#Best seed starting grow lights install#
#Best seed starting grow lights full#

“Grow lights” can be a good source of light for seedlings but are often more expensive and not necessary. Grow lights provide abundant light in the red and blue wavelengths and very little of the green wavelengths which is why they sometimes look pink or purple in color. The blue wavelengths of light are needed for good foliage and root growth and the red wavelengths are important for flower and fruit development. Plants do not use all wavelengths of light equally. Fluorescent bulbs dim over time and should be replaced every one to two years, which is a cost that should also be considered. When you consider costs remember to factor the cost of the fixture and the bulb. When shopping for LED lights, purchase full-spectrum fixtures that emit a high number of lumens (at least 3,0000 lumens). When shopping for fluorescent lights, look for high-output, full-spectrum (sometimes called “daylight”) bulbs. Below, we compare the 3 main types of grow light bulb.For most home gardeners, a plug-in shop fluorescent or LED light fixture is the perfect type of light to use for seed starting. LEDs can have a lifespan 3-5 times as long as traditional fluorescent bulbs, and specific “high output” LEDs deliver even BRIGHTER light for each unit of energy they consume. They typically cost a bit more upfront, but growers may find that their longevity and energy efficiency are well worth it. LED bulbs have exploded in popularity over the last several years. This is why we always keep overwintered plants away from our seed starting area, just in case of an. Fluorescents come in an assortment of shapes from traditional “bulb-shaped” compact fluorescents (CFLs) to tubes.įor an illuminating deep-dive on grow light terminology and technical specs, check out: Grow Light Basics, Explained Our Best Pepper Growing Guide: Growing Perfect Peppers. They’re super affordable and have moderate lifespans (typically around 10,000 hours).

Ideal for single houseplants that require additional light to promote healthy growth or flowering, standalone grow lamps and fixtures provide dedicated full-spectrum light in a variety of designs, including desktop, hanging pendant, and floor models.īulb Fiction: The True Value of Fluorescent and LED Grow Lightsįluorescent bulbs are an excellent choice for brand new gardeners or gardeners looking for just a few weeks of grow light use per year (seed starting, for example).

#Best seed starting grow lights install#

Individual Bulbsįor gardeners interested in a DIY approach, or dealing with space constraints, individual bulbs and fixtures are a great low-cost option, allowing you to retrofit existing fixtures, or install single grow lights where you most need them. Plus, most of these models are just plain attractive! No need to hide your seed-starting operation away in the basement anymore these are made to be displayed. Grow Light SystemsĬomplete grow light systems offer gardeners a whole host of benefits, such as built-in trays to catch water spills, adjustable bulbs that can be easily raised and lowered as your seedlings grow, and modular design capacity, so you can expand your indoor garden over time.

#Best seed starting grow lights full#

Are you a DIY-er looking for just an individual bulb? Are you looking for a standalone lamp that is both stylish and powerful? Or are you seeking an all-in-one grow light stand to maximize your indoor growing? Let’s shed some light on our full suite of grow light options. When it comes to growing plants under lights, gardeners have SO many options.

LED SunLite grow light gardens are ideal for seed-starting, herbs, and houseplants.