Need some "Light" help

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newgardenmom Spartanburg, SC Apr 13, 2008

Ok, so as a new gardener, I have now realized my seedlings needed more light that they were getting - My question is what kind of lights does everyone use ? Where did you get them ? - I have looked thru a lot of catalogs and online sights, and the lights (for the time you use them) seem terribly expensive.....Can you help me figure this out ? Thanks !!!

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Apr 13, 2008

I use plain old cheap shop lights that you can pick up at any home center, along with plain old fluorescent bulbs. You can spend a lot more money for things that are sold specifically for plants but in my opinion you're not going to notice much difference between those and the cheap shop lights. The key once you have lights is to keep them no more than a couple inches above the tops of the seedlings, and also make sure to leave them on for 14-16 hrs.

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paulgrow Allen Park, MI(Zone 6a) Apr 13, 2008

I agree totally, I like to use one cool white and one warm white bulb in each fixture. Make sure they are 40 watt.

Paul

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plantenthusiast Montreal, QC(Zone 5a) Apr 13, 2008

newgardenmom,

I agree, you can very easily make your own. Full spectrum lights are ideal for plant growth. Various plants have different requirements, but most will do fine under a full spectrum fluorescent light tube.

You could also check out ebay, sometimes they have good deals on commercial lights & fixtures.

If all else fails, or you decide that you do not want a grow light, then you can always sow things a little later, and then transfer them into a cold frame. But if you are planning to grow a lot of things, as well as any plants that have special requirements or are of particular value to you, then you'll want to purchase/make a grow light.

Good luck in your search,

-Plantenthusiast

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