From idea to grow tent

A 2×2 starter setup runs $400–600 total: 2×2 tent ($60–100), 100W LED ($120–180), 4-inch inline fan + carbon filter combo ($80–120), basic timer + thermometer/hygrometer ($20–30), 3 fabric pots ($15), starter soil and basic nutrients ($60–100). That setup grows 1–2 cannabis plants comfortably with autoflowers being easier than photoperiods. The Setup Cost Calculator (in development) will let you adjust each line item to your specific budget. Important: cheap doesn't mean unsafe — even a $400 setup needs proper electrical and a real fan, not box-store substitutes.

Depends entirely on training method, not just plant count. For untrained or LST-trained photoperiods: 1 plant per sq ft. For ScrOG: 0.5 plants per sq ft (each plant fills 2 sq ft of canopy). For SOG: 4 plants per sq ft (small plants flowered young). For autoflowers under LST: 2 plants per sq ft. Common configurations: 2×2 tent fits 1–2 LST photos or 4 LST autos. 4×4 fits 4 ScrOG photos, 8 LST photos, or 16 SOG autos. The Grow Tent Sizer handles this calculation against your specific plant count and training plan.

Required: tent, fixture, exhaust fan + carbon filter, oscillating fan, timer, thermometer/hygrometer, pots, soil/coco/medium, basic nutrients, pH meter or pH test strips. Without any of these, you either can't grow or you'll grow poorly. Nice-to-have: dehumidifier, AC, climate controller, EC meter, quantum meter, CO₂. These optimize results but aren't required for a successful first grow. The Equipment Compatibility Checker (in development) flags missing required items in your planned setup.

Soil for first-timers, every time. Soil buffers pH and nutrients, forgives mistakes, and lets you focus on learning everything else (lighting, training, environment) before adding feed-management complexity. Coco runs faster (more frequent feeds, more responsive to nutrient changes) but punishes mistakes harder — wrong pH or wrong feed strength shows up as deficiency within days. Hydro (DWC, RDWC) gives the highest yields and fastest grows but has zero margin for error — pump failure or pH crash kills plants in hours. Pattern: first 2 grows in soil, then experiment with coco on grow 3 if you're ready for more attention.

Only if you want continuous harvests. A single tent runs one full cycle every 3–4 months (8–12 weeks veg + flower combined). A two-tent setup (veg + flower) runs perpetual harvests every 8–10 weeks because you're always vegging the next round while flowering the current one. For first-timers: one tent is plenty. For growers wanting steady supply: two tents (often 2×2 veg + 4×4 flower) is the upgrade path, but doubles cost and electricity. The Setup Cost Calculator handles single vs dual-tent budget comparisons.

Mechanically yes, depending on your situation. Stealth setups need: light-tight tent (zipper covers, vent flaps closed), carbon filter sized to your fan (controls smell), quiet inline fan (or fan speed controller for noise reduction), and ideally a separate electrical circuit so a tripped breaker doesn't reveal anything. Heat is the hardest part — even a 100W LED produces heat that needs to go somewhere, and venting into a closet that backs up to a shared wall transmits warmth. For renters: closet grows are common but you carry the legal risk regardless of stealth quality. The Equipment Compatibility Checker can flag if your stealth plan has gaps (e.g., undersized filter for your fan, no fan speed control).