I don't believe it would be a budget option, but here's what I do. I took a garage 5 shelf adjustable shelving system (much like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Muscle-Rack ... /305553565 or
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source ... 1002864606 although my actual unit was discontinued a few years ago I believe). I divided it into three sections. Hard boards go on the bottom and the top, like normal shelves. The middle three sections just have the exterior parts that make up the shelves, without the support area in the middle.
The top section is closed up with plywood, painted black on the outside and white on the inside. The light is in that area.
The middle and bottom sections have plywood on the back wall and one of the sides, painted white on the inside. The other side has plexiglass. The front has two plexiglass pieces that slide within an aluminum track that was jb welded in place.
In the middle is placed a piece of white metal shelving (
https://www.lowes.com/pd/ClosetMaid-8-f ... lf/1090933) cut to size.
A few magnetic hooks are on the inside for individual plants.
This allows:
1) Four 10x10 trays to go on the wire rack closest to the light.
2) Four 10x20 trays to go on the bottom board furthest from the light, or three 10x20 trays and a humidifier.
3) The space can maintain a higher humidity by "closing up" (doesn't fully seal).
4) The most light loving plants can go in the 10x10 trays.
5) The bigger plants, that still enjoy a good amount of light, can go in the brighter part of the 10x20 trays.
6) The plants that prefer a little bit of shade can go in the 10x20 trays, under the wire shelving.
7) Plants that are a little more particular about their lighting can be put on magnetic hooks and moved up and down.
PXL_20220521_213423130.jpg (2.53 MiB) Viewed 4869 times
Not the best photo, but it'll give you a good idea.