How to Build a Growing Shed

Prepare the area where the shed will go. Remove trees and level the ground. Place cinder blocks, or dig holes for footings. If using cement, mix cement and pour into footing holes. Insert 4x4 posts into cinder blocks or into wet cement. Use level to check that posts are vertical. Brace posts, if using cement, until cement is dry.

Build the platform for the floor. Cut 2x8s to the width of the shed, cutting enough so that you have one every 16 inches all the way across. Cut two 2x8s to the size of the length of the shed, and nail the frame of the floor together using the metal decking brackets. The result should be a rectangle with supports running across the short direction, spaced 16 inches apart.

Attach the platform to the 4x4 posts using metal brackets meant for this purpose. Nail it to one post and then use a level to make sure the platform is level before nailing it to the other posts.

Measure and cut plywood for the flooring. Nail it down onto the platform.

Build the frames for the walls. If you've never done this before, it's good to find a book with diagrams so you can see how the wood goes together. Cut enough lengths of 2x4 that are the right height for the vertical pieces to be spaced 16 inches apart. Then cut two pieces to go across the top and bottom. Measure and mark the location where the vertical pieces will attach. Nail from the outside through the top piece into the end of each vertical piece. Plan where the door will go and make a frame for that by using an extra piece of 2x4 on both sides and on the top.

Erect the wall framing by nailing the bottom piece to the edge of the floor, and nailing the corners together.

Build a frame for the roof by making an extra section of framing on one side, so that that wall is taller than the others. Build another section of framing and attach it so that the roof is slanted.

Cut and nail plywood up to cover the sides and roof. Cover the roof with tar paper and nail down shingles.

Insulate the inside, if needed in your climate. Line the inside with plywood, paneling or plastic sheeting. Install the gauges and the fan. You can supply power using an extension cord meant for outdoor use, or run an underground electrical line from the house if you know how to do that (or hire an electrician).

Mount the light fixtures to the ceiling. Your grow shed is ready to go.