The Use of Grow Lights
What to look for in a greenhouse grow light. For year-round, greenhouse gardeners, plant-grow lights are the most vital element to keep your garden growing. Indoor growers need a reliable yet affordable way to facilitate an indoor greenhouse setup. Finding the right indoor grow lights depends heavily upon your needs and the needs of your plants. Your needs are wrapped around expense and most novice growers don't realize how expensive the energy used by a greenhouse can be--it's important to find the most efficient lights for long-term savings.

Posted Thursday, January 19, 2006

For year-round, greenhouse gardeners, plant-grow lights are the most vital element to keep your garden growing. Indoor growers need a reliable yet affordable way to facilitate an indoor greenhouse setup. Finding the right indoor grow lights depends heavily upon your needs and the needs of your plants. Your needs are wrapped around expense and most novice growers don't realize how expensive the energy used by a greenhouse can be--it's important to find the most efficient lights for long-term savings.

Greenhouse kits use plant grow lights to extend the blooming season by several months. Basically, there are two main types of plant grow lights--high pressure sodium and metal halide. Each of these grow lights has their own advantages.

For the grower who works exclusively indoors, metal halide grow lights usually work best. These plants get their light exclusively from indoor grow lights, sans direct sunlight. Metal halide light keeps plants at a compact density which is great when you're growing in limited spaces. The light emits wavelengths that trigger the development of leaves and compact growth. The only indoor grower who might not use metal halide is the grower who has a lot of extra space.

For plants that do receive sunlight high pressure sodium lights are best. A major benefit of high pressure sodium light is that they cause greater leafiness; ideal for when you have a larger growing space. High pressure sodium lights trigger exceptional budding in plants. For greenhouse kits you’ll want to invest in high pressure sodium lights.

The wattage of your plant lights depends heavily on the growing area. The lowest you should go is 100 watts, and that's only for an area of four square feet. It's best to consult a chart for the most accurate lighting possible.