The #1 Lighting Seed Starting Mistake to Avoid: Proper Lighting Distance & Duration at Germination

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

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[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

You may as well be calling me out by name, as I always leave the lights too far away & my seedlings do get leggy sometimes. I want to do better for 2024 because I think my brassicas end up a bit stunted & too thinly main stemmed because of the initial legginess. I plan to implement your tips here, & also do a lot of winter sowing of brassicas for the 1st time to see if I can finally get huge heads of cauliflower & broccoli instead of the small heads I've been enjoying the last couple of years. I appreciate your annual reminder, thanks Gary!

[@Gardeningchristine]

He also mentioned in another video that you can leave the lights on for 48-72 hours while they are first germinating to make them stockier plants, especially with tomatoes. Said for those first 2-3 days they don’t really need a day night cycle and the more light they get in the beginning the better it is for the plants to be robust.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks for watching and good luck in 2024. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Very true!

[@isaacshouldice8606]

Hi, Gary (and everyone in the youtube comment section). I wanted to take a second and say thanks. I have been growing peppers now for 4 years. I started this journey by watching your videos. You are a wealth of information and have taught me everything I know. Your videos are easily understandable and well put together. I really appreciate you. For any new comers to Gary's channel... he is the real deal and can teach you everything you need to know to get into the pepper world. He has videos on everything you need to get set up! Thanks from Canada! Cheers Gary.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks so much for hanging around. And I appreciate the positive words. Cheers! Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@lesliebehrens7252]

I learned everything about starting seeds indoors from you. Everything. I encourage viewers to go through the archive videos and especially the one about purchasing shop lights. Thank you Gary you upped my gardening game in a huge way.🍅

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share and appreciated.

[@TravisTarver60]

Perfect timing! I been binging on all your grow light videos. Trying to start rosemary now. Also per your seed start videos

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Rosemary is a good one to start early. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@Gardeningchristine]

Great video and great timing! I’m sure if we don’t already have some plants starting we’re thinking and planning for it!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Getting Close! Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

Thanks from Ontario Canada

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Cheers. Thanks for watching, Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@ThunderBolt219]

Your videos are very helpful and I always make sure to put the grow lights close to my seedlings when they first germinate and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.:) This is a good thing to know for people who are beginners.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share and thanks for watching. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@queensgarden55]

Thanks, yes it will be that time soon. That's what I do place books under my plants works for me to adjust them. Nice simple video and Happy Holidays. You always have great videos. Will be watching, take care enjoy the Holidays!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Cheers and good luck in 2024. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@Peldawg2]

Love your channel, great tips and I have made every mistake you talk about, including to many seedlings. They haven’t gone to waste however, I give to family and friends. As you probably know more and more folks are taking up gardening. My mom was my mentor, just wondering if you have a mentor?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Early on my grandfather. Please Subscribe! It really helps me. And Thanks So Much If You Have! And Please Visit The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Neem Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Peppermint Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Rosemary Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C

[@JaneDoe-ft8sz]

Thanks! I've been wondering about this. One question. Is there a reason you don't have the clear top on the trays? Seems like it would help to keep in the moisture.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I found they didn't do much but help breed fungus. They are fine to use but just not needed in my opinion. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@carebearb2007]

Good morning form Oregon 🥰

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Cheers and good morning. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

5000 K is also a good spectrum to promote more compact growth--and stronger stems too. So if you're limited on lumens (or ePAR umols, whatever lol) it's better to go for the cooler white bulbs.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good point Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@Mark-u5u6x]

Someone correct me if I am wrong: 5000K works for fluorescent bulbs because they actually produce a wide-spectrum light - they worked great for my seedlings. But, LED 5000K only produce 5000K - I made that mistake too and 80% of my seedlings died (lettuce was one of the few types of plants which actually survived the 5000K LED, 20 Watt, 4-foot bulb, 8 inches above plants). Seedlings need a wide-spectrum light.

[@deecooper1567]

Great reminder 👍👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@nehapawar632]

Hi Gary.. Merry Christmas ! I just moved to our new home and will be putting our new garden.. our backyard was a wooded lot which we have it cleared now for the garden. The land here is very rocky and not leveled so I have decided to put raised beds. Should I go with 12 inch or 18 inch height? Primarily a veg garden. Thanks again.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Congrats on your move. I would go with 18 inches. You can fill them 12 inches to start if there are budget concerns and the extra 6 inches could be filled with compost as you make it. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@nehapawar632]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Thank you.

[@MiltonRoe]

Wait I haven't been watching the channel since it's the middle of December... you are starting already?! Not sure about down in CT but up here it's another 30 weeks until last frost. These going into a greenhouse?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I also start early for videos. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@Gardeningchristine]

Fluorescent lights also loose power over time so a new lightbulb will be stronger than one that’s been used for season after season.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

True. I have 1 set of fluorescent left. Now most LEDs. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@jeanpaeth7424]

Have your book but have a question on companion planting ? I have a 6ft galvanized bed....want to plant broccoli seedlings down the middle and onions around the the sides. Can I plant them both at the same time?

