Nowadays, space is a luxury. Thus, not everyone can get a lush, green garden accompanying their house.
I consider myself lucky for having a backyard where I can conduct dinner parties or start my day with a stroll. Although maintenance is time-consuming, being a gardening enthusiast, I don’t mind spending hours tending the bushes, mowing the grass, and my favorite- picking fresh produce.
However, I know not everyone can afford to enjoy the benefits of a garden. This was evident when my cousin Sarah from New York called me up last week. She expressed her desire for a kitchen garden, but unfortunately, her small apartment didn’t leave any scope for one.
That’s when I realized she could invest in a grow box. I had been maintaining one since the beginning of the year, and my indoor plants have been thriving.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith. Today, I’ll be sharing everything about what is a grow box. I’ll be leaving some suggestions here and there, so make sure you read till the end!
Without further ado. Let’s get started…
A grow box is like a little fridge that acts as a self-contained indoor garden. Ideal for those living in apartments and high-rise buildings, a grow box works exactly like a garden, except- you are in control.
Available in various sizes, a typical grow box is rectangular in shape and equipped with LED lights to maintain optimal environmental conditions. That means you won’t have to worry about pests, and your plants will remain fresh and healthy all year round.
In simple terms, a grow box is your personal no-mess, hassle-free mini garden!
Sturdy but heavy, metallic grow boxes form a durable shield for your indoor plants. Since this type of grow box is easy to use, I recommend it for beginners or those who want to experiment with indoor plants.
Made of strong canvas material, this type of grow box (also called a grow “tent”) is held by poles, and the interiors are reflective. This ensures maximum lighting for proper plant growth.
Since your grow box will be indoors, your plants will be devoid of essential natural elements. So, how will they grow?
While some grow boxes use soil, newer units are equipped with a hydroponics system. It replaces the need for soil as it provides a mixture of nutrients and water to the roots. This facilitates faster growth due to direct contact with the plant roots, and your plants will not be dependent on erratic climatic conditions.
According to the plants you want to grow, you can choose from six different types of hydroponic systems, which are as follows:
Recommended for beginners for its ease-of-use, a grow box using this hydroponics system has plants suspended on the nutrient-rich liquid. It also contains an air pump and an air stone that allow a seamless supply of oxygen directly to the roots.
A grow box of this type dons a grow tray that receives nutrients in a steady flow. Ideal for growing lettuce, other types of plants suitable for NFT channels include broccoli rabe, spinach, and herbs.
The most popular hydroponic mechanism for a grow box; this system consists of a pump that delivers the liquid minerals in timed intervals. Since the excess matter can be used later, it is a relatively more sustainable method of maintaining a grow box. However, the strength of the nutrients, when used later, may differ.
The most advanced system in the list, here, the plants are suspended, and the dangling roots are sprayed with nutrient-rich air. As fancy as the system sounds, it is best suited for growing microgreens used in high-end restaurants.
In this system, the ebb and flow of the nutritious liquid are controlled by a timer. The plants are placed in a grow tray that is filled and drained accordingly. Strawberries and bell peppers thrive in this hydroponics system.
As the name suggests, a grow box using this system is equipped with a wick that distributes the nutrients to the plant roots. Keep in mind that this system is not suitable for plants like tomatoes that need a lot of water. However, you can easily grow lettuce, herbs like rosemary, and more.
The only drawback of an indoor growing system like a grow box would be the extensive power consumption. Since plants growing indoors are away from sunlight, they need a lot of artificial light for photosynthesis. Only then can plants convert the light to chemicals that they use for proper growth and germination.
Usually, grow boxes contain High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). However, the former is more powerful as it comprises high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights and metal halide. Since these lights require high power voltage, it is accompanied by a ballast that keeps the amount of electric current in check.
The term “hydroponic” is a Greek word that translates to “working with water.” So, yes, a grow box needs water. In fact, it is the most essential factor that aids healthy growth in plants.
Depending on the plants you grow, your indoor planting systems will have different watering requirements. After months of maintaining a grow box, I’ve learned that slightly acidic water works best. While the optimal pH level may vary, hard water found in most cities is a big no-no!
Who says you can’t experience the joys of gardening in a small apartment? With a grow box suitable for your living space, you can grow fresh herbs, juicy greens, and so much more. That too without the hassle of regular maintenance and fear of unpredictable weather!
There’s simply no reason why you shouldn’t try it out if you’re a gardening enthusiast like me. If you do, don’t forget to share your experience in the comment section below. That said, I’ll be signing off now. Stay tuned for more such informative reads.
Happy gardening!
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