Easy Grow Light Setup (Cheap Too)

[@prodigalfarmer]

This dude is my hero I love gardener Scott.. I just like to listen to him talk it's calming

[@tonimccoy5691]

Hello, Gardener Scott, my name is Toni, and I live in Carrollton, TX. I just found this video yesterday, March 27,2023. Thank you so much. I’m new to gardening and lost 14 cups of melons that I lost due to not having the proper lighting prepared. It became so discouraging and frustrating until I found your video yesterday. Thank you again, for sharing your knowledge.

[@maureenodonnell9600]

Thank you Gardener Scott for this video. I spent the morning looking at grow light videos, trying to get an understanding of the “mechanics” of grow lights. The more I watched, the more confused I became. This video is direct and easy to understand. I’m On my way to purchase a couple of fluorescent fixtures to get my seeds started this year. Thanks again! 🌝🌸

[@mbonney62]

I have watched several videos on this topic, and this has been the most helpful. I appreciate your calm and comprehensive presentation, always a pleasure to listen to you, and I learn so much. Thank you!

[@justinhupfer4614]

I got my hands on this little 8in LED full spectrum light from Walmart. As well with a 48 in LED 5000k 5000 Lumen shop light with Bluetooth speaker. Seedlings and adult plants have been thriving I recommend these lights

[@ternyasen]

Last year I had my first garden and this year I have my seedling lights set up! I am so excited about it.

[@dell177]

40 years ago I built a 4X2x4ft high wood shelving unit out of a coule of bundles of 1X3 strapping and hung 2ea 4ft shop lights above each shelf using chains to adjust light heights. This gave me 2ea 2X4ft shelves for plants, I also used a timerto run the lights for 14 hours a day. That served me well for 35 years, I then replaced the florescent lamps with LED replacement bulbs. I start my seeds inside an old 20 gal aquarium that has a couple of inches of vermiculite in it and a home made nichrome wire heat setup(runs off a 20v transformer) to keep that vermiculite at about 75F. I have 2ea 20w tubes above for light and a timer to control how many hours a day they run. Once the seeds are up and have a couple of true leaves I transplant into small pots and put them under thae large lights on the shelving unit I built in 1981.

[@CharliePFoogo]

Just set up my seed starting lights using cheap LED lights. I was worried about the color until I watched your video. The lights are 48-inch shop lights that produce 5000k daylight, 4400lm banked together. Thanks for all the very helpful information that you provide.

[@terrywhite4847]

Started growing tomatoes last year after a L O N G hiatus. Had great tomatoes, but not enough to can. This year I'm starting earlier but starting plants indoors. This video was a supreme help in gettin me going. Thanks!

[@VirginiaReyes1983]

Researching this very topic! Thank you for such an easy to understand instructional video with easy links and everything! You just simplified my day!

[@CharliePFoogo]

A channel that I can trust for the best information on any topic. Thats for posting!

[@jimosrs9414]

Really appreciate that you include Amazon links. Helps a ton

[@GardenerScott]

Glad to help.

[@DoubleQz]

This is a very helpful video. I'm getting a 4 pack of the ratchet height adjustable cords.

[@chetfuhrman6390]

Gardner Scott - I use the rope hangers that you use for your grow lights to trellis my tomato plants up a 1/8 " string. I attach a tomato clip under the bottom stem on the tomato plant to attach the hook opposite of the pulley hook. I attach a zip tie to the top of the trellis to attach the other hook thatr's close to the pulley. I wrap the string around the tomato stem and pull the top loose end string to tighten the string that's around the stem. As the plant grows, I use the pulley to loosen the pulley string and rewrap string up the new growth. I then pull the loose end string to retighten the string that's around the tomato stem. With this system, it's amazing how easy and fast it is to trellis tomatoes. I'm ready to use my hangers for year two. Gardener Chet

[@GardenerScott]

That's a good idea, Gardener Chet. Thanks for sharing.

