Grow Lights For LESS Money |Cheap Alternatives to Expensive Grow Lights|

[@ДимаК-в7е]

Guy explained that grow lights are just regular lights with higher price, told how to choose right lights and kept information density of the video very high. My respect.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@AhmedHussein-bz1ie]

Brother I m from Africa I could you use this lights is it good for weed can I grow whit it ​@@FastGardeningMichigan

[@ДимаК-в7е]

@@FastGardeningMichigan Update: Cheap LED lamps work well for basil. Can't wait for bit harvest and make a year supply of pesto. And for anybody who is going to grow something indoors using only LED lams I recommend buying a timer switch, it turns on and of any device you connect to it. But don't buy any smart bs, buy simple mechanical, they are cheaper and you don't need any apps and accounts to control.

[@JizzAufDeinHodenØ]

Well you got no clue lights that Are made for growing have a much higher light spectrum and can bring you more harvest my Cannabis plants wouldnt really grow under such cheap lights

[@realfazey]

Yo for real! What a standup guy looking out for consumers as opposed to these gardening influencers trying to sell us their affiliate crap. Deff subscribing.

[@sherriethames6503]

I really appreciate when someone like yourself speaks up to keep us from getting conned. I tell my kids all the time, there are people sitting in board rooms all across the country trying to figure out ways to make more money off of less service.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I install lights that costs hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, for work then realized these lights were no different than ones I could get for way cheaper from the store. Same output, same drivers. It's the same with a lot of grow lights. Many lights use the same parts, the only difference is the sticker on the box.

[@alinnan5603]

Well, the diodes are different and that is what matters.

[@greenidguy9292]

@@alinnan5603Pfffft

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Especially with lightbulbs they had a bulb that lasted forever and all got together and decided to remove it and make bulbs that die constantly for more money

[@russbowman6801]

Thanks for the to the point video. It’s not for entertainment, or a bunch of off subject chats, but information.

[@minivanmachoman]

I can second this. Cheap two pack of 5000k 5000 lumen leds 44 inches long. $14.99 at Menards last year. Bought 4 sets. My seedlings are rockstars.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Spread the word! Everyone needs to save some cash when they can during these times

[@kansasgardener5844]

I looked at LEDs about 5 years ago. The price at Menards has really come down. I use fluorescent grow lights they're pretty large and have four bulbs inside each light. They work great but it's time to buy new bulbs and they are not cheap. I might try some LED's from Menards. I noticed some have a 5 year warranty and that's great also.

[@leslieanne447]

Exactly!!! I then "supplement" with others when they are off. It's timed perfectly.

[@kyielpaints]

@@FastGardeningMichiganI stumbled onto your page. I have two Milwaukee m18 lights I’ve sprouted seeds with. I think they claim it’s true view tech 4k range?

[@Sandwich13455]

I wish I had thought about that,I bought a box

[@smellygellybiscuits3814]

For people that want to understand "grow lights", this is what matters: *PPF* = the total amount of light the fixture produces that is available for plants. All respectable light manufacturers list the PPF for every light they make. You want at least 200 umol/sec for vegetative growth. *Spectrum* = color of light the fixture produces. Typically listed in Kalvin temperatures, like 3000K. Anything from 4000-6000k is ideal for vegetative growth. Lights with far red and infrared (630nm+) diodes will produce an elongating effect. Avoid infrared if you want to avoid stretching. *Wattage* = The cost to run the light and the amount of heat it will produce. Lower wattage with higher PPF is ideal. If you plan to run a light for more than a year, consider how quickly electricity costs will negate any savings on sticker price.

[@marcosrotllan]

Absolutamente true

[@nikushim6665]

I have a feeling when he mentioned a 800 dollar fixture, it was probably a high end Marshydro 1200watt :P. For little seedling/starter racks CFL's and LED strips are fine, but there not gonna cut it for aggressive vegetation. He is half right on things being overpriced though, the market is flooded with chinese garbage using crap LED's (i have even seen home depot selling that garbage). But on reputable companies the price is generally justified, Good LED's are absolutely not cheap. Average cree 3w runs about 4-5 bucks per diode, and a lot of these newer systems are using pretty higher end Samsung and LG diodes. We recently picked up a few FC3000's and i would say the price was acceptable for what they are.

[@AteThisYesterday]

Many - not all, maybe not even half - people watching grow light videos are looking to grow cannabis. Anything will grow under even a regular reading lamp bulb (led), but if you're looking to grow cannabis monsters, everything matters - lumens PPFD, DLI, Spectrum, heat levels, humidity, CO2, etc. Doesn't make this video wrong, he's showing you a vegetable garden. And you can still grow cannabis under these lights, really fucking tasty cannabis, its size and grow speed will just be limited by what it gets as input. You can still use lights like this for vegetative stages and save money in electricity and the longevity of your "grow" lights. {Edited for clarity}

[@khg8519]

and you know this how ?? your not a parrot ??

