Opinions on newbs first grow

[nomoresnow]

Just bought a new house and it has a small fiberglass potting shed I am going to use as a grow shack. I have already procured the majority of my supplies (somewhat impulsively) and am about to finish prepping the shack but thought I would get some input before going too far. The shack measures 9x8x8 with a 2' deep shelf on one side and constructed out of corrugated fiberglass with a coarse gravel floor. I was planning to paint the entire inside with Kool Seal to block the light (coming in and going out) plus to add some reflectivity. There is a 16" exhaust fan at the top of one end that I will tie to a repeat cycle timer when and if I ever find one for this application and I plan to put about 4 6" vents at the bottom of the opposite wall and sides for fresh air intake with some small house fans for a nice constant breeze. Temps here average high 80s to low 60s through the summer and humidity being 70-80% during summer days. The shed is completely shaded by large trees and never gets any sunshine.
For lighting I have a Quantum 600w ballast, Hortilux super hps bulb and Xtrasun 2 reflector. Using coco/perlite mix in 5 gal smart pots and feeding flora series qt and calimagic per the guide on growweedeasy. Planning to grow 5 pots, 3 of durban poison (ordered from amsterdam) and 2 feminized ak47 (freebie from seed co.) in hopes at least one of the durbans will be female, also going to try to main-line the plants.
My hopes are that it will produce enogh to last me through the next grow cycle at consuming 1oz a month and once I get it figured out only one or two grows a year will keep me in clover. The only thing I am worried about so far is pests and how to prepare for them.

With all that said, I would love any opinions or suggestions you might have. Thanks!

 

[Final Phase]

Give it a good paint job of flat white paint unless you plan on putting up mylar, etc. You have all the potential there to take care of your needs for sure! Have fun!

 

[TTHyatt37]

^ Just make sure you put a lock on it if needed. ive had my chainsaw and leaf blower snatched from my own shed b4 i kept it locked up. just some advice if your living in a populated area.

 

[Zaycor]

Hey Nomo yes pests are a real pain in the ass, especially spider mites! since you have more than enough space though I would seriously think about bringing other plants in as support...such as chives or garlic as I hear spider mites & other knats don't go near them. I would certainy hang a few yellow sticky fly catchers as well. Also get a fan to blow the hot air between the bulb & plants that way you'll get the lights closer & finally make sure the electric in that room can handle all the amps (lights, fan, vents etc), it should be fine but better to make sure. Good luck.

 

[rnint]

Might want to check how light proof the walls are so that you don't end up with a glowing shed in your back yard at night which would be pretty shitty for stealth purposes haha. If its not light proof it shouldn't be hard to fix, either some thick paint or mylar/any plastic sheeting would fix it.

 

[marquezmurder]

I have seen others using thick foam boards since heat does not sink into it. If you are watching out for the eyes in the sky, heat could be an issue.

 

[OG Gardenz]

I also recommend burning sulphur for 8-12 hours before you move in any plants, this will kill or neutralize all powdery mildew spores etc...

 

[nomoresnow]

Hey Nomo yes pests are a real pain in the ass, especially spider mites! since you have more than enough space though I would seriously think about bringing other plants in as support...such as chives or garlic as I hear spider mites & other knats don't go near them.

Great idea, thanks so much.

Might want to check how light proof the walls are so that you don't end up with a glowing shed in your back yard at night which would be pretty shitty for stealth purposes haha. If its not light proof it shouldn't be hard to fix, either some thick paint or mylar/any plastic sheeting would fix it.

That's what the kool seal is for. It's a white elastomeric paint for roofing, thick, gooey and supposedly reflects heat and I plan to coat the whole insides with it.

I have seen others using thick foam boards since heat does not sink into it. If you are watching out for the eyes in the sky, heat could be an issue.

Crap, didn't think of that.

 

[sworth]

What a space you have you lucky b%*&%d!
You seem to be on the case, I'm going to enjoy watching this grow!
(Screen your intake to keep the insects out )