Building a 1 plant 32 gallon garbage can mini grow room. Need to figure out the lighting

I have been looking up trashcan grows on Youtube and this forum, but can't find any that were made recently. So I am not sure if the lights they use are the best choice with the latest advances in tech. Seems like most people use a whole bunch of CFLs.

Is that still the best way to go? I was thinking if it will fit, possibly using a spider farmer or other similar LED that is designed for a 2x2 space. Is that too much for the space of a 32 gallon garbage can?

This is my first grow, and I don't want to invest the money in a grow tent yet, but if it goes well in the can, I will probably get a 2x4 tent next time and figured I could reuse the LED by getting a second one and putting 2 in the tent.

At least for the trashcan grow I plan to only use auto flower. So it should be ok. I've seen people do well in this size, and even people do well in much smaller 5 gallon buckets.

I'm just growing for myself, and don't really need more than 2-4oz each harvest.

Got the trashcan brand new for only $10, so I think even if I invest in a decent light, I can keep the whole set up to $100-$200.

I've also seen some people use long thin florescent tubes up the side of the can. So I am wondering if maybe I should do that as well as have an led at the top pointing down. I'll add 1-2 computer fans for circulation and intake, and some sort of fan for the top, possibly with a home made active carbon filter, though I am not too worried about smell since I live in a legal place. Using the can for it's small space and low start up cost, not for stealth.

Thanks in advance for any help!
 

Wattzzup

Well-Known Member
So you’re in LA and want to grow inside a trash can? I guess if the plant fails you don’t even have to do anything. Just push it to the curb!!!! :bigjoint:

Low start up cost = low grade weed aka waste of time.
 
I don't think that is very helpful advice. I have seen many people have great results with a low start up cost. And I've seen people spend around $1k and screw up the grow, hate the process, and end up just wasting a bunch of money.

I also have more time than money. So if it turns out to be a waste, I'd rather I wasted my time than my money.
 

Wattzzup

Well-Known Member
Just hate to see you waste your time or money. Invest in a good light. A small tent and grow one or two plants. I got my entire setup with 600w HPS light for $300. Tent, light, fan, everything but the plants.

Waste a hundred dollars on a cheap led only to find out it’s not enough to get through flower. What’s the point of that?
 

RonnieB2

Well-Known Member
I have been looking up trashcan grows on Youtube and this forum, but can't find any that were made recently. So I am not sure if the lights they use are the best choice with the latest advances in tech. Seems like most people use a whole bunch of CFLs.

Is that still the best way to go? I was thinking if it will fit, possibly using a spider farmer or other similar LED that is designed for a 2x2 space. Is that too much for the space of a 32 gallon garbage can?

This is my first grow, and I don't want to invest the money in a grow tent yet, but if it goes well in the can, I will probably get a 2x4 tent next time and figured I could reuse the LED by getting a second one and putting 2 in the tent.

At least for the trashcan grow I plan to only use auto flower. So it should be ok. I've seen people do well in this size, and even people do well in much smaller 5 gallon buckets.

I'm just growing for myself, and don't really need more than 2-4oz each harvest.

Got the trashcan brand new for only $10, so I think even if I invest in a decent light, I can keep the whole set up to $100-$200.

I've also seen some people use long thin florescent tubes up the side of the can. So I am wondering if maybe I should do that as well as have an led at the top pointing down. I'll add 1-2 computer fans for circulation and intake, and some sort of fan for the top, possibly with a home made active carbon filter, though I am not too worried about smell since I live in a legal place. Using the can for it's small space and low start up cost, not for stealth.

Thanks in advance for any help!
600watts is plenty. Mars hydro LEDs on sale on prime for 90 shipped. target has fox farm ocean and coco on sale for a good deal too. Target website
 

RonnieB2

Well-Known Member
Why do you wanna do such a grow? Thats a lot of soil for one plant. Of course you wont have to water it often.
 

T macc

Well-Known Member
Is it going to be inside? Are you buying the trash can? You can find 2x2 tents pretty cheap.

Just make sure you can get everything in the trash: exhaust, filter, light, circulation fan, and the pot of soil. These are all necessary. I think you'd be happier with a tent tho
 

RonnieB2

Well-Known Member
I am getting over 900 umol of par at 18 inches and over 600 at 24 inches. That aint bad for the price point imho
 

Bosgrower

Well-Known Member
I am getting over 900 umol of par at 18 inches and over 600 at 24 inches. That aint bad for the price point imho
Really? You're just starting out, you want to grow in a trash can, and you've got a quantum meter to measure μmols. I smell a TROLL :)
 
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