I have been growing my own cannabis for 15 years now, simple at first, but I wanted to do it in a way that reflected my passion for technology and automation. This led me to create a grow room that's just as much about soil and light, as it is about code and control systems. Welcome to my secret garden, a 7x9 ft space where technology and horticulture intertwine.

Behind the Murphy Door:

The entrance to my grow room is a testament to its clandestine nature. A hidden Murphy door, seamlessly integrated into the wall, conceals the entire operation. Once inside, you're greeted not only by the earthy aroma of living soil, but by the hum of fans and the glow of LED lights.

Environmental Control on Autopilot:

Maintaining optimal and stable growing conditions is crucial, and my grow room takes care of this with a fully automated climate control system. Temperature and humidity sensors constantly monitor the environment, feeding data to a custom server I built. This server not only logs the data but also generates real-time graphs, allowing me to visualize trends and make adjustments as needed.

Smart Drip Irrigation:

Watering is handled by a smart drip system of my own design. This system delivers water directly to the plants' roots, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal hydration. The system is integrated with the central server, allowing me to monitor water usage and adjust schedules based on the plants' needs.

Illuminating the Canopy:

Lighting is a critical aspect of indoor growing, and my setup is designed to provide the perfect spectrum for cannabis cultivation. A powerful HLG Diablo LED grow light, mounted on a motorized light mover, ensures even light distribution across the canopy. For general illumination, I've installed a Philips Hue utility light, offering convenient control and ambiance. Both always accessible via voice command or in the palm of my hand.

A Home for My Home Mini:

Even Google has found a home in my grow room. A Google Home Mini allows me to control various aspects of the room with voice commands, adding another layer of convenience to the setup.

Timelapse and Movie Magic:

To capture the growth process, I've integrated a camera system that takes timelapse images as well as multiple live feeds. The images captured are not only stored on the server but are also automatically compiled into movies, providing a fascinating visual record of the plants' journey from seedlings to maturity. Many of the movie can be seen on my YouTube page.

Intranet of Things:

Perhaps the most unique feature of my grow room is its dedicated Intranet. This internal network allows me to control and monitor every aspect of the room from any web-enabled device. I can adjust lighting schedules, view live camera feeds even in the dark, monitor environmental conditions, and even trigger watering cycles, all from the palm of my hand.

Power and Plumbing:

To ensure a stable and reliable environment, the grow room is equipped with its own electrical panel. Cold and hot water lines, along with a dedicated drain, provide the necessary infrastructure for irrigation and maintenance.

Pest control:

To help with pest mitigation I have a LED UV bug zapper that is set to a schedule and is also controlled via my web based smart system.

Current Cultivation:

While this space is capable of supporting a wide variety of plants, my current focus is on cultivating high-quality cannabis. The combination of precise environmental control, automated systems, and meticulous monitoring allows me to achieve optimal growth and yields at a convenience never realized in my past experience.

Future Enhancements:

This grow room is an ongoing project, and I have plans for several future enhancements. These include DWC or Deep Water Culture, implementing automated nutrient dosing, and exploring the use of AI for predictive analysis and optimization. Before I move to DWC I want to have a water chiller to keep my water temps below 70F.

Conclusion:

My grow room is a testament to my drive to solve problems using the power of technology to enhance even the most traditional of practices. It's a space where innovation and horticulture converge, allowing me to cultivate cannabis in a way that is both efficient and fascinating. This is just the beginning of my journey into the world of tech-driven cultivation, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this secret garden.