Plants raised under agrow lightas seedlings grow stronger and more vigorous than those that were grown without.
Here’s what you gotta know to start seeds using grow lights.
Why Use Grow Lights for Seed Starting?
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Full-spectrum grow lights provide the same colors that mimic daylight, perfect for starting your plants.
Grow lights come in a variety of sizes, types, and styles.
Incandescent grow lights are available but less energy-efficient than LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Some plants, like perennials, may need even longer.
This kind of lighting setup only costs around $12, not counting a fixture to hold the bulbs.
Note that seedlings need 14 to 16 hours of light per day.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
confirm that your plants also have at least 8 hours of dark each day as well.
Fluorescent grow light fixtures will need to be mounted or hung above seed trays.
A seed starting rack can be kept in a spare room or empty closet.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
ensure to protect books from water and soil.
Label your seedlings so you know what’s planted where.
If the seeds you’re planting require light to germinate, skip to step 5.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Your seeds should begin to sprout within one to two weeks of sowing.
If using a heat mat, you may see sprouts within a few days.
(Or use lights immediately if seeds require light to germinate, like lettuce.)
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Position your light so each seedling is getting the same amount of light.
If that’s not possible, rotate your trays periodically to help the seedlings grow evenly.
Monitor Seedlings
Check yourseedlingsregularly to double-check the growing medium is moist and to watch for issues.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
If your seedlings look long and leggy or bend toward the light, they’re not getting enough light.
Move the grow light closer or extend the duration of light exposure your seedlings receive each day.
Begin one to two weeks before transplanting.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Keep seedlings indoors on windy or cold days when the temperature goes below 50 degrees.
When seedlings are inside during the hardening-off period, leave them under grow lights.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
