Lighting can be very expensive if purchased commercially, anywhere from $70- $500.
Here’s an easy plan to make your own.
I got this wood at my neighbor’s after finding out he is a custom cabinet maker & had a dumpster full of cedar, mahogany & teak scrap!
Needless to say, I had my first dumpster diving experience and it was so inspiring. I got 2 truckloads!
And my neighbor paid less to dispose of the rest.
This set-up shows 1 level. But it’s tall enough to add another level at a later date.
Although grow lights are best, they are expensive. A regular shop light is sufficient light to make good transplants if kept in a sunny window.
What you will need:
- 1/2 ‟ plywood cut 44‟ x 13‟
- 4 pieces – 1×2” or 1X3” – 38” long
- 3 pieces – 1×2” or 1×3” – 52”long
- 2 pieces – 1×3” or 1×4” – 17’ long
- 1 1/2“ wood screws
- 2 large, sturdy, screw hooks
- 1 shop light
Directions:
- Cut all pieces to length.
- Then, working from the bottom up. Always put 2 screws at each attachment point for stability.
- Attach the plywood to (2) of the 52’ pieces standing on end, with 4 “ out each end. Place screws every 8 “ to prevent warping with time.
- Attach vertical side posts, (4) 38” pieces to the outside of 52” pieces, starting edge even with end of plywood.
- Next, attach the (2) 17” pieces to the outsides of the verticals, placed with bottom edge 17” from the bottom.
- Last, attach the third 52” piece centered across the top of the 17” pieces. Attach flat so a new level can be added later.
- Attach screw hooks under the top cross member to hang chain from shop light.
- Most shop lights come with adequate chain to adjust light up & down at least 6”.
- For best results, place this system in front of a sunny window to supplement with natural sunlight.
- To keep it easy, turn lights on when you wake up & turn them off when you go to bed at night, 12-16 hours.