[@joeydrumstix]

I was using cfl bulbs in my beginner stages i have since upgraded to an expensive LED after using a beginner LED . I'm very happy with the quality of the LED lights these days. The plants loved it and they were able to produce a lot more. Not to mention saving electricity

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for the input. I added LEDs this year for the cost savings as well.

[@littleredhen602]

Mine is almost exactly the same as yours, except for the great idea of the rope hangers and mylar blankets. I am going to order some of the rope hangers right away. Thanks for the info!

[@GardenerScott]

You're very welcome.

[@jeffcampbell479]

I too do my lighting the about same way - I have a plastic table as my surface with couple adjustable shop lights above and I also added ‘crinkled’ aluminum foiled cardboard as my walls around my table to reflect the lights onto the seedlings/plants - also as an additional tip: I placed my whole setup underneath my output furnace air duct to my basement - works fantastic for the air movement across the plants

[@GardenerScott]

Great idea about the furnace duct. Thanks.

[@kspdt]

New gardener starting out...I was just going to set the seed post by the window and surely that will be good enough. Your's is the second video that said I would just get long and stringy seedlings. Thanks pal. Now I had to go out to the garage and dig out an old LED shop light and set up a growing area. I'm sure I will thank you at the time of transplanting.

[@GardenerScott]

You have the right idea. An old shop light can make a big difference.

[@kspdt]

@@GardenerScott Oh yeah. I bought the rope hangers and heating blanket too. And covered them with wrap to keep them comfy. My wife's getting jealous.

[@wolkowy1]

The buildings/carpentry/electricity matters will go straight to my husband :) thanks for these advices.

[@kjrchannel1480]

I bought some 48 inch fixtures. I already had some tube fixtures in the basement from a low ceiling. I was using cfl 5000k "daylight bulbs" in reflectors, but for trays it takes a lot of them and I had some burn out. With all the dogma about this or that grow light works better. I went with led tubes I could reuse in my existing fixtures with as well. I was able to get some 5000k and 6500k led tubes that worked with a t12 and T8 ballast. I priced a prebuilt led grow light, but I was not going to pay $40 for a dual tube 24 inch fixture. I got some of mine on clearance in a contractor pack. I ended up getting some of those you showed, like the GE retrofits and the 5000k Great value universal led tubes. I do have a soft spot for real fluorescents especially if they are on sale or clearanced although disposal of them is a problem. Now I have to see if the tubes or fixtures will fail first. I don't like all in one led fixtures because they are less repairable especially if one led fails in a series. I know CFL's are getting harder to find. One day real fluorescent tubes and ballast friendly led replacements may go away as well.

[@veracampbell9583]

I’m so glad you did this video. I was wondering what I was going to do. I have shop lights. Now I know how I can use them. I’ve heard you could. I will check the bulbs I may have to buy different ones. Thank you so much for this video. Have a blessed day.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@donnybowers7832]

I use light bulbs that you can get at Dollar Tree for $1.25. They used to only be a buck. They're 5000k and are called "Daylight" bulbs. I hang them over my plants in a window with a timer set for 10 to 12 hours a day; and I try to run them only when the sun is out. In the winter I use them to grow Egyptian Walking Onions for scallions, some kale and kohlrabi using the Kratky hydroponic method kind of mixed with a sort of self watering planter version of Kratky. The whole thing started as an experiment to see how lean a system I could get away with and grow some healthy greens for the winter. I also only use Miracle Grow, Epsom salt and calcium nitrate as my nutrients. I've found that MG Bloom Booster works the best. Eventually, when I expand my system and start trying to grow plants that demand more light I will invest in something else. Probably LEDs, but being that I'm supplementing with sun from the window I'm still going to see how lean a system I can get away with for peppers, tomatoes and such. I also may end up purchasing either some Jacks or Master Blend nutrients which will actually be even cheaper than the MG if I buy them in big bags. Of course I will never put any of that stuff in my outdoor garden. It's just to supplement my diet in the winter when good organic vegetables are less available and less affordable. Hydroponic , even Kratky (though technically not organic) is better than GMO non-organic.

