Every guide on Indoor Harvest Lab is written to be accurate, specific and useful to someone growing food indoors. This page explains how we research, write, check and update our content.
1. Where our information comes from
We rely on sources in roughly this order of preference:
- University extension services and research centres, for example UF/IFAS, Oklahoma State, University of Minnesota, Purdue, Penn State and Cornell’s controlled-environment agriculture programmes.
- Peer-reviewed research in horticulture, plant physiology and food safety.
- Government agencies such as the USDA and national food-safety authorities.
- Manufacturer technical data (for example PPFD maps, spectral data and meter accuracy specifications), used for gear comparisons and labelled as manufacturer claims.
We link to key sources in each article. We do not cite a source for something it does not say, and we never invent studies, statistics or quotes.
2. How we write
- Answer first. The first paragraph answers the question directly, with the key numbers.
- Ranges, not myths. Where values depend on crop, stage, light or water quality, we give ranges and explain what shifts them.
- Practical steps. Procedures are written as numbered steps, and each guide includes common mistakes to avoid.
- Plain language. Technical terms such as EC, PPFD and DLI are explained the first time they appear.
- Where this applies. When climate, season, water supply or local rules change the advice, we say so.
3. Product and gear content
Gear articles compare product types and models using published specifications, independent measurements and extension guidance. We say clearly whether a statement comes from a manufacturer, independent data or our own hands-on use, and we never claim to have tested something we have not. See our Affiliate and Advertising Disclosure.
4. Images
We use openly licensed photos (credited in captions), our own charts and diagrams, and occasionally AI-generated illustrations for generic scenes. AI-generated images are always labelled “Illustration (AI-generated)” and are never used to identify a plant, disease or deficiency.
5. Review and updates
Every article is fact-checked against its sources before publication, and links are checked to make sure they work. We revisit articles when new research appears, when search data shows readers need more detail, or when a reader reports an error. Significant updates are reflected in the article’s updated date.
6. Corrections
If you find an error, email contact@indoorharvestlab.com with the page and, if possible, a source. We correct confirmed errors promptly.
About the author
Guides are written by A. Bashar, a professional agricultural scientist (BSc Agriculture, MSc Biotechnology) working in crop research and completing a PhD in plant breeding. Read more about Indoor Harvest Lab.