Both types are typically available at local hardware stores, online and at garden centers. They also do not produce excess heat and have become available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. LEDs are usually more expensive than fluorescent bulbs, but they are very energy-efficient and long-lasting. There are other types of grow lights like sodium vapor lights, but they are harder to find and more commonly used in commercial greenhouse settings.įor many years, fluorescent shop lights were the go-to seed starting bulbs for gardeners, but LEDs have quickly replaced them as the standard choice. Most gardeners use either fluorescent lights or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Bulb technologyĪ small shop light can provide coverage to one or two trays. If you’re starting multiple seedling flats, a longer shop light will allow fairly uniform coverage across your trays. A better, usually more expensive option, would be a tube light that is the length of your seedling tray so that the light is more evenly distributed. So, if you only have one tray of seedlings, a single bulb model will likely work fine, especially if you have some natural lighting to supplement it like a bright window. If it’s off to the side or too high above them, they will stretch to reach it, resulting in thin, weak stems. Ideally, your light should be positioned directly above your seedlings. The best size and shape for you depends on the orientation of your seed starting setup. Grow lights are sold in a variety of shapes and sizes, from bulbs that look like those you would put in a lamp, to clip-on rods, to long shop lights. Let's break down which options may best suit your seed-starting needs. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and prices. In an ideal world, you’d research the ideal PPFD values for your plants and find a corresponding grow light – although this isn’t always possible.If you’ve shopped for grow lights recently, you have likely noticed that there are a lot of different options for seed-starting lights. Some retailers list their grow lights’ PPFD values, making it easier to find out whether they’d emit enough light to cover all your plants in one area. PPF (photosynthetic photon flux) describes the amount of light leaving a light source per second, while PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density) is the amount of light hitting a surface per second per metre squared. These acronyms may seem overly technical but they can be important when it comes to finding the best grow lights for indoor plants. For LEDs, a foot or two away should be plenty. No matter which type of grow light you buy, make sure to place it far enough away from your plants to avoid scorching the leaves. While many grow lamps now use energy-efficient LEDs and tend to give off less heat than other types of lights, some designs like HID lights can emit a lot.Įnergy-efficient lighting can protect your plants from high temperatures, but it should also last longer and save you money on your electricity bill. Some grow lights produce more heat than others, which can have a significant effect on your plants’ development. Some bulbs need a period of complete darkness to stimulate root growth before they flower. You could use a grow lamp to nurture species like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and amaryllis – just be sure to check their specific requirements. Like many other plants, ones grown from bulbs can benefit from artificial light when kept indoors. So, it’s worth doing a bit of research to make sure your chosen grow light can cater for the plants you’re growing. To bloom, some flowers like chrysanthemum and poinsettia need short days, while others like African violets and tuberous begonias wait for longer days. In general, herbs and leafy greens flourish under grow lights, but sun-loving and shade-loving plants could suffer with the wrong amount of light. While some have a choice of timer settings, others have one mode and are only suited to certain plants. Most grow lights include automatic timers, which turn the light on for several hours every day. Our round-up includes the best grow lights for indoor plants we’ve found, but here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right option for you. There’s a whole host of different grow lights out there, from standalone bulbs to lamp-style gadgets and much larger light strips and hanging panels you attach to shelves or ceilings. What to consider when buying indoor grow lights
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