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$196.00 – $269.00 incl. VATSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Build your own grow box vs. buying a ready-made one
Ready-made grow box kits seem very practical at first glance: they are ready to use immediately, technically well thought out, and perfectly matched. For beginners without any DIY skills, this can be an attractive solution – especially if comfort, safety, and a professional design are important. Most kits offer an optimized combination of lighting, ventilation, and odor control, and are often lightproof and compactly built.
However, ready-made systems also have their downsides. They are often significantly more expensive than DIY versions, and when it comes to upgrades or repairs, replacement parts can quickly become costly. In addition, you are less flexible in terms of size and setup – so if you want to use a specific space at home, standard solutions can quickly reach their limits.
A self-built grow box, on the other hand, offers maximum freedom. Whether it’s an old wardrobe, an IKEA shelf, or a custom-built wooden frame – with a DIY grow box, you can tailor the shape, size, lighting, and ventilation exactly to your needs and those of your plants.
Especially for hobby gardeners with DIY skills, building your own system is often not only more affordable but also an exciting project. Even with a small budget, it’s possible to create a functional grow box that can compete with purchased systems in terms of efficiency.
Of course, building your own also comes with challenges. Planning, technical aspects, and the actual construction require time and know-how. Mistakes in these areas can lead to suboptimal growth, excessive temperatures, or poor air circulation. Visually, DIY solutions often appear less “clean” – unless you invest the necessary time and effort into the build.
In summary:
Ready-made grow boxes are ideal for anyone looking for a simple, safe, and quick solution. Building your own, on the other hand, is worthwhile for those who want to save money, stay flexible, and customize the project to their own needs.
Preparation: What You Need to Know
Before you start building your own grow box, you should have a clear plan – because good preparation is key to the later success of your indoor grow. Here are the most important points to consider in advance:
What size and shape do you need?
Think about how much space you have available – both in height and width. The size of your grow box mainly depends on the number and type of plants. For small projects, a compact model (e.g., 40×40×120 cm) is often sufficient, while larger grows require more volume and height – especially during the flowering phase. A rectangular shape is usually easier to ventilate and illuminate.
2. How many plants do you want to grow?
A common mistake is overcrowding the box. Plants need space to grow and for proper air circulation. It’s better to grow fewer but healthy and strong plants – this helps prevent mold, lack of light, and competition for nutrients.
What kind of light source is suitable?
Light is the most important growth factor in indoor growing. Modern LED grow lights, such as those offered by Bonsanto, are especially energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce little heat. Make sure the lamp matches the size of your grow box and has the correct light spectrum (full spectrum or bloom/growth-specific). In DIY grow boxes, it’s also worth using reflective foil or white interior walls to distribute the light evenly.How do you manage air circulation?
Good ventilation is essential. Fresh air supplies the plants with CO₂, prevents heat buildup, and helps prevent mold. You’ll need at least an exhaust fan with an activated carbon filter (for odors) and a circulation fan to keep the air moving. At Bonsanto, you’ll find compact, quiet ventilation systems that can be easily integrated into self-built grow boxes.How do you protect against pests and diseases?
A clean environment is crucial. Maintain hygiene when watering, avoid open soil in living spaces, and keep temperature and humidity in the optimal range. The Bonsanto thermo-hygrometer is helpful here, allowing you to monitor values like humidity and temperature at all times. This way, you can take action early before pests or mold become a problem.
Create a small checklist before starting the build and make sure you have all the components – from the light source and ventilation to the timer. The better prepared you are, the smoother your grow will run.
Important Information About Lighting
Proper lighting is absolutely essential for indoor growing – without sufficient light, plant growth simply won’t happen. Energy-efficient yet powerful LED grow lights, such as those from Bonsanto or Sanlight, have proven especially effective. These are specifically designed for indoor cultivation, offering an optimal light spectrum for both the growth and flowering phases. They generate minimal heat and are significantly more energy-efficient than conventional lighting.
Depending on the size of your grow box, you should pay close attention to the appropriate light output and coverage area. A lamp that’s too weak won’t adequately supply all your plants – while an overly strong one may consume unnecessary power or cause heat issues. As a general rule: for every square meter of growing area, you need about 200–300 watts of LED power.
To make lighting even more efficient, it’s recommended to line the interior surfaces of your DIY grow box with white paint or reflective foil. This helps distribute the light evenly throughout the space, allowing your plants to absorb more energy and grow more uniformly.
Proper Airflow
Reliable ventilation is essential – without it, mold, heat buildup, or unpleasant odors can quickly develop. For the exhaust system, an activated carbon filter set is ideal, especially for small to medium-sized grow boxes. It effectively filters the air and ensures odor-free, fresh air exchange. Good experiences have been reported with the Silent/Max activated carbon fan from Bonsanto, the Eco exhaust complete set from Growshop-24, and the Prima Klima ECO-Line from Growmart.
We recommend placing the air intake at the bottom of the grow box so that fresh, cool air can flow in. The exhaust should be positioned at the top, as warm air rises. This creates a natural airflow that ensures a stable and plant-friendly climate – without much technical effort.
With the Max or Silent activated carbon filter, this is especially easy: both models can be quickly screwed into the existing opening using a nut – easy to install, securely mounted, and ready to use immediately.
How to Save Money When Building a Grow Box
You want to create a grow box without breaking your budget? Use existing furniture, simple materials from the hardware store, and affordable yet high-quality components. This way, you can build a functional grow box for under €100 – perfect for beginners or as a second project.
Additionally, you can combine the grow box with inexpensive accessories, such as fertilizer, a timer, or plant-tie sets to support your plants’ growth. The best part: you can buy many of these materials cheaply yourself or reuse items from around your home – like wood for the frame or shelves from old furniture. This way, you save money and get to showcase your DIY skills at the same time.