[@yooyeez]

thanks scott, my dad has a couple of T8 bulbs in a strip hes not using. i think im gonna make a stand like you did and vlog the process once my seeds come to start seedlings. thanks!

[@tamararoberts9307]

I have only one window facing south that I could use so I use grow lights in my attached heated garage ( east-facing little windows too) it's been working good. Plus I use aluminum foil to reflect more light because you gave me that idea 💡

[@denisedicks9342]

Hello, thank you! I had been using 1 cool and 1 warm in my shop lights for the last 15 years or so. I have never changed my bulbs. But, you could tell over time that my fluorescents weren't working as well anymore. I just purchased some Sunco Lighting 4ft 48 Inch LED Flat Utility Shop Light 40W (260W EQ) 5000K Kelvin Daylight, 4500 Lumens directly from the company. Looking forward to seed starting. Have a great growing season! :)

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. You too.

[@stanmack6171]

I’m new to growing herbs this season and your info will be a great help Gardener Scott! Thanks for posting.

[@GardenerScott]

You're very welcome, Stan.

[@elishah6414]

I have found my favorite channel!!!

[@tonykuhn7813]

Bob Ross of gardening

[@tnmtnmorning1178]

It is amazing how much fluorescent shop lights have gone up in price. Ugh. Glad I already have some in the attic.

[@princesshuynh6512]

I bought an LED shoplight at Costco. First time using grow lights and Iove it.

[@GardenerScott]

Good for you. 👍

[@chrisdahl864]

My set-up is like yours with 2 exceptions. My racks are 2' x 4' so I can get 4 flats under the lights (no matter which way they are) and I put my hanging holes in the end frame braces. I use "s" hooks to hold 1" loop chains for my lights. Works really well! I also use a small heater under the shelf for bottom heat. Everything germinates in a week or less.

[@GardenerScott]

Good setup, Chris. I didn't clarify in the video, but I'm using S hooks as well. I'll show my heat pads in a future video. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@marywinn3272]

Thank you. That was a great video. Appreciate the brief explanation of the values of different numbers on the light box.

[@conniewallace7529]

Great info, thank you. I just today used my first peat pellets, set them in an East facing window for the first morning sun on their first day. I plan to move them to a Southern window. I'm in 8b, so I don't expect to have them in the house too awfully long, though we DO often have a "late" March frost. I'm hoping all this KZbin knowledge I'm gaining will help my 2nd summer gardening attempt. Conditions were horrible in FL last year to try for the first time. But, it's a new year, new try!!

[@GardenerScott]

New year. New try. New success.

[@richardnorman1933]

I bought a grow lite to grow my seeds with & it was about $80. but I also use it during the winter for our house plants to have the reds & blues.

[@kenthuisingh9423]

I use the same shop light setup but added Phillips Gro bulbs this year. For $8.00 per bulb figured it was worth it. Oh they are the older T12 size. Really enjoy your videos.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Kent. I still get a lot of use from my T12s.

[@MemberThoughts1234]

Wonderful video! I learned everything I needed to know about plant lighting. :)

[@eriklane4808]

I’m with you, Gardener Scott! Saving $$ is always a good plan, so I use T5 fluorescents 👨🏼‍🌾

[@GardenerScott]

Good for you. 👍

[@oysterman2517]

Thanks for the good info. I myself use flood lights. Seems to work fine. Cheers

[@OakKnobFarm]

That's a great setup Scott! I have something similar in mind. I am considering using 2'x4'x 6 foot tall "bakers racks" on wheels from kitchen suppliers. I have one in my garage for seed, tray, soil storage (and one in the kitchen, of course!). I think I'm going to buy a third one for a seed starting station. I also have 10 mylar blankets on my work bench LOL! Arrived the other day... and they'll be installed this weekend.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. I considered a similar baker's rack, but it was more expensive than I needed and I didn't need it mobile. Enjoy your new mylar project.

