Setting up grow room for Mango/Lychee in basement

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Posted by alphapenguin 5 (My Page) on

Mon, Nov 2, 09 at 20:23

I currently have 3 mango saplings, one 3 gallon Mango and one 3 gallon Lychee from Pine Island and a Guava tree in my basement, which is next to some large windows in my basement which are also south facing. I did this last year (i didnt have the plants from pine island yet), and my plants were able to survive well enough for the summer to be put outside I live in ohio and we get some crappy winters. Anyway this year I wanted better supplemental light so I bought a 600W HPS/MH Grow light. I also purchased some mylar online and will be walling off the plants, but my question is:
Should I try to utilize the natural sunlight and also use the grow light as well? I would just wall off 3 sides and have one side open to the windows, or should I just forget about the natural light (i mean i did buy a 300$ ballast system). I was thinking by utilizing the sunlight as well, it would be cheaper on the electric bill, since i would run the light for shorter periods of time.

As for the humidity, i am not going to worry about that right now, since I do not want to cause a mold issue in my basement.

Any ideas? Maybe if I drew a picture of what I had in mind, it might better frame my question for you guys.

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RE: Setting up grow room for Mango/Lychee in basement

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Posted by alphapenguin 5 (My Page) on
Mon, Nov 2, 09 at 20:32

Here is a pic of my idea. no dimensions, but I am planning on a 6'by 6' area.

RE: Setting up grow room for Mango/Lychee in basement

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Posted by dave_in_nova VA zone 7a (My Page) on
Wed, Nov 18, 09 at 10:29

Lamp will likely throw off a lot of heat. Warm temps will encourage mites, so be warned. Yes, I would utilize existing windows for natural light. You might also be able to crack the windows to allow fresh air on milder days, as long as you are going to 'wall it off'. It might keep temps cooler too. You may want to eventually set up a small humidifier and a fan to circulate air.

RE: Setting up grow room for Mango/Lychee in basement

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Posted by puglvr1 9 FL (My Page) on
Thu, Nov 19, 09 at 12:10

Alpha, check out this link from the tropical fruits forum...might help you out a little? Good luck!

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tropicalfruits/msg1114542120895.html?19

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread from the Tropical Fruits forum

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