think a three layer system with PVC pipes and elbows would be the cheapest... get some PVC glue too, but don't use it until you have done a dry fit.

I would decide on the level of the lowest shelf then divide the remaining vertical space by how many shelves you want to calculate the spaceing or you could vary the spaceing to have a shelf for smaller plants... leave some room to fit more lights as time goes by...

Of coarse the pipes are only for the frames, I guess some eggcrate light fixtures would make good ventilating bottom supports

[cindiras]

Jimi, I used a wire shelf on wheels that can be purchased for roughly 90 to 100 bucks at a nationwide club in the US. It has up to 6 shelves, 18 inches deep, 6 feet high. 4 feet long. I used 4 shelves when I put mine together and find myself wishing for more room between shelves for some of the taller 'chids. Next one I put together will only have 3 shelves. I have hung a 4 foot flourescent shop light fixture below each shelf to light the space beneath. Cattleyas down the center under the fixture, and Milts and Phals along the sides. I use a daylight or wide-spectrum bulb, sometimes called a sunstick. Hope this helps give you a few ideas. Good luck!

[Grandma M]

I use the same type of metal stand but use only 3 shelves. I have a 4 bulb T5 48" unit on the bottom shelf for high light plants. On the other shelves I bought 48" T5, single joinable strips. I have one strip on one shelf and 2 strips on the other shelf of the single joinable strips. If you need more light you can just buy another $35.00 unit and join them together. Works great.

Marilyn

[jimisox]

well, I have a room to use, with one west facing, kinda southwest actually, window, but I don't want to build in front of the window, so i am building a stand in another corner, syill exposed to the sunlight, but with fluorescents over it

[Ron-NY]

Jimi

Came across this recently...could be modified for multi shelves

Cir1137/MG341: How to Build a Plant Lighting System

and another

http://www.taunton.com/finegardening...ing-stand.aspx

and

http://www.avsa.org/JiffyPlantStand.htm

[Becky15349]

Hi Jimi! I've never build a shelving system before...and since we can't really see your room or the layout, its hard to make a valid suggestion. However, I will say one thing - I would recommend 4 bulbs instead of two, and maybe shorter bulbs if its hard to get 4. The only reason I say that is because of all things, light is probably the most important factor in blooming....you could have all the other things perfect (humidity, watering, environment, air ciruclation) but if you don't have enough light, you'll be growing houseplants instead of blooming orchids Good luck with the shelving...I liked the PVC pipe and elbows idea, that way it would be lighter and easier to move if you had to... Good luck! Take some pictures when you're done with it!

[ischel1]

I use the shelves on wheels also from the S. club. Also have 48" double grow lights. This way during the nice weather I can roll the shelves outside in the sun.

[Grandma M]

IMPORTANT NOTE

I forgot to mention, in order to prevent water dripping onto my lights, I use a (narrow width - I use about 12" width) sheet of metalic reflective sheeting. I place it over the light unit - - ONLY WHEN I WATER MY PLANTS, than remove it and roll it up for the next time. I use the same sheet for the lights on the lower 2 shelves. Just remove it from the upper light fixture and move it to the lower fixture.

I use the same type of metal stand but use only 3 shelves. I have a 4 bulb T5 48" unit on the bottom shelf for high light plants. On the other shelves I bought 48" T5, single joinable strips. I have one strip on one shelf and 2 strips on the other shelf of the single joinable strips. If you need more light you can just buy another $35.00 unit and join them together. Works great.

Marilyn