[@Javinkay]

I just have a t5 fixture grow light and one starting station but it worked okay last year and this year I have a greenhouse which will hopefully help

[@WH6FQE]

I switched my flourescent lights over to LEDs to save on the amount of power that they are using since I am using a total of 30 T-5 tubes in my grow area to start my seeds.

[@OakKnobFarm]

That's probably a huge energy saving. I have only 8 T-5.... and all my future lights will be LED, for sure.

[@GardenerScott]

That's the reason I used LED for my new lights this year.

[@WH6FQE]

@@GardenerScott THey definitely make a huge difference if you have a lot of lights.

[@ddobrien1]

I'm using two 4-foot LED shop lights I bought t Walmart for 22 bucks each. (5,000 lumens, 6500k) My sprouts are compact and strong now. This was an upgrade from six 100watt LED bulbs in outlet adapters and Y-splitters, plugged into a power-strip duct-taped to a PVC tube.

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Very good video. ❤❤❤❤

[@Dee.C]

I have simple fish tank lights and one of them has full spectrum bulbs for starting some seeds. I also have some of the "more expensive' LED lights. I grow indoors in a tent and outside so the LEDs are full spectrum . One is 600 watt and 2 are 600/1200 . I love your shop shelf grow station . That is what I am going to work on for next season . I have to do a little work in my garage so I can set some stuff up out there first. Thank you for explaining the difference in T ratings. I shied away from those lights because I did not understand what the difference was.

[@GardenerScott]

Enjoy setting up your garage.

[@carolkontur1442]

You are the greatest!

[@henryarigoni1551]

Very informative, thanks

[@GardenerScott]

thanks. You are welcome.

[@nappynew]

Boy am I glad I found you on KZbin. You have been so helpful to me on such a short amount of time and for that I say a BIG THANK YOU!!! Believe it or not I have been trying to figure out the lighting situation and I purchased off of Facebook Marketplace these lights that I thought would do the trick but sadly they are no better then a regular lightbulb. The light bulbs that fit them will not do the job to get my seedlings up and growing. So back to the drawing board. I was thinking about a setup where I could drill a hole in my plastic shelves and attach a shop light (or even bungee cord lights without drilling) and what do you know it your video comes out. I will have to look at this video again once I get my shop light but I heard from one KZbinr that you needed at least 5000 lumens/kelvins???? Thanks again.

[@GardenerScott]

I'm so glad you're finding it helpful. 5000 lumens is very bright and you can do okay with 3000, but that's the right number for K.

[@coloradotulips]

Thank you - really helpful video!

[@chocalatekid8024]

Good one!

[@saphire82]

I got my first lights, 4’ LED, for $12 on sale at Walmart

[@Asa-df8kb]

Thank you! Just the video I needed :) Good luck with the seedlings!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@KajunHomestead]

great info thanks for sharing

[@kengibbs3523]

Hey Scott good stuff... I go to Walmart and I pick up those 24" led full spectrum light an I keep a little fan when they start to get a little Height an store rain water in containers but not from the roof I usually start collecting water around 6 or so weeks from planting seed an I no longer use those peat pots cause I believe I may have had some that I didn't sterilize an may have sat where spores may have entered so I use stuff that I can feel comfortable with an got some compact florescent lights also. Great luck to you on your season. Will be watching. An I go to the back bays an collect seaweed an find some plants that just do wonders. Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks so much.

[@carolinehatley9393]

Very good info.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@robw748]

Your always so full of great info that we need. I love this channel. So much false info about growing seeds but you just busted all the fake info bout special bulbs. Thank you so much. Have a fantastic day. I just subbed. Thought i was already subbed cause i have watched a bunch of your video's... Take care

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Welcome to the channel.

