The Scoop on Using Grow Lights

All plants need light for development and if you are fortunate adequate to have an extremely warm window sill you will have some success. For maximum success in growing seedlings you actually do require an extra source of light. For indoor growing some sort of grow-light is what you need. Plant lights are an artificial light source which try to discharge a light spectrum similar to the sun for optimal plant development. There is a big series of bulbs used in gardening however for the indoor home garden enthusiast LED, HID and Florescent bulbs are the most widely used.

Types of Grow Lights

HID Lights (High Intensity Discharge )

Lots of HID lights produce a light spectrum comparable to the sun, and are for that reason incredibly popular for indoor growing. Their series of light is usually appropriate to all phases of plant development. Metal Halide bulbs discharge light in the blue and violet parts of the spectrum, producing strong root systems, resistance to disease and a more compact growth. Frequently used by commercial growers and can be fairly expensive.

LED Lights

Unlike HID lights these bulbs do not need a separate ballast and can be plugged into a basic electrical socket. Because each LED gives off a specific wavelength, bulbs can be customized to emit wavelength specific light.

FLUORESCENT Lights

Fluorescent lights are generally long, thin bulbs or little spiral shaped bulbs. These lights are not as intense and are normally utilized for beginning seedlings. Basic types are T5, T8 and T12 with the brightest being T5. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are typically utilized in propagation and situations where lower light levels are required. Warm red CFLs are used for blooming and Cool blue CFLs for vegetative growth.

Which grow lights should I Use?

Which type of plant light system you choose will depend on your spending plan, space accessibility and plant requirements. You can also acquire pre built plant stands with lights or use an old book rack you already have. Tube lights can be hung from the ceiling or attached to the undersides of the book shelve boards.