Module 0 — Propagation Room Setup (Barn Build-Out)
Build Zone A (fresh stick / rooting) inside a barn. Stable conditions, high success rate, easy sanitation, repeatable batches.
Commercial rule: The propagation room is sacred. No storage. Only active batches.
Room plan
Top view (simple diagram)
Legend: [B] bench | [W] walkway | D door | X control wall ┌───────────────────────────────┐ │ [B][B][B] [B][B][B] │ │ [B][B][B] [B][B][B] │ │ │ │ [W][W][W][W] X (controls) │ │ │ │ [B][B][B] [B][B][B] │ │ [B][B][B] [B][B][B] │ │ D │ └───────────────────────────────┘
Keep a 36–48" walkway. Put controllers on a clean, dry wall. Design drainage so there are no puddles—ever.
Where it fits
Zone A (THIS ROOM) - Fresh stick - Mist + humidity - Bottom heat - Highest sanitation Zone B (WEAN) - Step down mist - Increase airflow + light Zone C (HARDEN) - Normal irrigation style - Ready to pot-up
Scale tip: Duplicate the room design rather than “making one giant room” when you expand.
What you must build (minimum)
- Envelope: insulated walls/ceiling + vapor barrier + washable surfaces.
- Benches: wire/slatted tops (drainage + air + sanitation).
- Mist system: filtered water, solenoid, controller, proper nozzles.
- Drainage: no standing water; floor slope/drain/runoff path.
- Airflow: gentle circulation + some air exchange.
- Bottom heat: warm media drives rooting speed + uniformity.
- Lighting: even, moderate LED coverage.
- Sanitation station: tools + disinfectant + labels + SOPs.
Materials list with example products
| Category | Minimum spec | Example links |
|---|---|---|
| Washable wall surface | Moisture resistant; wipe-down | FRP wall panels (example) |
| Benches / tops | Wire/slat; drains; easy to clean | Grower’s Supply benches · Dura-Bench tops (example) |
| Bottom heat | Heat mats/tubing + thermostat probe at tray height | Hydrofarm heat mat · Inkbird thermostat |
| Mist controller | Timer or leaf-sensor (better consistency) | Phytotronics Electronic Leaf |
| Nozzles / foggers | Uniform coverage; correct filtration | Netafim CoolNet · CoolNet Pro · Retail example w/ specs |
| Ventilation | Gentle circulation + air exchange | AC Infinity Cloudline (example) |
| Sanitation references | Print + follow | UConn sanitation PDF · UMass cleaning/disinfecting |
Build order (don’t skip)
- Drainage plan (no puddles).
- Envelope (insulate + vapor barrier + washable walls).
- Electrical (GFCI; dedicated circuits; control wall).
- Benches (layout + service access).
- Mist (filter → solenoid → controller → nozzles).
- Airflow (circulation + exhaust/vent).
- Bottom heat (probe at media height).
- Lighting (even coverage).
- Sanitation station (tools + labels + SOPs).
Pass/fail test: Can you wipe down every surface quickly? Can you run mist without puddles? Can you keep gentle airflow 24/7? If yes—you’re in commercial territory.