[@Backtrack3332]

I'm always envious of the energy prices in the usa

[@chrisdahl864]

Instead of a mylar blanket, I tape tin foil around 3 sides of my racks. Cheaper. I like those ratcheting rope pulleys, wish they were around back when I started.

[@lesliejacobs1439]

Chris Dahl I am going to look for the emergency blankets at the dollar store :-)

[@59pmur50]

I am using a foil covered card box box. I think I'll upgrade to Mylar

[@garrett1847]

The metal rack seems nice. I have "grow carts" and they come apart easily if you even touch them a certain way...

[@garrett1847]

I use clamp lights on them because of the way the carts are set up. I have to adjust the actual shelves when the plants get larger though

[@GardenerScott]

It is nice and sturdy.

[@weldonnicks8153]

This is an awesome sight

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@cliffordpayne4795]

I’m using ferry Morse lights for 20” flats. They’ve done a great job so far. The bulbs are 6500k. Only con on them for me is they’re not adjustable, they’re on wire legs.

[@Sheenasalesthriftytreasures]

Great video thank you 😊

[@MrSeney1]

The white color is better because the shadow and the folds of the silver paper absorb the light instead of projecting it

[@sandyp2485]

Very informative. Now I need to find space in my tiny townhouse with no basement or garage (yes, I hate it; need to move).

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Hope you can find a unused corner somewhere.

[@stevemiller5626]

Haaa. Im with ya. I have a small garage though. Got creative with my small space

[@sandyp2485]

@@stevemiller5626 My patio is sunny so that works in the summer. I experimented with a vertical planter over last winter and had broccoli til spring. I managed that by covering it with 6 mil plastic to emulate a small greenhouse. I'll see what else I can overwinter this coming year. It all grows so slowly but it does survive.

[@patrickwalsh2361]

I’ve got a system like Chris Dahl, 22” x 50” cabinet with cables to adjust 3 (2 bulb) 4’ fluorescent shop lights. It’s worked perfect, but since I need to replace one of the lights I’ve decided to switch to 4’ 5000 K LED lights. I hope there’s no surprises, but I’m expecting maybe a little faster growth and they recommend a 12” distance from the lights for seedlings. Thanks

[@LisadeKramer]

My set up is pretty much like yours. I want to upgrade to LEDs.

[@quzgunsu]

Every detail I need! Thank you very much for sharing your experience :)

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome. Glad to help.

[@juliejones9101]

Your topics are always so timely! I started my seeds last week and I’ve already got sprouts. Now thinking about their next stage and getting more shelves with lights. Thanks!

[@GardenerScott]

So glad to help. Good luck with your seedlings.

[@LiliansGardens]

I consider myself lucky to have a south facing window that goes all the way to the floor. I'm able to start about 100;seedlings for two months . Now I wish to sell my spellings i need a video like this for guidance.

[@marioarias9942]

While I use indoor lights it's only supplemental. No substitute for daytime sun ,I bring in my trays of starter seeds at dusk from my greenhouse and take outside in the morning if the day is sunny.

[@GardenerScott]

That's a great option. Many of my days are still close to or below freezing. I look forward to being able to start taking them outside.

[@00Carlos55]

Hello from the Philippines

[@yvencia1150]

Great video and thank you for sharing🤗

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@jeffd6540]

Hi there, Just wanted to let you know I just bought my grow light and used your link to AMazon to get it. I've got most of my other stuff to start my indoor seed starting area ready to go. The light was the last item I was deciding on. Couldn't quite decide on which kind of a cost effective solution. But finally, went with the 4' T8 option from your link, since it has the bulb size and strength I'm looking for included. We're looking forward to getting things going in the basement. Already have an area ready for it and will start setting it up this week. I already got most of my seeds in from MI gardener and have made notes of all the seedling start dates, based off my estimated last frost date and days to maturity, lol. Am definately looking forward to a nice yard season this year for several projects. Thanks,

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks very much, Jeff. Sounds like you're well on your way. Enjoy it.