[@natking1u1z99]

5:27 he predicted your comment.

[@ktperko08]

Found these at Sam's Club for $17.98: "Honeywell 5000 Lumen 4' LED Metal Shop Light (White Finish)". 5000 lumen, 5000k, hang by a chain, and can be connected to one another. Thanks so much, saved me a TON of money! Subscribed. :)

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Perfect! Thanks and good luck this season!

[@kandimccann9055]

How did this light work for your plants.

[@buderp7222]

@@kandimccann9055I got the same question

[@mikekristin7201]

I have literally started a nursery out of my house using the shop light method. I'm about to run to Menards and pick up 24 more at $13.99 each for my new grow shed. The man speaks truths

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I've got green beans growing better inside than they did outside. I gotta check out menards. Thats a sweet deal

[@ca5ualm3dia]

dude shop light from china are fucking dangerous this guy has no clue what he is talking about , dont buy any thing from amazon that isnt UL listed , especially for steamy or greasy environments , the lights will fail ,even if you feel safe those cheap leds can pop and short and the surge wont catch it !

[@ellaruth9]

Do you heat your grow shed? Or use heat mats?

[@Bloomcycle]

Back in the 90's we avoided the hydroponics stores for our grow lights and bulbs and went to electrical supplies stores and spent 1/4 of the price 😎

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Now the LEDs use a tenth of the wattage and are brighter. Nearly everything we install in the electrical industry is now LED. CFLs were supposed to be the rage but those went away fast. As the installer it's more about being able to use less amperage to install more lights which means less labor but the customers get write offs for energy. savings.

[@toxichammertoe8696]

What did you buy?

[@Donkeykongington]

​@@FastGardeningMichiganmy 1000 w HPS bulbs produce 145,000 lumens. Show me a 100 watt LED that produces that much light.

[@MrMCKlebeband]

@@Donkeykongington with 100w led probably not, with 600 ezpz.

[@Donkeykongington]

@@MrMCKlebeband yes. That is 3/5. A far cry from 1/10

[@timothycolbert82]

I created a small indoor window garden with my daughter, who really was just into it for the strawberrys but now we have tomatoes, lettuce, cantaloupe,and just about everything else you could possibly want in February. Now she says I have a problem with about 40 plants already producing fruit.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I let my 4 year old plant some beans from last years garden in a pot. I am going to be grabbing a couple more lights so we can try to get the beans full term. He loves planting and he's a big help in the garden

[@KimcheePancakes]

My five yo tended his own corn patch last year. This year he wants to grow pumpkins

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@KimcheePancakes i let my 4 year old plant almost every seed. He did some soil blocking yesterday. He really enjoys growing stuff and knows what everything is when it comes up so I can tell hes paying attention and interested. It's also nice to have some help! Such a great activity for kids

[@prettyt6604]

How did you grow a cantaloupe in a window, i really would love to know?

[@Ash.Crow.Goddess]

Keep them growing through their teen years. You might have to force them. But do it. They'll thank you one day.

[@saukhaven]

Thanks for trying to help everyone cut costs (i.e. not get ripped off : ). You're a good man for that!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

It's wild out there. I saw a setup for over 1000 bucks and it was a rolling cart with a couple led shop lights attached to it. My cheap, poorly reviewed LEDs have peformed better than I can ask for.

[@saukhaven]

@@FastGardeningMichigan I am seeing so much hype and gouging in the gardening space, like for hydroponics or no dig also. It is more than just crazy, underlying it is pure greed. Keep up the fight and best to you!

[@seaautd]

Nice to see this video up debunking expensive grow-lights for seed starting. Back when I lived in SE Michigan, I used four 4' two-bulb standard fluorescent tube lights (no LEDs back then) hung like in this video on a simple inexpensive chain (that lets you raise as your seedlings grow) over an old ping pong table and had a literal field of plants growing from seed by March in an unfinished basement. It was awesome! A small space heater helps if you need more warmth and after the seedlings have their first set of leaves, a fan is advisable for air flow to keep fungal diseases from taking hold.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

My dollar stor shower curtains keep the warmth in when the plants are small. Once they get bigger I like them sitting at 55-65 degrees in the basement so they're used to the late spring temps they'll get outside. I have still never used a fan or heat mat. I keep my soil dry and brush or blow on the seedlings. Having the light close helps keep them short and stocky during initial growth

[@cooloutac]

my sister definitely followed your advice. She got a 1400-2000k chinese no name hanging grow light for her seeds from the dollar store hahah. When I saw it I was horrified. she has a bunch of trays next to a poorly lit window as well, but hell they are growing fine lmao.