[@thegrandwazooofheliopolis4344]

Depending on your garden's orientation, I wouldn't do that. Broccoli to the back. They get BIG and will shade the onions behind them. Onions are not the fastest growing plant. By the time you harvest broccoli, your onions will be getting tall. And you can put some summer crop in the broccoli's place. Just my opinion without seeing your setup.

[@Gardeningchristine]

I’d suggest onions facing the sun, broccoli in the middle and something shade tolerant in the back like lettuces.

[@thegrandwazooofheliopolis4344]

@@Gardeningchristine There you go

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good advice below The onions should be first in line for making sun and the spread of the broccoli leaves should not cover the onions. So I would but brassicas in back of the onions. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@justsomeguy6133]

The one rule of thumb I like to give people is “it’s not nearly as bright as you think it is”. And the reason is, our eyes adjust.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good point. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@lastofuspartii8946]

What's your reccomendation if I have 2X 10,000 lumen LED lights per shelf. Manufacturer says to be 15 inches away, but I feel thats way too far.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I would do 10 inches. Adjust as needed. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@Blaccsparrow]

I think light distance may very depending upon the type of set up a person has. I have grow tents so I don't bring them lower since they're good lights, in a controlled area with mylar.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

This is more for the white LED shop lights as I mentioned. Specific systems would have their own specs. In any case the closest recommend distance is best when germination occurs and that first week or so.

[@timothyjohnson5580]

I was wondering how long do you keep plants under lights. Should it be right up till I harden them off for outside. Or can I move say near a window for light and start new seeds under lights

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

As they get mature you can raise the lights and even move them to a window. Early on germination and young growth is the time they need the light the most. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@joycebovee5818]

The foil on your shelf, is it underneath the trays or just on the backside?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

The foil I use for the top of the lights and the sides in certain places to reflect light. It's not a must but helps a bit. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@47retta]

Did you say the first 3 days, before the seeds germinate, you don't need the lights on at all?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah that first 3 days the seeds are generally absorbing water and getting ready to germinate. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@FoxFrenzyy]

I realized that germination does not require light. I put my auto seeds down 3 days ago and hasn’t sprouted. Are my seeds able to recover? Or should I start over?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

3 days isn't long. Seed dont need light but they have to germinate into light to stop legginess.

[@FoxFrenzyy]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN oh but I meant my seeds had 18 hours of light everyday for the past three days. I am worried because of that, they might not sprout. Is there a chance they would make it? It's currently day 4 and the light is now turned off.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

16 hours on and 8 hours of dark is fine. I would not turn them completely off because if they germinate on the off day, no light 24 hours, it will create weak leggy seeds

[@Mark-u5u6x]

This video was posted 3 days ago, I wonder if you used this light setup last season with success, or have you only been using it for a few days? Someone correct me if I am wrong: 5000K works for fluorescent bulbs because they actually produce a wide-spectrum light - they worked great for my seedlings. But, LED 5000K only produce 5000K? I replaced my fluorescents with 5000K LEDs last year and 80% of my seedlings died (lettuce was one of the few types of plants which actually survived the 5000K LED, 20 Watt, 4-foot bulb, 8 inches above plants). I notice your light bulbs have a white/opaque cover, mine have a clear cover. That will make a difference in light intensity, but will have no effect creating a wide-spectrum light. This year I am switching to LED, 4-foot, 20 W bulbs, two bulbs per 11" wide plant tray, each is a wide-spectrum with a different wavelength profile. I will begin with the lights 12" above the plants, whereas when I used the fluorescent bulbs (four, 34 W bulbs per 11" wide plant tray), I kept them 2" above the plants with zero problems. When the LED bulbs killed my plants last season, the peppers grew quickly to the stage yours are at, then they just stopped growing. The two "leaves" were very dark green, very thick, and crispy like a potato chip. I assume that was due to the single wavelength of light combined with the increased intensity of the LED, even though the lights are very low power. Be aware that LED and fluorescent bulbs act completely different and you cannot simply swap one for another.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I have used it for the last several years. The top shelf has 1 fluorescent light. The rest are 5000 Lumens and Daylight with respect to Kelvin 5000 to 6100K. White Light is broad spectrum in that all the colors are present and thus create white. I have seed started just about everything flower, herbs and warm and cool crop vegetables. I havent had failures after sprouting. If you are using 5000 lumen lights, 8 inches is too far away to start. Lettuce can manage with less light intensity. I would try a test flat and move you light a lot closer for germination and then raise them to 6 inches a week or 2 after germination. I didnt change much between my LEDs and F lights process. And I have been doing this 20 years or so. Clear canopy is best. Sorry I cant be of more help.

[@joyful_motherhood_]

Im in maryland (anne arundel county area) is it possible to seed start outdoors in one of those amazon 3 tier mini greenhouses? I dont have the space to inside.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

We when frost chance is gone. At night with freezing temps, much will just be killed off. You can start seeds by put them out when its not freezing during they day and bring the flat in at night. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com