[@TheBigfoot567]

Did you mention the distance above seedlings for various growth stages? Great, informative video. New subscriber here. Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

I didn't in this video. I have an older video that discusses that and will be doing a new one soon. One to three inches is usually a good place to start.

[@suesmith4325]

I am using two South facing windows and plan on adding the mylar blankets as my seed planting grows. I hope it works since I have no space for grow lights. I've been watching EcoCentric Homestead who is experimenting with temperatures and lighting for indoor seed starting. His plants grow better in a North window in the kitchen where it is warmer than his plants in his sun room with South facing windows where it is cooler. Proving how important the room temp is despite the lighting. I am hoping this works for me, also, since I have no place to put grow lights.

[@GardenerScott]

That's interesting. Good luck with it.

[@maheenkhan9887]

Hello, I love your videos and have a question. I don't have a yard that gets much sunlight at all, so I've been hoping to grow plants fully in my basement. What kind of light would you use if you want to grow vegetables indoors?

[@GardenerScott]

You need a light or series of lights big enough to cover the area above and around the plant. Here are some of my videos that discuss lights: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4mQhXyVdrN7oqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4q1gWN-jMl3hKM

[@simonlang2485]

Question: Can one purchase a ratcheting cord, such as you demonstrated, or did you build this on your own, please? Thanks for sharing what you have done;it certainly will be helpful. My daughter and son-in-law have decided to turn their screened porch into a potting area for me, and I can use all the good ideas I can get. Thanks for your informative, interesting, and helpful video! Keep 'em coming!

[@GardenerScott]

Here's where I bought my cords: amzn.to/3CfiPak

[@ISusanna]

Question: when you originally plant your seeds do they initially go directly under grow lights? I am growing in my basement in Michigan and it is cold, I don't have a thermostat to know the exact temperature. But I started my seedlings using the soil block method. I chose potting soil as my medium. I started off with brand new trays and I only sanitized them with boiling hot water from the stove. I then placed them on a heating pad under a shop light with 7000 Lumens and only 4500K with a dome covering. Woke up to them having a mildew like smell. With a slight white not sure but after reading it's probably Fungus growing on them. Different platforms have said it was most likely due to high humidity. So I took the necessary steps suggested to reverse hopefully stopping this from getting worse. I will say since I have I don't see any white fuzz and the smell has left. But I'm afraid they will germinate. To ensure germination and a productive harvest I will be planting another tray of the exact same seeds just to be on the safe side. Do you have any suggestions?

[@GardenerScott]

I usually put the trays under lights right away so the seedlings have light as soon as they emerge. High humidity can cause mold or moss to grow, but it doesn't mean that will limit germination. Removing the dome can help lower humidity.

[@rabbad7228]

I made a room in a back yard and put a 3000 k and later I put also 3500 k more for seedlings and small information tree

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for sharing.

[@orchidjewels48]

Low E windows reduce the light so far that I can grow phalaenopsis orchids right in my south-facing windows. I absolutely need supplemental light. I got tired of battling my bulbs and ballasts so I went to LEDs. I tried the Red/blue at first, put my seedings went to flower, so, Now I'm trying full spectrum which is working better. I'm trying to find out what brands are the best lights. I also started hydroponic gardening this winter. So far, it's working well. Lots of lettuce, bok choi and cilantro.

[@GardenerScott]

I prefer full spectrum. Good luck with your growing.

[@jfly7816]

Hi Scott. Enjoying your videos. Do you have a video about when to seeds indoors? I'm in the Springs and struggle to grow anything worth my effort. Are going to be speaking in the area anytime soon?

[@GardenerScott]

HI. I'll be teaching a class at Phelan Gardens in March and also for the Horticultural Arts Society. I'll give more specifics on my Facebook page when we get closer. Here's a video I did last year on when to start seeds: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGbFpoKDd6ykf7M

[@roccoconte2960]

Great video Scott, one question how far above your trays do you hang your lights?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Rocco. Depending on the strength of the light, it's just a few inches above the plants. I'll cover it more in another video in a few weeks.