[@jpc1147]

Remember just like fluorescent lights LED lights dim over time and their usefulness to your plants ends long before the light burns out. A bummer yes but that's the way it goes. One tip is to use your older lights for shade loving plants and your new lights for your high light plants. I enjoy your channel and when ever I stop in I learn something. Thanks.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@wildearthling]

Took one min to sub to you; authentic people are hard to find! Keep on keeping on and thanks for this.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks a lot! Just trying to help everyone save money. Caught myself overspending and don't want others to make the same mistake

[@4wheelwarrior]

Man, thanks a Million for the straight shootin on lights. Saved this newbie gardener a ton of grief. Subscribed.

[@theblacksmog]

Man. This channel really opened up my eyes. I kept seeing 'grow lights' for up to a grand. Thanks for the info and reading the comments. I'm starting my 1st grow and the equipment has been intimidating.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Some are talking about spectrums for fruiting and flowering but think about it... Spend thousands to grow a few dollars of food or in some cases cannabis indoors and have an electric bill that reflects thousands of watts of power consumption when it can be grown oustide in almost any climate.

[@ca5ualm3dia]

you still need a safety rated LED light sytem , some sellers take advatage of growlights , but there are many UL listed and safety review lights that are worth getting.

[@patriciakane764]

Thank you for giving us advice and sharing your knowledge as an electrician. AND, saving us money. As an 86 year old widow, that is important.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I appreciate the positive feedback! Happy growing

[@cbordes1]

This has been the most helpful video on lights for starting seeds. Last year I bought some cheap ones from Amazon but they were terrible because I didn’t know what to look for. I’ve only been gardening for 2 years and I have so much still to learn. When I see other people’s starts and mine NEVER look like theirs I feel disappointed and want to give up. But each year I’m learning something thanks to wonderful people such as yourself who share knowledge. TFS

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

These cheap LEDs are really great for starting seeds. I even grew some green beans under them and I am harvesting them now

[@cbordes1]

Wow!!!! That’s incredible. Please do a video on the beans. I already put a set in my Amazon cart to purchase. Thanks again.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@cbordes1 i was thinking about it but its pretty straightforward and the beans take up precious growing space. Its basically 5 bean plants in a 3 gallon pot. Potting soil. Watered once per week. They get 14 hours of LED light which they are pressing into because they're tall

[@cbordes1]

@@FastGardeningMichigan Another question. I followed the Amazon link you posted and want to purchase the 2ft lights (6 pk) but it says it’s 30w. Is that going to be okay because the 4ft ones are 60w? I’d prefer the 2ft ones because I can put them in my mini vinyl greenhouse.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@cbordes1 wattage isnt important. Lumens and Kelvin is what to look for. Lower watts run way cheaper and aren't as warm. I don't understand all these 300 watt grow lights. Thats $23 bucks a month to run them 16 hours a day! Imagine the 10k watt ones. Turns into growing tomatoes for $20 a pound lol

[@painchaud2000]

I've watched a LOT of videos on growlights and I keep coming back to your system. So that's what I'm gonna use! Thanks for the video!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

These lights combined with clear lid cooking trays make it easy to germinate seeds without heat mats. I never run fans or heat mats. Saves money on energy costs.

[@painchaud2000]

@@FastGardeningMichigan that is awesome to hear....I am getting my lights in two days and I'm gonna build something similar. Thanks for the help!

[@erlangenemutya263]

Your right grow lights is more expensive,I'm happy that I've stumbled on your video that gives me a very nice idea to grow aquatic plants inside the house and not too much expensive led grow lights in the market

[@alanjackson6113]

Thanks dude from all us plant numpties here in Blighty. Will definitely now build my own set up using your excellent guidance. Keep it up.

[@biffmalibu3733]

Harbor freight sells full spectrum led grow lights for 20 bucks. My lettuce, Tiny Tom maters, carrots and cucumbers are doing great.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Nice

[@carolfitzgerald6441]

I’ve been researching for months and this was the easiest video to follow. Really straightforward, thank you!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@ellewright6991]

I just bought LED tube lights. Got 3 different sets and it's cost me $100 total. I have a red/blue 2 and 5 tube set and I just got a sunlight tube stand that has 5 tubes. They're great!!!

[@ChairmanOProductions]

This is really good information. I get customers asking me about grow lights and but don't want to spend the money on the set up. I can now direct them to light set up with those specifications.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

There are still many doubters. Sure you can get higher yield with fancy lights, but at a higher production cost. I'm still harvesting winter tomatoes under these

[@bobdllewellin7602]

Thanks for the advice. I'm tired of all the marking up-sale false propaganda BS and just was looking for something practical and affordable and KISS simple. Plan on starting some Roma Tomatoes , Peppers, etc in those DIY upside down hangers next spring and want too get an early start..... maybe a few apple and hazelnut trees (upright). Thanks again for cutting out the Bull.

