Comments on: “Sunny” Seedling Shelves

By: Henry

Henry — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 15:47:12 +0000

You can use regular fluorescent lights. They work just fine. The color temperature makes a bit of a difference. Ideally, you want cooler light (around 6000K) for growing and warmer light (around 2700K) for flowering. But really, any bulb will work for any purpose. Having the ideal color temperature is simply a bit more efficient.

By: Henry

Henry — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 22:02:29 +0000

If you have enough sunlight, grow lights aren’t necessary , but they do help. And for seedlings, fluorescent lights are actually better than full on grow lights, since they don’t emit too much heat, which can damage the delicate plants. And they put out plenty of light for seedlings.

By: kitchen'r jon

kitchen'r jon — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 20:48:48 +0000

Hey Chris, I’m not totally sure about the science but it seems to have to do with varying levels of light intensity: http://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/choosing-plant-grow-lights/. That said, my guess is your lights are a good place to start, and just see how they work. If the plants are also next to a window and seem to prefer the sunlight coming in the window (as indicated by their reaching for it) then you’ll know that your bulbs aren’t their preferred choice and you can can try swapping them for fancier ones.
What seeds are you starting?

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 16:10:24 +0000

Do you know the science behind grow lights? Are they really necessary? We’re starting seeds right now too and I have a bunch of old fluorescent lights, but not grow lights.