[@tannenbaum3444]

You really want to be at about 4000 minimum Lumens (day light) or above. LED is most cost effective long-term. I use LED only, less electric costs and they last longer, nowadays one can purchase them quite cheap and they are more environmental friendly (disposal of them if it should break).

[@kbkatherineb3944]

Thank you

[@judyallen1261]

Such great info. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks!

[@jeffd6540]

Hi there, I've never tried any grow lights in the past. May try this year. Don't think I noticed any comment on how much time you should leave your grow lights running. What would be a good schedule for length on/off. Only place I have would be the basement. I can use a set of utility shelves to start and wrap them in foil I guess to reflect light and hold some heat.

[@GardenerScott]

I'll cover that topic in a video soon. The lights should be on 12-16 hours a day.

[@luckeychuckey70]

put a fan on them also

[@GardenerScott]

I may show that in a future video. Thanks.

[@johnkirkland7465]

I have a (4) bulb T-5 fluorescent, 48” long. Would you have a recommended height suggestion from seedling to transplant. A friend recommended 4” and it cooked my plants. Soil temps ran well into the 90’s.

[@GardenerScott]

Now that you know 4" us too low, try 6"to 8".

[@chich3chich176]

Hey Scott, what light schedule do you recommend?

[@GardenerScott]

Ideally, I use 16-18 hours during and immediately after germination, 14-16 hours for seedlings, and 12-14 for plants before hardening off.

[@Haffy1952]

Just curious where you are located in Colorado? I live here in Colorado as well and am in Aurora. Just subbed, thanks Haffy

[@GardenerScott]

Welcome to the channel, John. I'm just outside Colorado Springs.

[@kathleenosullivan8601]

John Hafenecker - Hi!! I’m in SE Denver! Near Monaco & Evans. Where are you?

[@Haffy1952]

@@kathleenosullivan8601 I AM OFF FROM SMOKEY HILL BEHIND THE QUINCY RESEVOIR

[@kathleenosullivan8601]

John Hafenecker Nice to meet you Haffy!!

[@nappynew]

One more question. Can you show exactly how your 1 bulb, 2 bulb, 3 bulb - how you raise them up. Do you put books underneath to reach the lights? Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

I use the hanging ropes to adjust the big lights and I have chains connected to the smaller ones. I can adjust the chains, but it can be easier to use boards and books underneath to raise the trays up to the lights. I'll show that in a future video.

[@neckbone1584]

Will this be enough light even at 6-8 weeks of growth? Thank you for the information. New subscriber☺

[@GardenerScott]

Welcome to the channel! As plants grow they all will need light. I have other lights as I add more plants.

[@demoniczek27]

I have windows on the north side so without grow lights no plants thrive in my flat. I use different LED lamps. Red/blue ones, red/blue with UV and IR. Also, I have found effective white LEDs from kitchen cabinets. I can change the colour of the white light from cold 6500K to warm 3500K. I mix them all up so there is less pink light visible in my windows and noone thinks I run an institution of hapiness for randy people lol.

[@OakKnobFarm]

hahaha! I love your LED color story! One only wants to be randy in private LOL!

[@conniewallace7529]

Institution of Happiness...😄..... Well, growing plants makes us happy, right?

[@GardenerScott]

Sounds like you're enjoying yourself.

[@demoniczek27]

@@conniewallace7529 not that way happy 😉

[@demoniczek27]

@@GardenerScott that's gardening. How can I not to enjoy it?😁

[@great0789]

I just bought two 10pk of LED T8 bulbs @ 6500K and 2300 Lumens for $74 at Lowes a few weeks ago. Put them into housings that are 4 bulbs ea and 12" x 4' in size. My lettuce and strawberries are growing like mad! Did a spectrometer test and it is smooth from around 430nm up to around 650nm in the color spectrum (Pretty much the entire PAR range). MUCH better spread than my fluorescent lights and it is not even grow rated! They should last over 10yrs too @ 12hrs a day too. Four of these will cost me around $120 per year operating 12hrs per day. They only use 60W each light set (4 bulbs x 15W). Not bad!!! I can grow over a grand worth of lettuce a year in that space.

