What area size and lighting would one aim for growing 15 autos at a time? I don't want to cram them in to a small space but can't afford to make this a commercial size either. I'd like to know what an ideal size tent would be.
i am autoflowers
i was in tents
if u are going to do it all in one area
8x4 is big enough for about 8 plants (assuming u keep them in a 2x2ft foot print) i am taking 4 to 5 foot plant 6-10 oz per plant in 7 gallon soil bags
as for light this all depends on your area(weather) and your grow area (how it is set up for heating and cooling)
LED is the best i found this out the mixed spec of the lights waves it offers the auto flowers love it
down side the cost of them are more the upside the energy they use is less the heat they make is less and they get a much better depth into the plant resulting in less fluffy buds
u are in a cold area for a good amount of the year so IR heat from Hid lights can be a benefit for u (MH bulb is 40% ir heat HPS bulb is 70%)
it is all going to come down to how well your area is insulated and how much u are willing to spend on support gear .......each ways has benefits and drawl backs
the first thing i would start with is getting temp readings on the area u plan to use ( set up a senor and record the temps in the area noting outside air temp and inside air temps ) this will give u your flux range then i look up weather data for the last 2-3 years and use your flux to see where the temps will dip into
58f to 78f is ideal temp for weed (little hotter if adding in CO2 84f )
and yes u want a 20 or 25 degree flux in the temps .......this is how the plant gets hues and colors........if u hold with a 10 degree flux the plants will do great but they will all come out green no hues or colors unless u use cheater feeds to induce it