Well, our green family is now living inside and doing better than expected. We have set up two growing areas upstairs. One is 4X8 foot for our medium sized plants. These plants are approximately 2-3 feet in height and the area can hold 11-12 plants in 8-12 inch pots. Our second area is larger at around 12X4 foot and has our larger plants of heights to 4 to 5 foot. The entire area is walled with mylar attached to tri-fold poster board. The average temperature ranges from 70 to 76 degrees. Each area is lit by 2 twin bulb florescent shop lights. Each of these contain T12 40 watt 5000K 'Natural Daylight' bulbs from Sylvania. The area does receive a bit of morning sun (maybe 1-2 hours) that is reflected nicely about the areas from the mylar. This light comes from an east facing sliding glass door. We have reduced the watering and fertilizing significantly and added a small oscula
ting desk fan set on low. Leaf drop is nearly nonexistent, and the plants are happily blooming. This surprises me, as our set up last year did not have these results. I have added our grocery list of items with costs, and an image file with the rough diagram. More information to come along with pictures.
Ed
Roll of Mylar 4X100' = $35
4 twin bulb shop lights plus hooks and chains = ($20 x 4) = $80
Box of 10 Sylvania 5000K 40 watt bulbs = $35
Tri-fold poster boards = ~ $20
Fan = $15
Total Cost = $185