[@GardenerScott]

Sounds like a good investment.

[@great0789]

@@GardenerScott You know it! Best part is that these can last a lifetime if taken care of. The bulbs, ballast, tombstones (part that holds the bulb ends) and even the switch are replaceable. Just have to keep the rust off. I can even try out different color spectrums down the road or throw in grow-rated T8 LED bulbs down the road if I wish.

[@Aquastar0706]

Thanks for info. Where did you get the 6 tube one for a table? Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

I believe I got that at Lowe's.

[@Aquastar0706]

Thank you:)

[@marilynm464]

What is lowest temperature you can start seeds and keep seedlings. Should low 60's be okay?

[@GardenerScott]

It depends on the plant. 60s will be fine for many greens, but tomatoes may be a bit slower to grow and peppers really need it warmer.

[@e-man2081]

You can buy electric heating pads to speed up the germination. These pads go under the flats. Once the seedlings get going you can unplug the electric pads.

[@kimyee2083]

How is it different from using floursent tube lighting?

[@GardenerScott]

It doesn't matter whether the light is florescent, LED, or incandescent, as long as it supplies the proper amount of light to plants.

[@JTrue10]

Hello, great video. I have a odd question for you. For years I had full planted fish tanks with expensive LED grow lights on top. Would I be able to use these grow lights for my potted plants in my house now that I no longer have aquariums? They are very powerful and I'd like to repurpose them if possible because they are pretty much brand new. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

I don't see why you couldn't try the fish tank lights. As I mention in the video, simple lights like that are usually all you need for growing seedlings, but you may find you need stronger lights for house plants. Give it a try. It can't hurt, but if you find the plants yellow, or look to be suffering, you might consider additional lighting.

[@JTrue10]

@@GardenerScott Thank you sir:)

[@SkykonTravel]

Thanks for all your tips, thumps up :) Question about the Lumens. If i have a light source with 1800 Lumens, but i need to cover a bigger area and install another bulb with 1800 Lumens,. will the plant then get 3600 Lumens (2x1800), or still get the 1800 Lumens even with two 1800 Lumens bulbs?

[@GardenerScott]

The lumens do add up, but it depends on how they're placed. Close together you'll get more light, but space apart you get balanced light but more where they overlap.

[@SkykonTravel]

@@GardenerScott You talk about minimum Lumens, is there any maximum Lumens?

[@GardenerScott]

I'm not aware of max lumens, but the lights can be higher above plants.

[@francoisboulet3671]

Hi Gardener Scott I’m from St Jean sur Richelieu, Québec. Would 4600 lumens and 4000 kelvin LED would still be ok for seedlings. Have opportunity to buy them not to expansive. Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

Sure. You'll have to learn how close to place them above the plants, but they'll be okay.

[@wipeoutxl21]

ive actually heard that a white surface is better than the mylar at reflecting light back on the plants

[@GardenerScott]

I've heard that but haven't seen any research comparing them. My other wall is white and I'll be checking to see if I notice a difference.

[@nguyentronginmaryland7457]

How many hour keep the light on a day ? Thank you for video.

[@GardenerScott]

For seedlings, I keep the light on for 15 hours.

[@elizabethwatt8131]

You don’t mention using actual ‘grow lights’ except for the little portable supplementary light. Do you not recommended them rather than just the bright household light or am I miss understanding the lumen numbers?

[@GardenerScott]

"Grow lights" are often more expensive and cheaper lights will still work fine. The lumens are just the brightness of the light and influences how close they are to the plants.