"How does one know the light cycles needed for plants at different stages for the artificial lighting?" ANSWER: In nature, plants are able to recognize the length of time, probably even down to the minute, of sunlight in a day to gauge whether they should be growing their stems, leaves, and roots vigorously, or, when temperatures and other conditions such as nutrients permit, begin to produce abundant blooms and fruits. Now, in order to recreate this change in duration of light being emitted at your plants, you must know the magic number. Yes, there is a magic number under which all plants (whether they bloom with more than, or less than this magic number) obey. If one changes the amount of light a plant receives from 24 hours, being on all day, down to a smaller amount such as 18 hours, not much will happen! You have not gotten down to the magic number yet. What is important to know, is that no matter how close you get to this magic number, things don't start doing much till you actually reach it. It just so happens that when plants begin receiving 12, or some say 13, hours of light, and 12 or 11 hours of darkness, they are forced into what is called their flowering state. As previously stated, the plants will redirect their "hormones" and growth factors in a way such that the growth is now focusing on growing buds and blooms, and ultimately, tasty morsels for us to eat! And this all happens, again, at 12 hours of light per day! "What's the cheapest diy way to set up hydro/aero systems?" ANSWER: I prefer to use what is called the DWC, or Deep Water Culture type of setup because it is very easy to understand how it works, and is very economical. As to how I make them, that is very easy. If you don't mind some reading, reading from a MJ forum I might add, I have included a link to some invaluable instructions about how to create a DWC bucket: "Are there better systems for different types of plants?" ANSWER: Yes and no. I think it all really boils down to how much root space a plant needs. Obviously, a banana tree will be different than a rosemary bush, in many respects, but root space will determine which system would be more suited for the plant. I have no list of optimum systems for every plant out there, so I won't be of as much help here. Many people around this forum should be able to answer this question though. Here is a link that might be useful: DIY DWC Bucket

About your floor plan, what I would suggest is that you consider moving a wall. The bathroom wall that you list the interior measurements as 3'4" has a little jog and another length of wall that measures 3'6". Why not move that wall so that it is all one plane, totalling 6"10"? Then, you could put your makeup vanity along that wall and have it as big as you could possibly want! Possibly, that would negatively affect your walking space for entering the MBR from the Sitting Room - not sure what code might require. If that is the case, you could consider making the available space for the tub smaller, resulting in a larger space for the shower and small closet in that area of the bathroom, and still yielding a 6'10" length of wall to the left of the bathroom entry door. Good luck and enjoy your monster bathroom! I'm sure it will be quite luxurious!

OP here... bus_driver: Our current furnace is natural gas. I think we will have to devote some sort of space in the basement for a heating apparatus. I've been eyeing Electric Fireplaces, too - to supplement our secondary source (if that makes sense!) and because they look really cool. We don't want or need air conditioning. srercrcr: I guess saying Denver is "mild" is a matter of perspective. I grew up in a climate where below zero for the entire winter was the norm. So Denver is mild to me :) but you have a point! mike_home: Nope, no heat calculation done yet. Will follow up on the Manual J Calculation. Basement is entirely below grade - that surprises me that the heating requirement will be low. Thanks for the lesson. sean_m: will take a look at the split heat pumps - what sort of heating is it? wisehvac: We replaced the 50 gallon water heater last winter because it went out. DH really wanted a tankless. Maybe it's time to reconsider... Thanks all - I'm learning a lot. Feel free to keep sharing, no matter how basic you think the advice is!

In general: sufficient light, water, temperature, growing media, and air movement. "Sufficient" is going to depend on the type[s] of plants chosen.