Log in

View Full Version : Outdoor Shed Cabinet Grow?



kitter
01-08-2007, 03:45 AM
This is going to be a long topic, please stay with me. Also, I posted this on Zandor's grow report, a great site and great podcast BTW, but it's a little slow at the moment so I thought here would be a logical 2nd post. Also, this is not a how to grow question, more of a what do you think type. Also, if anyone cares to comment on what they see as the major security risk and ways to not get busted, I'm all ears.

I'm in the slow process of thinking about getting things together for a small hydroponic grow in a C13 cabinet. For security reasons I can't think of anything better than a C13 so I've ruled out all other options.

My major problem in all of this is that we live in a 1 level ranch style house. We live in what I would consider an upper-middle class neighborhood, at least for my part of the US, with each lot in the 1 acre range. Therefore, I'm not too worried about attracting attention from any passersby. We do have an attic, accessible by the garage, but it's not really an option due to the high heat in the summertime because temps up there have to hover around 110 at least. I'm in zone 7 in the southeast US for those that that means something to. Basically, the winter temps average about 40 with an absolute low in the mid teens, the summer temps never get much higher than 90, more like the mid 80's, at least at our house, because it's on a mountain. I'm not too concerned about neighbors due to our lot being heavily wooded and fenced.

With the inside being ruled out this takes us to our lot. I'm in the process of building a potting/storage shed in the backyard, in a nice secluded location among the trees, and I'm thinking this is my ticket. Space is not an issue, I can build it to suit just about anything. My area of concern is a consistent temp. The obvious options are to run an a/c window unit in the summer and a space heater in the winter, when needed. All of these sound just fine to me.

My question to all of you is what you think about all of this? Am I way off to even consider doing this outside the house? What security concerns does everyone see? My thought was to just go about business as normal, a small lock on the outside, an interior section framed up inside the shed, lock on the C13, remote kill switches, and use it just like anyone else would use the structure. I figure the stranger you act the more attention you draw. Anyway, is the outdoor climate going to wreak too much havoc on things? Also, I would like to hear opinions on masking the smell. Being outside, in a wooded area, I'm thinking a normal odor control solution would do the trick.

I thank everyone in advance and wish you a Happy New Year.

bejay
01-08-2007, 04:51 AM
not familiar with c13 is this a cabinet?
would supect you would be better off doing it inside your home or even garage but your initial problems with growing in a storage shed or building would be.
does the building even have electric as its not safe to be using extension cords and neighbors may wonder why you have a window a/c unit in your storage shed. and your neighbors may also wonder why you spend so much time in your storage shed depending on how large of a grow you are doing it can take awhile to care for plants.

kitter
01-08-2007, 11:56 AM
To answer a few questions, the shed would be wired and plumbed (rough-in using hoses). My neighbors have seen me in the yard enough not to even think twice about me spending some time in the shed, and luckily enough they're not the real nosy types.

The C-13 is the often talked about Mill's Pride wardrobe closet that can be picked up at Home Depot. Basically a tall storage cabinet. I'm thinking small, small, small grow, personal, light use only.

stinkyattic
01-08-2007, 04:04 PM
You will have the same heat issues in the shed that you do in the attic, and running an a/c or heater outside the home is going to be really inefficient.

Your best bet is actually the basement. In fact the basement is always the best bet! It is insulated by soil and will be much more even temperature -wise year round.

Dutch Pimp
01-08-2007, 04:17 PM
...outside?...beware of meter-readers....:)....

..>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
..you have to stay below the radar.............

kitter
01-09-2007, 03:41 AM
Meter readers, didn't think about those guys. Luckily the meter is on the opposite of the house and the only other meter, water, is out by the street. Nice thought though. I think this shed is far enough out of the way that it would only be accessible by me. Plus, my plan of putting a partition inside the shed, inside of which the cabinet would sit, adds more security even if someone mistakenly got inside.

Let me ask you guys this, say the outside temp is 30 F, what exactly could I expect in a decently insulated shed, inside the cabinet, with a 400 w HPS light? What would the temps do? I'm also thinking that a small space heater on at night would be helpful. Which brings me to another question, how much of a fire hazard is a sealed cabinet with a 400w HPS light? I know space heaters are fire hazards.

If I had a basement it would already be in use, but no luck. This is about my only shot.

Dutch Pimp
01-09-2007, 07:27 AM
...if you have your equipment ready now..??...get a digital themometer..one that records high/low temps and humidity.....do a test run....see what you get....sorry only thing I can think of...not that familiar with the cabinet..thingy........closet man ...myself....

keeko
01-09-2007, 10:09 AM
[quote=kitter]
Let me ask you guys this, say the outside temp is 30 F, what exactly could I expect in a decently insulated shed, inside the cabinet, with a 400 w HPS light? What would the temps do? I'm also thinking that a small space heater on at night would be helpful. Which brings me to another question, how much of a fire hazard is a sealed cabinet with a 400w HPS light? I know space heaters are fire hazards. [QUOTE]

well that would matter on how good your ventilation is on your cabinet.....if you have good cabinet ventilation the temperature of the cabinet could be a few degrees hotter than the room that it is in.:thumbsup:

young Hustla
01-09-2007, 10:15 AM
i want to grow under my bed or behind my closet

ZeldaG.
01-09-2007, 11:40 AM
see lol not even sure i should be answering your question in this guy's thread but since i wanna ask my own question i will: :-P

Depends on how big your bed is or the bit behind the closet. If tis like over 2-3 feet than I believe you should be aliright, if its smaller a few months ago i would have said you are screwed now Ill redirect you here:

http://www.dope-seeds.com/lowryder.htm

See its a samll plant about as big as my bed so i think it whould be alright under most beds.

NOW WHAT I WAS INTERESTED IN WAS:

I am doing somehtign simmilar myself but no shed just a grow box (self constructed) But also about 4 feet in height and about 3 feet stuck in earth (like dug a 2 feet hole put box in and dig around it make it coem up to 3 feet.)

What are the problems i am likeley to face??

See i have made a thread but no ones replied:
http://boards.cannabis.com/showthread.php?t=97680

THanks!

And good luck

keeko
01-10-2007, 01:07 AM
i want to grow under my bed or behind my closet

under the bed is a fire hazzard waiting to happen........wait till you have your own place young grasshopper, we will be sure to help you then.:thumbsup:

keeko
01-10-2007, 01:09 AM
see lol not even sure i should be answering your question in this guy's thread but since i wanna ask my own question i will: :-P

Depends on how big your bed is or the bit behind the closet. If tis like over 2-3 feet than I believe you should be aliright, if its smaller a few months ago i would have said you are screwed now Ill redirect you here:

http://www.dope-seeds.com/lowryder.htm

See its a samll plant about as big as my bed so i think it whould be alright under most beds.

NOW WHAT I WAS INTERESTED IN WAS:

I am doing somehtign simmilar myself but no shed just a grow box (self constructed) But also about 4 feet in height and about 3 feet stuck in earth (like dug a 2 feet hole put box in and dig around it make it coem up to 3 feet.)

What are the problems i am likeley to face??

See i have made a thread but no ones replied:
http://boards.cannabis.com/showthread.php?t=97680

THanks!

And good luck


the problem i see with the box in a hole in the ground would be electrical,weather, ventalilation. you can have ventalition but how would you keep the rain and bugs out? I might have missed some important info but if i havent could you please explain your setup a little more

keeko
01-10-2007, 01:11 AM
sorry to hijack your thread kitter, ill take it to his thread