Examples of Common Cannabis Growing Setups
This page will lead you to some setup shopping lists for a handful of the most popular styles of growing cannabis. You can use the information below to help decide which type of lighting you want to use if you don’t already know. The type of lighting you use will steer you towards some guides that will show you everything that’s needed to get started growing potent homegrown cannabis. You’ll get the initial setup cost, the cost to reach your first harvest (the highest cost), and the cost of subsequent harvests (much cheaper after the first).
Small Grow Setups
Medium Grow Setups
Large Grow Setups
- Advanced LEDs
- 400W MH/HPS
- 600W MH/HPS
Example Setups for Different Lighting Types
Note: You’ll notice that in the pictures below, there are 2 numbers for electricity. Electricity prices were calculated for $0.12/kWh (USA national average) and $0.25/kWh (city average). So, your electricity price may be higher or lower depending on the cost of electricity where you live.
CFL Grow Lights
Average Yield: 1-2 oz Per Harvest
Average Electricity Cost: $27/month
Initial Setup Cost: $471.00
Starter LEDs
Average Yield: 2-4 oz Per Harvest
Average Electricity Cost: $23/month
Initial Setup Cost: $589.00
Small Quantum Board LED
Average Yield: 5-10 oz Per Harvest
Average Electricity Cost: $23/month
Initial Setup Cost: $1,135
250W MH/HPS
Average Yield: 4-9 oz Per Harvest
Average Electricity Cost: $33/month
Initial Setup Cost: $605.00
315W LEC Grow Light
Average Yield: 5-10 oz Per Harvest
Average Electricity Cost: $43/month
Initial Setup Cost: $940.00
400W MH/HPS
Average Electricity Cost: $46/month
Average Yield: 7-14 oz Per Harvest
Initial Setup Cost: $744.00
600W MH/HPS
Average Electricity Cost: $61/month
Average Yield: 10-21 oz Per Harvest
Initial Setup Cost: $780.00
Although there is a larger size MH/HPS grow light available (1000W), at that size it starts going outside the scope of a “hobbyist” grower as far as ease and yields. In addition to needing a lot of extra cooling, a 1000W HPS grow light is less efficient compared to a 600W grow light (as far as how much light is put out for electricity used). I think most hobbyist growers would be happier with a 600W, or even two 600W lights, over a 1000W.
Learn the basics of growing weed: Beginner’s Guide
These Cannabis Growing Setup Examples Assume You’re Starting From Scratch and Don’t Plan to DIY Anything
I tried to include everything in these lists, as if someone were growing marijuana completely from scratch. For each example I calculated the cost as if you were buying everything online off of Amazon.com from the included links. A lot of these items cost less money if you shop around online or buy them in person, and you may already have some stuff lying around the house already.
For each example I also included a matching grow tent, because I believe grow tents are the best way to create a perfect environment for your plant at a really low cost. But if you want to skip the tent and make your own grow space in a grow box or closet, learn how to create the perfect growing environment for your plants!
2 healthy, manifolded plants under a 600W MH (Metal Halide)
Over the years we’ve had lots of people request “starter” shopping lists for new growers – it can be frustrating trying to figure out exactly what supplies you need to start growing cannabis indoors! So today I decided to make a few comprehensive shopping lists for common setups that include everything from nutrients to grow lights to rope ratchets. I’ll even tell you what yields, electricity cost and cost/ounce to expect with each setup.
If you don’t want to have to figure out exactly what to buy to start growing, this article is for you! I will break down what to expect based on your space limits and desired yields, so you can get the exact perfect setup for your situation.
I need more/different help! Take me to the 10-Step Quick Start Grow Guide
Don’t Forget to Budget Money for Growing Medium and Plant Containers!
Remember to consider the growing medium (not included in totals). Here’s my very general estimate for 1-2 plants (you will need more to grow more plants). So consider you will need to spend an extra $30-125 for your growing medium + the cost of your container.
Choose One:
- Super Soil $40 (for 10 gallons of super soil) + container
https://www.growweedeasy.com/super-soil - Soil $30 (for 10 gallons Happy Frog soil) + container
https://www.growweedeasy.com/soil - Coco Coir $30 (for 2x coco bricks + perlite for 10 gallons) + container
https://www.growweedeasy.com/coco - Hydroponics $150 (to make reservoir)
https://www.growweedeasy.com/hydro
