MyGreenToe
Member
Okay so first a little background:
I wrote the original thread at another forum over 3 years ago. Clearly since then, vertical growing has exploded with MJ gardeners. I still feel there is a need for a collected, logical breakdown of how these systems work, and where to see the best examples of each. To that end, I am revising the entire thread to be current and relevant. Please bear with me as it takes shape. Constructive criticism and additional links are appreciated, but give me a couple days to get my initial draft in place and sorted before you start tearing me a new one!
Big thanks to Heath for archiving my original thread! Wouldn’t have the motivation to do this without it!
Ok on to the good stuff…
Indoor Vertical Grow Systems 101
Introduction
Due to the fact that many people know very little about vertical grow setups, I have attempted to lay out the basics here! I am no expert, and don't claim to be, so if you see something incorrect, or have something to add, by all means speak up! Credit for most of this information goes to a lot of different people. I have simply put everything in my own words in an attempt to condense it here. I will edit the post over time to reflect current info. As this is simply a 101 thread, I will not go into great depth about the nuance of each system, simply how they work on a basic level. I will, however, add links in each section to grows that are good examples of the type of Vertical in question.
For the sake of this discussion, indoor vertical grow systems can be defined as:
Grow setups in which one or more bulbs is hung vertically, with no reflector. In all but Stadium style Verticals, the plants are arrayed around the bulb/s, in a 360 degree wall of green, which then grows inward towards the bulb/s. This eliminates the use of costly reflectors. Stadium style grows make excellent use of vertical space in the same way bleachers do in a stadium, instead of a 360 wall of green. The lights are hung vertically along the center aisle, while the plants sit on the “bleachers”. The nature of these setups creates far more square footage of canopy when compared to a traditional flat setup with the same footprint. Vertical setups, while initially intimidating, are compatible with most any style of growing, from organic, to soil/soilless, and hydroponics of all flavors. Vertical setups have been proven to work on both small and large scales. Whether you Do It Yourself, or buy a commercial unit, once set up properly, they really perform!
Indoor vertical grow systems generally fall into 4 categories. These are Vertical SOG, Vertical SCROG, Stadium/Coliseum Style Grows, and Tree/Bush Grows.
I created this image years ago. Even then I understood that it doesn't represent the entire picture. I am creating a new file that better represents canopy growth and garden volume, to make a better comparison. I will post it here when finished.
The remainder of the thread will continue based on the assumption that, all other things being equal, vertical bulbs will outperform horizontal ones. If you wish to debate that topic, there is a sticky in the Vert forum, that takes my explanation further, and has alot of great discussion on the topic. Check it out:
Benefits of Vertical Growing
I wrote the original thread at another forum over 3 years ago. Clearly since then, vertical growing has exploded with MJ gardeners. I still feel there is a need for a collected, logical breakdown of how these systems work, and where to see the best examples of each. To that end, I am revising the entire thread to be current and relevant. Please bear with me as it takes shape. Constructive criticism and additional links are appreciated, but give me a couple days to get my initial draft in place and sorted before you start tearing me a new one!
Big thanks to Heath for archiving my original thread! Wouldn’t have the motivation to do this without it!
Ok on to the good stuff…
Indoor Vertical Grow Systems 101
Introduction
Due to the fact that many people know very little about vertical grow setups, I have attempted to lay out the basics here! I am no expert, and don't claim to be, so if you see something incorrect, or have something to add, by all means speak up! Credit for most of this information goes to a lot of different people. I have simply put everything in my own words in an attempt to condense it here. I will edit the post over time to reflect current info. As this is simply a 101 thread, I will not go into great depth about the nuance of each system, simply how they work on a basic level. I will, however, add links in each section to grows that are good examples of the type of Vertical in question.
For the sake of this discussion, indoor vertical grow systems can be defined as:
Grow setups in which one or more bulbs is hung vertically, with no reflector. In all but Stadium style Verticals, the plants are arrayed around the bulb/s, in a 360 degree wall of green, which then grows inward towards the bulb/s. This eliminates the use of costly reflectors. Stadium style grows make excellent use of vertical space in the same way bleachers do in a stadium, instead of a 360 wall of green. The lights are hung vertically along the center aisle, while the plants sit on the “bleachers”. The nature of these setups creates far more square footage of canopy when compared to a traditional flat setup with the same footprint. Vertical setups, while initially intimidating, are compatible with most any style of growing, from organic, to soil/soilless, and hydroponics of all flavors. Vertical setups have been proven to work on both small and large scales. Whether you Do It Yourself, or buy a commercial unit, once set up properly, they really perform!
Indoor vertical grow systems generally fall into 4 categories. These are Vertical SOG, Vertical SCROG, Stadium/Coliseum Style Grows, and Tree/Bush Grows.
I created this image years ago. Even then I understood that it doesn't represent the entire picture. I am creating a new file that better represents canopy growth and garden volume, to make a better comparison. I will post it here when finished.
The remainder of the thread will continue based on the assumption that, all other things being equal, vertical bulbs will outperform horizontal ones. If you wish to debate that topic, there is a sticky in the Vert forum, that takes my explanation further, and has alot of great discussion on the topic. Check it out:
Benefits of Vertical Growing
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