Brainstorming shed/outbuilding plans…

What’s up, everyone.

I’m just doing a little brainstorming for a future project. I’m picturing a ~5 foot by 8 foot well insulated “outbuilding” that could be run as a sealed grow room with a couple 600 watt lights. The attached picture is just one example of a shed like I’m considering (although I’d build it myself).

Anyone growing in a similar setup?

Aside from the concern of maybe “importing” pests into the space when I come and go, any other considerations?

I’m figuring sealed would be the way to go, since the outdoor temps and humidity vary quite a bit. (My past experience has been indoors with a stable supply of indoor / ambient airflow for cooling and CO2 exchange.)

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks,

~SS

Be sure to account for sufficient clearance to access and service the entire grow area, and the space needed for whatever auxiliary support hardware you'll have. Do you plan to have environmental controls, a/c, heater, dehumidifier? Also, it will be useful to have enough storage space for the buckets, sprayer, nutrients, other tools you will use regularly. If it's crammed in there too tight, you wont be able to access everything, and the inaccessible parts will eventually become problematic.

Good luck! Peace

Good points, tracker.

Yes, I would need AC, dehum and heater, and my goal would be to get those automated with one of the nifty environmental controllers I see available.

I would prefer to avoid the need for supplemental CO2, but I suppose that’s unavoidable if I go for a truly sealed room…

I have absolutely no idea how to furnish a brainstorming shed.

CatHedral said:

I have absolutely no idea how to furnish a brainstorming shed.

Click to expand...

I think all you really need is a recliner and a mini fridge… Maybe a coffee table. Haha!

The sheds like the COSTCO Lifetime (smaller pic in lower right corner of OP) have plastic walls that will not work for hanging anything substantial like a split a/c. I would advise against using sheds of similar construction for your specific purpose.

I run an outdoor shed setup. Are the sheds already insulated? If not, get homedepot insulated foam board with reflective backing so that part would be taken care of. Raise it a little off ground so it stays warm.That costco one has windows so you could easily vent. What kind of power are you thinking? I run 20 amp and only use 7ish amp (220w led, exhaust, heater, fans). Might want to go with 2x3ft veg/clone room and big flower room.

My rooms are 3.5x2ft and flower is 3.5x6ft.

Happy growing.

SpicySativa said:

I think all you really need is a recliner and a mini fridge… Maybe a coffee table. Haha!

Click to expand...

I would want one of those very cool plasma globes.

Tracker said:

The sheds like the COSTCO Lifetime (smaller pic in lower right corner of OP) have plastic walls that will not work for hanging anything substantial like a split a/c. I would advise against using sheds of similar construction for your specific purpose.

Click to expand...

Noted, thanks.

If I end up doing this, I’ll do it right - pour and seal a floor slab, then build from scratch using typical construction materials rather than buying a flimsy ready-made sheds.

Just to clarify, the shed in question doesn’t exist yet. I’m comfortable with tools and have built several sheds from scratch.

If I decide to do this, I’ll start from scratch and build it for the sole purpose of indoor gardening.

SpicySativa said:

Just to clarify, the shed in question doesn’t exist yet. I’m comfortable with tools and have built several sheds from scratch.

If I decide to do this, I’ll start from scratch and build it for the sole purpose of indoor gardening.

Click to expand...

Seriously, I started in an 8x12 Tuff-shed that I insulated with urethane and paneled in plywood back when that was not stupid expensive.

Consider "Trolmaster" for environmental management.

Waiting for my old Autopilot to die so I can upgrade. Lol

Storage is a good point like some people pointed out + veg + flower + space to move around (more storage). but also what's your plan for water I'm working on doing my garage and I think I'll have to insulate a hose form the side of the house so I can have water.

I've been thinking about building a shed/outbuilding for a future project and wanted to pick your brain, too. I'm picturing a well-insulated space, around 5x8 feet, that I can turn into a sealed grow room. I've seen some cool Timber Buildings that might work. Any of you have experience with a similar setup? I'm wondering about any challenges or things to consider.

Monsterokum said:

I've been thinking about building a shed/outbuilding for a future project and wanted to pick your brain, too. I'm picturing a well-insulated space, around 5x8 feet, that I can turn into a sealed grow room. I've seen some cool Timber Buildings that might work. Any of you have experience with a similar setup? I'm wondering about any challenges or things to consider.

Click to expand...

My main worry is bringing pests into the space when I come and go. Any tips on avoiding that? Since outdoor temps and humidity can be unpredictable, I think a sealed setup would be best. I've done indoor growing before, so I'm used to controlling airflow, cooling, and CO2 exchange.

I love the idea. Your concerns of bugs is pretty valid though. However, controlling them is easier in a sealed environment versus them being in the great outdoors with no protection.
It will be a little costly to wire it and get it ready for growing but worth it in the end.