Planting an indoor garden has many benefits. The biggest one is that you have complete control over the weather. You also get to protect your plants from garden pests. However, it can be a difficult task unless you are privileged enough to have a greenhouse attached to your house.
Plants cannot grow without sufficient sunlight, so many dreams of growing indoor gardens die. Even though south-facing windows will provide you with some sunlight, they may not be enough. The indoor lighting in most homes is not enough to support photosynthesis. Gardening under grow lights is a great idea. Get more grow light info here and it would be best if you did a little bit of research and got to know them and how they work before making a purchase.
1. Understanding the Color Spectrum: Cool Vs. Warm Lights:
When purchasing grow lights, understand that they aren’t the same. They are typically labeled with numbers that represent different warmth or coolness levels in the color spectrum. Higher numbers are chillier than lower ones. The best number for foliage growth is about 6500K. However, some plants may need a period of warmer lights when flowering. In short, the number on the spectrum that you need depends on your needs.
2. Types of Grow Lights:
There are three main types of grow lights. They are all unique and appropriate for different uses.
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LED Grow Lights
These grow lights may be a bit costly, but they are very energy efficient. They last very long and pay for themselves in the end. Unlike regular LED lights, they are specifically designed to promote plant growth. They produce a very intense light and are perfect for growing a garden rather than a handful of plants. Unlike LED bulbs, they have a high light intensity for every square foot.
If you plan to have a small grow room, UK based company NŌKATECH sells premium LED grow lights for affordable prices which delivers top level specifications. You can be sure to achieve the best possible yields using their products.
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Fluorescent Grow Lights
The regular fluorescent bulb may be practical when you only need light for a few of your houseplants. It is also suitable for supplementing the natural light in your home and starting seeds. Many gardeners use it as just a supplement for modest lights.
The intensity of these grow lights is weak. They have to be placed a few inches from the foliage for optimal effects. Consider using them to supplement your sun-loving plants.
If you don’t have a gigantic space, compact fluorescent bulbs may be a good idea. They are easy to screw onto a standard incandescent fixture.
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HID Grow Lights
These grow lights were mostly used before LED grow lights became popular. At that time, they were the most common option for planting large gardens. Even though these grow lights are expensive and inefficient, they are mighty. They give off a lot of heat, and unfortunately, they demand unique fixtures.
HID grow lights are popularly used for growing lemon bushes and tomatoes. Since they produce such intense light, they can easily penetrate your foliage. There are two main types of HID grow lights-High-pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH) bulbs. MH bulbs are high-spectrum and perfect for vegetative growth. On the other hand, HPS bulbs are low-spectrum and great for flowering.
3. How Long Should the Grow Lights Stay On?
If you choose to grow your plants under grow lights, they need more exposure to light than those that grow outdoors. Ideally, edible species should get 14 to 18 hours of light every day. Avoid the temptation to expose them to the lights 24/7. They require a minimum of six hours of darkness every day.
As they grow, raise the light fixtures to maintain the correct distance. It depends on the bulb you are using and its wattage. Higher wattage bulbs generally need to be further from your plant.
4. Do Grow Lights Work?
The short answer is yes, they do. However, grow lights will only work if you choose the proper bulbs for your needs and use them appropriately. Grow lights work under the basic principle of producing the same type of light as the sun. Therefore, they stimulate plant growth just like the sun. While most gardeners experiment with different grow lights before finding one that works, it isn’t necessary. It wastes a lot of time and leaves room for errors. Your best option is to get the opinion of an expert. They will help you determine what lights work best under different situations.
If you are into gardening, the chances are that you have heard about growing lights. Like magic, they help you grow your favorite plants indoors. The lights mimic sunlight and promote photosynthesis. There are three main types of grow lights; fluorescent grow lights, HID grow lights, and LED grow lights.
While they are all great, they are different and suited for various purposes. When unsure of the suitable options for your indoor gardening, consider getting the opinion of a professional.
