Save Money! You Only Need These Essentials for Indoor Growing

Are you looking to start seeds indoors, or want a complete indoor growing setup but aren’t sure where to start? I’ve put together this list of basic minimum essentials for an indoor grow setup that’s extremely budget-friendly. This list will be everything you need, nothing you don’t, and gave me great results for two years now.

What Plants Can You Grow Indoors?

An indoor grow setup allows you to garden even when outdoor conditions are unfavorable. You can pretty much grow anything indoors if you choose the right containers and equipment. The most limiting factor is space and maybe the electric bill if you have a big enough operation. Plant varieties that are more practical for small indoor spaces include cherry tomatoes, bush cucumbers, cayenne peppers, salad greens, radishes, bunching onions, Indica cannabis, and many culinary herbs.

Seed Starting by the Window

Cannabis Plant Indoor Closet Grow

Equipment For Indoor Growing

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Light Timer
1. Plants need consistent light cycles for the best growth. Investing in a light timer makes this easier to achieve- especially when the plants are on long cycles. More light is not necessarily better because plants need darkness to rest and recover like us. Most seedlings and growing plants will respond well to a 16/8 or 18/6 day/light cycle and switch to fruiting or flowering on a 12/12 day/light cycle. This mimics the shorter days as winter approaches. This 24-hour programmable light timer is easy to use, reliable, and a great investment for the beginner gardener.
A fan for airflow
1. Indoor plants are more susceptible to fungal infections and spider mite infestations due to the increased temperature, and reduced airflow compared to being outside. A fan will help prevent this and molding, especially when plants are flowering or fruiting. The movement also helps to strengthen plant stems. Stronger stems can hold bigger flowers and fruit. Do not blow the air directly onto the plant, you want it to circulate the plant.
Vegetative (Blue) and Flowering (Red) Grow Light
1. You can use regular LED light bulbs for indoor growing, however, the best results will come from using Grow LED bulbs. Plants need different wavelengths of light for the vegetative stage and the fruiting/flowering phase of their life cycle. Regular LEDs will provide white light which is a good all-purpose wavelength, while grow lights give off red or blue wavelengths which the plants will respond more strongly. I currently have separate bulbs for seeds and greens and fruiting and flowering. Each one has a clamp lamp shade, to easily adjust the height as the plants grow.
An area away from ambient light and sun
1. Plants prefer natural sunlight to artificial light and may stretch towards the sun. They also need complete darkness to rest, otherwise they can become stressed and stunted. Interference can come from electronic screens and outdoor street lamps. If you notice leggy seedlings check your environment for light interference. A closet is a great growing space due to the amount of control you will have over the light coming in and out. A dark, cool, ventilated space makes for perfect drying conditions as well. If you are willing to spend more, you can purchase an indoor grow tent. Not all tents will come with fans and lights, read the descriptions carefully so you don’t overspend on just one item. A tent is useful for containing strong plant smells and creating a consistent growing environment, but requires more space, time, and money to set up.

My initial attempt at seed-starting in 2023

Final Tips for Growing Indoors

When starting your seedlings, keep the lights close enough to the plants so they don’t have to stretch and become leggy. Adjust the height as the plants get taller.
Indoor plants are more susceptible to fungal infections and spider mites. Due to the environment, you should water from the bottom whenever possible to keep plants healthy.
Plants will need as much LED light as sunlight – so if your plant needs 8+ hours of sun, set your timer for an 8-hour day minimum.

You don’t have to purchase all the pieces at once to successfully start growing indoors. The most important part is that you get started with what you have, invest wisely in equipment, and expand as you become more experienced. Share your DIY indoor growing setups for more small-space gardening ideas!