Fall is here, and if you’re in the northern states, it’s already starting to get pretty cold.

It doesn’t take any time at all for the winter cold to really set in. This cold can be bad news for your marijuana grow room as this space needs a very specific climate and environment. If the grow room is too cold, it could destroy your entire crop.

Your crop doesn’t have to suffer.

We here at RetroFoam of Michigan have insulated thousands of homes, pole barns, and even some grow rooms. We understand what goes into building and maintaining a grow room, so we have compiled a list of tips to help you keep Old Man Winter out of your grow operation.

How to Winterize an Indoor Grow Room

Winter will be here before you know it, so it’s important to start planning and prepping your grow room.

Here are the areas where you will get the most benefit from winterization.

Grow Room Air Condition Unit

I know what you're thinking, "How can something that cools the air actually help winterize my grow room?"

Stick with me for a second.

Yes, in the summer, your AC is a lifesaver, keeping things cool when it's scorching outside. But here's the thing: many growers use a closed room method all year round, which means that AC is working even in the colder months to keep everything inside just right. You're controlling the temperature and the humidity in that sealed environment.

Here's something to remember: some air conditioners don't like to run when it's below 50 degrees. But don't worry -- you can add a low-ambient kit. It helps slow down the compressor so it won't freeze up when the temps drop. Problem solved!

Keeping Water Sources Warm

If your water source is outside, that cold water coming into your grow room can really shock your plants -- especially their roots.

But don't worry, there are two easy ways to handle this: you can either use reservoir heaters or wrap some insulation around the water hoses.

Reservoir heaters are a game-changer, especially if you're running a recirculating hydro system. They let you set the water temperature so you know your plants are getting water, which is just right, according to Fifth Season Gardening.

Now, if you go the insulation route, it's going to take a bit more effort. The insulation can help keep the water warmer, but you'll need to keep an eye on both the water temperature and the soil. You don't want a big temperature difference that could accidentally shock your plants.

Grow Room Insulation

Insulation is going to be your best friend when it comes to keeping the cold out of your grow room.

Whether you've got an indoor setup in your basement or an outbuilding, you'll want to get that insulation in place before the temperatures start to drop, especially if you're in colder regions like the Midwest or East Coast.

Basements can get pretty chilly in the winter, even if the rest of the house stays warm -- unless they're insulated. Adding insulation to your basement walls and rim joists can make a big difference. But here's the thing: not all types of insulation are ideal for a grow room.

If you're working with a pole barn or outbuilding, it's even more critical. These structures deal with the full force of Mother Nature, and since metal is such a good conductor of temperature, that cold can really wreak havoc on your plants.

The solution? Insulate those walls and ceilings to help keep the cold air out and protect your plants from the winter chill.

Regulating a Marijuana Grow Room Temperature

The key to regulating your marijuana grow room temperature year-round is to create an air seal.

Cannabis Business Times recommends making sure no air is coming in due to structural integrity issues or air gaps.

No matter what the temperature is outside, this air seal will keep your grow room at the temperature and humidity you need for your marijuana to thrive. As you know, cold temperatures can be detrimental to your crop.

You can avoid this potential danger by using these winterizing tips, but there is another rabbit you can pull out of the hat. Air sealing your grow room with foam insulation can create the air seal mentioned above.

If you want to learn more about how awesome foam can be, check out the Learning Center on our website. 

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