Many would-be cannabis cultivators complain they don’t have enough space to grow their favorite strains indoors.
However, as more people get interested in at-home cultivation, manufacturers are releasing many high-quality small grow tents. No matter how cramped your quarters are, there’s probably a solid small grow tent you could fit in your closet.
While you might not be able to grow soaring sativas in these small tents, you’d be impressed by how many buds these tents could house.
Whether you’re a serious cultivator or just starting out, small grow tents can help you produce a steady stash of cannabis year-round.
Do Indoor Cultivators Need A Grow Tent?
OK, a grow tent isn’t “essential” for cultivating weed indoors. You could technically grow weed in a well-insulated space as long as you provide your plants with water, light, nutrients, and a warm environment.
However, if you want to maximize your grow room’s potential, you need to invest in a high-quality grow tent. Unless you have the funds to reconvert a spare room into a state-of-the-art grow facility, there’s no easier way to control your space than with a well-designed tent.
Indeed, “control” is a significant selling point for professional grow tents. High-quality grow tents provide your plants with superb insulation, which means you can easily adjust the temp and humidity of your grow space. By providing your plants with a reliable climate, you can expect higher yields.
But it’s not just temperature control that keeps plants healthy in a grow tent. Another benefit of using a tent is you can maximize the power of your grow light.
Not only do these tents keep light from spilling out, they help intensify your light’s potency thanks to an interior Mylar coating.
This means you could naturally increase your light intensity without paying extra for energy.
Cultivators also love how tents naturally deter pests and mold from entering their grow space.
Obviously, tents create a physical barrier from the rest of your home, which means there’s minimal risk bad bugs can invade plants. Interestingly, a few brands like Gorilla Grow Tent seal their tents with an anti-pest mesh coating.
You can find out more about this technology in our Gorilla Grow Tent catalog.
Are Grow Boxes The Same As Grow Tents?
While grow tents remain the standard way to grow cannabis indoors, they aren’t the only way to keep your weed protected.
Indeed, as more novices get interested in at-home cultivation, there has been a surge in demand for products listed as “grow boxes” or “grow cabinets.”
While these devices serve a similar purpose to grow tents, they’re typically smaller and constructed with materials like steel, metal, or wood.
Grow boxes are designed to blend in with your home décor, which means you don’t have to keep your ganja growing “in the closet.” Even if a visitor saw one of these grow boxes in the middle of your home, chances are they’d be none the wiser.
Obviously, many people are drawn to grow boxes because of their discretion. This is especially true for people who live in tiny studios where it could be challenging to hide a small grow tent.
However, there are many downsides to consider before buying a grow box. For starters, these units are often far more expensive than high-quality grow tents.
A big reason these boxes cost so much is that they tend to come with add-ons like nutrients, automated hydroponics systems, and even app-connectivity. Most often, these features are designed to help beginner growers who have no idea how to cultivate. You have to ask yourself whether these conveniences are worth the added cost.
Also, don’t forget that grow cabinets offer far less cultivation space than an average grow tent. In many cases, you’ll only be able to adequately grow one or two autoflower strains at a time in a standard grow box. Again, only you could determine whether this low capacity fits your growing goals.
Bottom line: grow tents are the preferred choice for most cannabis cultivators because they allow growers to cultivate more plants at an affordable price. While grow boxes have their uses, they are best suited for novice growers with minimal space who want a more “hands-off” cultivation experience.
What To Ask Before Shopping For A Grow Tent
Now that you’re sold on grow tents, you might be wondering what to look for when shopping for one. While it’s easy to get distracted with all the fancy features advertisers push, you’ve got to stay focused on the basics.
Before you begin browsing grow tent options, be sure you have a clear understanding of your space requirements. Take detailed measurements of the area you want to place your grow tent and visualize different products in your space.
You also need to consider how much space you need to grow your desired quantity of plants. Look up reliable grow data on the average size and height of whatever strains you’re interested in.
In most cases, small grow tents are best-suited for autoflowering or indica strains, but you might be able to fit a few sativa hybrids. You might want to consider learning about training techniques like ScrOG or bending to get the most use out of your grow space.
Lastly, you need to research the strength of your grow tent’s frame. Find out how many pounds your grow tent’s poles can handle and ensure it matches the weight of your lights, carbon air filter, and other necessary equipment.
If the max pounds don’t match up with your tent’s design, be sure to invest in support bars or place some equipment outside of the tent.
The Five Best Small Grow Tents In 2020
- Gorilla Grow Tent 2′ X 4′
- iPower Hydroponic Tent 32″ x 32″ x 63″
- Gorilla Grow Tent Shorty 2’ x 4’
- Gorilla Grow Tent Lite 2’ x 2.5’
- Secret Jardin Hydro Shoot 60 2’ x 2’ x 4 2/3’
1. Gorilla Grow Tent 2’ x 4’
Founded in California, Gorilla Grow Tent is the indisputable king in the premium tent market. If you want the highest quality products, you won’t be disappointed with any standard Gorilla Grow Tent model.
There are many reasons pro cultivators go “bananas” for these tents, but perhaps the most significant positive is their durability. Yes, these tents are as strong as a gorilla! This tent’s all-metal poles are said to handle a ridiculous 300 lbs. of weight, and the canvas density is an unprecedented 1680D.
Another standout feature for Gorilla Grow Tent products is the company’s proprietary height adjuster tool. No matter what GGT model you buy, you can add one or two inches to the top with this incredible technology.
Other noteworthy features you’ll find in the 2’ x 4’ GGT model include the following:
- Unique IR-blocking roof.
- Diamond reflective interior walls
- Viewing windows.
- Anti-pest mesh coating.
- Double-cinching duct ports.
