Thank you! I keep wanting to start my own seeds indoors because I have such a short grow season. However, I haven't done it yet because I feel overwhelmed by all the things I think I will need, like tons of grow lights.
I have grown indoors for over thirty years using all types of lights. I suggest a dimmable full spectrum LED. They have become very affordable and can be used in all stages of growth.
On Android there is an app called "Physics Toolbox Suite" that has a Light Meter feature, which uses the light sensor built into your phone to determine light output in Lux. You can use this to compare brightness of your lights. Nothing particularly special about that app – there are similar apps with other names. Just one I can call out that I have used and like.
I use it to track LED light loss over time, so I know when to replace my lights. Grow lights, even sodium and mercury bulbs, dim over time. So it is good to track and judge when it makes sense economically to replace them and get as much light output per electrical use as reasonable.
I am just a back-yard gardener (albeit I/we do have a 5 acre property) and only started from seed indoors in 2023, but having bought cheap grow-lights I know know that was money wasted. Last year I purchased better grow lights and it made a HUGE difference in my seedlings. I had virtually none which became leggy. Even for the small amount of seedlings I grow, spending $200 once on a full spectrum dimmable LED grow light when I will use it several years, was well worth the investment.
I'm trying to learn how to garden successfully for when technology (electricity, plastic, glass, etc.) will no longer be available. Growlights of any kind aren't on my list.
Hatchbacks… Specifically Subaru hatchbacks… Nothing else can compare. Oh this is about grow lights? I love my high end 400W LED grow lights, but they are overkill for seed starting Just get something cheap and in the 5000K-6500K range and put them close.
I use solo cups…i have a vego raised bed, and a small garden in front of my shed. I use 2 clamp on LED lights clamped to the floor joists above my workspace in my garage..( I prop them up on top of something to make them closer to the lights)as the seedlings start to grow I run a fan on low when it comes time to harden them off, but still to cold to leave them outside too long. I got very good results…those of u who haven't done the solo cup method look it up….it makes it very easy and u can save them and use them yr to yr!
18 Comments
Thank you! I keep wanting to start my own seeds indoors because I have such a short grow season. However, I haven't done it yet because I feel overwhelmed by all the things I think I will need, like tons of grow lights.
Very sensible thoughts!
Appreciate your honesty and help. Thanks. Very informative
I totally agree! I use 5500 4 ft Led shop light. They do great. They are like $20 at big box store.
I have grown indoors for over thirty years using all types of lights. I suggest a dimmable full spectrum LED. They have become very affordable and can be used in all stages of growth.
LED is "better" when it comes to cost efficiency.
I always say use what works for you
Great video. I've been curious about this. Thank you! ❤
On Android there is an app called "Physics Toolbox Suite" that has a Light Meter feature, which uses the light sensor built into your phone to determine light output in Lux. You can use this to compare brightness of your lights. Nothing particularly special about that app – there are similar apps with other names. Just one I can call out that I have used and like.
I use it to track LED light loss over time, so I know when to replace my lights. Grow lights, even sodium and mercury bulbs, dim over time. So it is good to track and judge when it makes sense economically to replace them and get as much light output per electrical use as reasonable.
Thanks, Luke!
NECESSITY ❤
I am just a back-yard gardener (albeit I/we do have a 5 acre property) and only started from seed indoors in 2023, but having bought cheap grow-lights I know know that was money wasted. Last year I purchased better grow lights and it made a HUGE difference in my seedlings. I had virtually none which became leggy.
Even for the small amount of seedlings I grow, spending $200 once on a full spectrum dimmable LED grow light when I will use it several years, was well worth the investment.
I'm trying to learn how to garden successfully for when technology (electricity, plastic, glass, etc.) will no longer be available. Growlights of any kind aren't on my list.
I like this analogy with the trucks
Yep
This is super helpful because I've been very confused about grow lights.
I'm probably the eight Solo cups person. Or 8 random pieces of recycling.
But also light far from full spectrum would obviously be less productive for plants. A white strong lightbulb would be ideal for most plants.
Hatchbacks… Specifically Subaru hatchbacks… Nothing else can compare. Oh this is about grow lights? I love my high end 400W LED grow lights, but they are overkill for seed starting Just get something cheap and in the 5000K-6500K range and put them close.
Preach! Thank you!
I use solo cups…i have a vego raised bed, and a small garden in front of my shed. I use 2 clamp on LED lights clamped to the floor joists above my workspace in my garage..( I prop them up on top of something to make them closer to the lights)as the seedlings start to grow I run a fan on low when it comes time to harden them off, but still to cold to leave them outside too long. I got very good results…those of u who haven't done the solo cup method look it up….it makes it very easy and u can save them and use them yr to yr!