Grow Room Setup Planner: your 5-phase interactive checklist

Phase 1–2 (space and environment) typically takes a weekend. Phase 3 (hydroponic system) is a half-day once components arrive. Phases 4–5 run over 3–5 weeks depending on crop. The most common delay is waiting for seeds to germinate and develop enough roots to transplant — use the setup time for the planner so you're ready when they are.

The three we see most often: (1) Skipping the 24-hour leak test — a dripping NFT join on a concrete floor is a very bad surprise. (2) Undersizing ventilation — a tent without extraction gets 8–10°C above ambient. (3) Not calibrating the pH pen before first use — an uncalibrated pen can read 0.5 pH units off, pushing nutrient lockout from day one.

For leafy greens and herbs, odour is minimal and a carbon filter is optional. For fruiting plants — especially tomatoes and peppers at flower — the aroma is noticeable and a filter is worthwhile. If you're growing in a flat or shared building, fit one from the start regardless of crop; it's cheap insurance against neighbourly friction.