On the downside, GGT models are some of the priciest tents on the market. Also, since these tents have an all-steel construction, they aren’t the most lightweight option.
Since GGT tents are a premium product, they’re best suited for intermediate cultivators who don’t mind splurging on a high-quality purpose. Although it will cost a lot upfront, remember that GGT tents are built to last a lifetime.
Find out more about the 2’ x 4’ Gorilla Grow Tent by clicking on this link.
GGT 2’ x 4’ Tent Specs
- Dimensions: 2’ x 4’x 6’11”
- Weight: 37 lbs.
- Canvas Density: 1680D
- Pole Diameter: 19mm
- Pole Material: Steel
- Supported Weight: 300 lbs.
2. iPower Hydroponic Tent 32″ x 32″ x 63″
iPower is another tent brand that gets a lot of attention in cannabis cultivation circles. One of this company’s most affordable small models is the 32” x 32” x 63” Hydroponic Tent. While this product doesn’t have the premium features of a Gorilla Grow Tent, it does have many perks that should entice cultivators on a modest budget.
First off, the iPower Hydroponic Tent boasts a sturdy metal pole construction that can handle 110 lbs. of weight. Cultivators who use this tent will also enjoy high-quality Oxford fabric and a removable waterproof floor tray.
According to iPower, you can assemble this tent on your own without the use of any tools. The company also claims this tent reflects 98 percent of your grow light on reflective Mylar and prevents 99 percent of light from escaping. As a bonus, this tent has an observation window, a closable vent door, and a handy tool bag.
So, if you’re looking for a highly-rated small grow tent perfect for hydroponic grows, this affordable iPower model may be right for you.
iPower Hydroponic Tent Specs
- Dimensions: 32’’ x 32’’ x 63’’
- Weight: 16.72 lbs.
- Frame Construction: all-metal frame
- Supported Weight: 110 lbs.
3. Gorilla Grow Tent Shorty 2’ x 4’
Gorilla Grow Tent understands not every grower wants the bells & whistles in its signature GGT line. To help cultivators of varying skill levels, the company created a few alternative lines like the “Shorty” and “Lite.”
As the name suggests, “Shorty” tents are “shorter” than all other Gorilla Grow Tents. Indeed, the max height of these Shorty tents is no greater than 4’ 11”. Of course, you could also use Gorilla Grow Tent’s height adjusters to add a max of 2’ to this tent if you wanted an extra boost.
Besides the reduced height, everything about the Shorty tent is the same as the standard GGT model. You’ll still enjoy the incredible steel frame construction and 1680D fabric. All Shorty tents also come with adjustable vent doors, diamond reflective walling, and a pest-resistant mesh screen.
If you’d like more info on Gorilla Grow Tent’s Shorty 2’ x 4’ model, please click this link.
Gorilla Grow Tent Shorty 2’ x 4’ Specs
- Dimensions: 2’ x 4’x 4’11”
- Weight: 31.5 lbs.
- Canvas Density: 1680D
- Frame Construction: Steel
- Pole Diameter: 19mm
Supported weight: 300 lbs.
4. Gorilla Grow Tent Lite 2’ x 2.5’
The third tent category in the Gorilla Grow Tent’s catalog is called “Lite” for two reasons. First, this tent is literally lighter than the GGT and Shorty. Second, Lite tents have a “lighter” impact on your wallet!
Since these tents are offered at such a steep discount, you shouldn’t expect the same quality as a standard GGT. Indeed, all Lite models have a significantly reduced denier count of 210D. While Gorilla Grow Tent argues its advanced PVE binding technology helps reduce light spillage, you must be willing to accept this lower thread count.
Another distinction between the Lite and GGT is the use of interlocking metal poles. Instead of supporting 300 lbs., Lite tents can only carry around 170 lbs.
It’s also worth noting that Lite tents don’t have IR-blocking roof technology and don’t come with a complimentary 1’ height adjuster. Speaking of height, Lite tents only reach a maximum of 6’ 7” without the height adjuster; however, the 2’ x 2.5’ model measures 5’ 7” tall.
On the plus side, the Lite tent only weighs about 19 lbs., which makes it very easy to transport. Plus, since these tents cost significantly less than GGT or Shorty models, they are ideal for new home-growers who want superior quality without breaking the bank.
Find out more about the 2’ x 2.5’ x 5’ 7” Lite model by clicking on this link.
Gorilla Grow Tent Lite 2’ x 2.5’ Specs
Dimensions: 2’ x 2.5’ x 5’7″
Weight: 19 lbs.
Canvas Density: 210D
Supporting Weight: 170 lbs.
Pole Diameter: 16mm
5. Secret Jardin Hydro Shoot 60 2’ x 2’ x 4 2/3’
Founded in 2006, Secret Jardin is a grow tent company based in Belgium that has attracted a dedicated following. Customers who are most concerned about price will probably be most interested in this company’s Hydro Shoot 60 model.
Although the Hydro Shoot 60 costs a low price, that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality. Indeed, this tent uses 16 mm steel tubes for superb durability, and it has a modest 190D thread count. As with all other professional grow tents, the Hydro Shoot 60 also has a 100 percent Mylar interior and configurable sockets to help with air circulation.
True, the Hydro Shoot 60 may not be as powerful as other tents on our list, but it’s also one of the most accessible models. Cultivators who want a quality grow tent for a cheap rate should take a peek at this lightweight model.
Find out more about the Hydro Shoot 60 on this link.
Secret Jardin Hydro Shoot 2’ x 2’ Tent Specs
- Dimensions: 2’ x 2’ x 4 2/3’
- Frame: 16mm steel tubes
- Canvas Density: 190D
- Weight: 11 lbs.