With the rise of indoor gardening, no doubt grow lights are becoming more popular every day. But with so many types, quality, misleading wattage, manufacturers, complex terminology & grow space calculations, it’s definitely hard to find & buy the perfect grow light that suits your needs. Even more so if you are a beginner.
Most homes don’t have enough natural lighting for seedlings, and trying to grow seeds on a sunny windowsill only results in disappointment and wasted time (and money!). But don’t worry, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy a grow lights for seedlings.
What are grow lights?
Grow lights are electrically powered lights that stimulate plant growth. They do this by emitting an electromagnetic spectrum which facilitates photosynthesis. They can be especially useful for growing plants in marijuana grow tent where there isn’t much natural sunlight.
WHY WOULD I WANT A GROW LIGHT FOR SEEDLINGS?
Seedlings need both even lighting and proper temperatures to ensure vigorous, strong growth. Spring months are often unpredictable. Your home may have varying degrees of sunlight and temperatures that can affect growth rates of plants. One trick is to keep your seeds facing the window so they get the length of daylight they need.
With a grow light you can grow anywhere without worry of seasonal changes or window placements. You also can set up a room, or a small tent to support your seedlings as they grow- and deter your pets (or children) from making a mess of your young plants.
WHAT SPECTRUMS OF LIGHT DO SEEDLINGS NEED?
The light spectrum is made up of visible and non-visible colors of light that emit various wavelengths measured by the temperature they provide. As mentioned, blue light wavelengths are utilized best by growing and maturing plants in vegetative stages of growth, and there are many lights available that are more specific to this side of the spectrum.
Of course, all stages of growth can benefit from a full spectrum exposure but be aware of young, maturing plants. They will use more blue wavelengths than others. They crave longer exposure to lights, so when choosing a full spectrum LED grow light, be sure to pick one that will run for up to 18 hours a day without overheating or burning out.
WHICH IS THE BEST GROW LIGHT FOR YOUR SEEDLINGS?
Seedlings are in the most delicate stage of growth and deserve the best support you can provide to them. There are a few things you may want to consider before you make a purchase to ensure you get both what you are comfortable with, and what your plants need.
How much space is your grow?
Every light has its own footprint within which the whole plant receives the full wavelength of light being offered. Types of lights, sizes, and strengths of each determine this, so you will want o make sure you are covering the entire space within which you are placing your seedlings.
What plants do you need to support?
Do a little research about the types of plants you are trying to get started. Most prefer high levels of blue wavelengths as seedlings but may also benefit from additional sources of light as they grow. This is especially true of tropical and hybrids plants.
Will you need your light for other purposes?
If you are looking for a light to support more than just seedling starting and growth, and also would like to support bloom and production, you may want to consider a full spectrum choice. These allow you to grow a season’s worth of produce all within the comfort of the indoors. This is nice for a fresh taste through the winter, or if you live in an area with a short growing season.
Final thoughts
Most veggies and herbs love full sun. If you’re starting seedlings, bright supplemental light helps young plants thrive, achieve steady growth, and makes it possible to grow unusual varieties from seed.
The same fixtures used in workshops, called shop lights, are great for growing seedlings, and many come with hanging chains that make it easy to adjust their height as the plants grow.
Gardeners benefit, too, because an oasis of indoor light during the short days of winter is a natural mood booster. So choosing a LED grow lights for seedlings can be your important thing to consider.