We all know plants need light to grow. They use the sunlight to create food for themselves, releasing oxygen as a by-product, thereby giving us what we need to breathe. Without enough light plants become weak and spindly. In addition, without proper light plants stop flowering or fruiting; they may even give up altogether and die. So whether we are trying to grow plants we already have or start seedlings indoors (Mid to end-February is a perfect time to start tomatoes, peppers, etc.) then we need to “get the light right.”
How Do We Get The Light Right?
How do we get that “just right” light? Experts are recommending LED lights. They’re a bit more expensive in the beginning, but they last longer and are far more energy efficient. They also produce less heat than a lot of other lights. Why does that matter? Because too much heat can kill a plant.
What We Need to Know
Now one of the first things we need to know is the light requirements of whatever it is we’re trying to grow. Citrus, succulents, cactus, a lot of annual flowers (like marigolds, geraniums,etc) and lots of veggies (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, cukes, etc.) need LOTS of sun. Other plants may need a bit less light so you also need to make sure that you can adjust the “distance” your light is from the plants.
We also need timers for our grow-lights because all plants need a period of around eight hours of darkness. A timer means that if you are late getting home from work or fall asleep watching TV, the light will still go off at the correct time..
Why Choose LED Grow Lights?
There are other kinds of lights out there, like fluorescent–but they don’t last nearly as long as LED lights and some can generate more heat which can damage foliage.
Whatever lights you choose, have fun with them. Start your own seeds with them and be able to pick your own favorite varieties or use them to “give a boost” to other plants–like orchids or citrus.
My orchids bloom more because I have grow lights. Whether starting seeds, growing orchids, or giving a boost to other plants, grow lights are a valuable addition to your gardening success!