Grow lights?

**Laura2** · 02-08-2009, 11:15 PM

Does anyone use grow lights to start their seeds?

I am thinking of buying one, but I'm really not sure where to start looking. Do you have to buy a specific lamp? Or can you just buy a bulb for a lamp you already have?

**Momto2Boyz** · 02-09-2009, 06:52 AM

I've been thinking about doing this too. I was going to set up an area in my garage (which is heated and warm) to not only start seeds, but grow fresh veggies all through next winter!

This is something my Dad always did. We had a huge area of our basement growing up that was "dedicated" to the garden. He had an elaborate system set up, but the grow lights were simple.

He had a simple "shop light" that would normally house florecent lights, and he was able to find grow lights (I'm guessing at a hardware store or plant nursery) to fit. He used them successfully every year, so I have been thinking about trying it out!

I have great indoor light, so as far as starting seeds, I can do it without the grow light. But I'm thinking ahead to next winter, as I've been feeling fresh veggie withdrawl through the winter and want to try to avoid that next year!

**NewLeaf** · 02-09-2009, 08:05 AM

What a great idea!!! I would love some fresh vegies in the winter. I haven't used a grow light since college days but at that time I just got a shop light and found a grow florescent "bulb" to put in it. They work great.

**suki** · 02-09-2009, 08:15 AM

In order to start seeds properly, you need to have intense light. A well lit indoor area is not enough. Hubby uses inexpensive fluorescent shop lights. A less expensive alternative to using "grow bulbs" is to use one cool fluorescent and one hot fluorescent (also called blue and red respectively) in the shop light valance.

He made a small frame with hooks and chains on it to raise and lower the lights. You keep the lights very close to the plants (only about 2 - 3 inches away) to keep them from being too leggy and help them to develop strong roots and stems. You will need various sizes of pots to transplant your seedlings into as they grow. We usually start with sowing about 50% more seed than we intend to grow. Then, as we transplant we select plants for health.

It is time to start seeds now... actually hubby started his about 2 - 3 weeks ago and is continuing to add to his starts.

**thefrug** · 02-09-2009, 10:52 AM

It's time for your area. Up here we still have weeks to go. You're so lucky to be able to get started! Alot of seeds just need heat to germinate, but then once up need the light. I start my seeds near my pellet stove for the heat and then move them to my bay window where they get some heat and I have a grow light up in the top of the window. LOL, my living room table is always covered with seeds starting lol

**rainbowgc** · 02-09-2009, 11:50 AM

Again I would like to say that regular fluorescent lights work just as well.
(used to own a plant nursery)

**Laura2** · 02-09-2009, 11:48 PM

My husband has a couple of fluorescent hanging lights in his garage. I might try using those this year. I am trying to spend the least amount possible since we really don't have much extra money this year.

**madhen** · 02-09-2009, 11:52 PM

I have used plain old fluorescents, but like Suki mentioned, unless you have some good sunlight coming in, the artificial lights have to be very close to the seedlings to avoid getting leggy plants.

**suki** · 02-10-2009, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Laura2

My husband has a couple of fluorescent hanging lights in his garage. I might try using those this year. I am trying to spend the least amount possible since we really don't have much extra money this year.

Those are what we're talking about... but you need to rig them to be close to the seedlings.

**suki** · 02-10-2009, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by thefrug

It's time for your area. Up here we still have weeks to go. You're so lucky to be able to get started! Alot of seeds just need heat to germinate, but then once up need the light. I start my seeds near my pellet stove for the heat and then move them to my bay window where they get some heat and I have a grow light up in the top of the window. LOL, my living room table is always covered with seeds starting lol

Yes, it depends on the plants and the zone. Some seeds take longer to germinate, some plants need to be larger when transplanted to the garden, some seeds can be sown directly in the garden. Hubby started onion seeds several weeks ago, as well as early crop seeds (greens, broccoli, etc) He started tomato seeds a few days ago. He grows everything from seed... we don't buy any plant starts.

**Dave'sGirl** · 02-13-2009, 11:47 AM

Another tip to keep seedlings from getting leggy and have them grow good and stocky is to not keep them too warm except for germination. I start my seeds upstairs where it's warm, then move them under lights in my cooler basement. Warmth helps them grow too fast.