[@dbhomebldrs]

Excellent! Plug and play (grow)! No wiring. Adjustable for plant growth! Size perfect for shelving. Very efficient and low cost set up.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Works great!

[@Mike590A1]

As a long time aquarium keeper...He speaks truth. All the fancy Very High priced lighting.....BUY for plant growth...the soft whites blow everything away!!!

[@curiouscat3384]

Be still my heart! I've been shopping for several months now and was frustrated that I could find high lumen/kelvin numbers in a 4 ft light for less than $70. Enjoyed your video - clear descriptions, not a lot of rambling - I'm subscribing :) THANK YOUUUUUUU !

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thank you!

[@walrussayswhat5503]

I use Barrina lights . Fairly cheap I bought them on sale 6 4 ft lights around 80 dollars . It really doesn’t matter if you are doing seedlings/lettuce . Fruiting plants do yield more with better lights but they are all geared for “herbs” and their rec don’t apply I find grow tent lights for 3x3 coverage are great for a 4x4 or 5x5 space

[@schwubs]

i super glue magnets to my light strips and attach them to my metal shelving. I move the plants up and down with risers (i use my jigsaw puzzle collection for this).

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Great idea!

[@mamajan99]

I've grown tomatoes in a spare bedroom with very inexpensive 6,000 K LED strip lights on a timer for YEARS! With just 4 plants, last winter I counted over 100 Campari tomatoes at one time! I grow them in 4 five gallon buckets with planting mix. This year I'm experimenting with a Kratky style setup in one bucket. If you put a pvc down the inside of the buckets you can water from the bottom up, keeping the top dry and soil gnats stay away. When the plants near the ceiling, I prune them and begin coiling the stems which may be 20 feet long by Spring when I start the outside crop.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Awesome! If I had space for that I would do that as well. I stick to small varieties that produce well

[@splsam8834]

If you bought actual grow lights you would have better yields and healthier plants.

[@DKFXCT]

Use Pine Sol for nats. Rub around the rim. Mop floors with it to keep cockroaches away. Vinegar to keep scorpions away. In other countries they are using old plastic bottles and putting a sticky spray on them. Hanging and catching bugs. 😂

[@chicagomrs2270]

Yes sir you're right on point! I'll put my garden results up against anyone who started their seeds with a high dollar light setup. My shop lights from Sam's club grew the seedlings that fed us all last summer.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

That is awesome. Didn't even think of Sam's Club

[@mrboat580]

Good video. Been using LED shop lights for vegetables indoors for years. I got into it because of micro-greens and noticed how well the growth was when I used it to start my bibb lettuce. It grows prize quality greens that are better looking than the best poster shot photos of any grow magazine. This is one of the best ways to get rid of the off-season blues, and for those people who get snowed in, a nice sunny room to hang out in on those lasting overcast days. All in, I had prize quality 8" heads of perfect bibb lettuce at .85 per. The store had wilted and beat up smaller heads for nearly $4.00 locally. Mine, I know was 100% organic, totally pest/pesticide free. Also grew spinach and microgreens at the same time. There is nothing better than fresh greens in the winter. It's nice just not having to so thoroughly wash ones food all the time for not knowing what's on it.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

With all the stuff going into food nowadays, growing at home is the best way to go.

[@jamesduncan3673]

I've been using basic Walmart LED shop lights. They're standard 4' shop lights, costing only about $20.00 a pop, and their output is 5k lumens and 5k kelvin. They come with their own chains, so height adjustment is not an issue, and two per level on 4' x 18" wire shelving is perfect. The only drawback is they don't have an outlet, so they can't be daisy chained. But a two-outlet timer, or a timer and a cheap power strip, is an easy and economical solution. As you noted, a setup like that is far less expensive than anything with the words "grow light" in the description. Three of them served me just fine last year. I just added a 4th one, as I've enlarged my garden so I'm starting more seedlings. But again, this a far less expensive solution than buying "grow lights," and has been more than adequate for my seed-starting needs.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

All these positive reviews on the Walmart lights makes me want to get a few but I just picked up 3 more from Rural King. Found out for $3.49 you can add a 3 year warranty where they'll replace it no matter what. So 28 bucks for a 3 year guarantee isn't bad. Not sure if there is a similar offer with other brands but that would definitely be a selling point

[@joanies6778]

OMG, I just wrote a similar post before reading the comments. Same experience here! 🤗

[@RRRRRRandy]

I have been using a SS 14" x 48" shelving unit with 3 shop lights per shelf for seed starting for several years. My 48" lights have 232 LEDs per unit and are 40 watt, 4500 lumen, at 5000k. One year I started my seeds too early and had 5 foot long cuke plants that were healthy and flowering. The life of an LED is when the light output is down to 1/2 of the original output.

[@Kinetic_CGI]

I have both cheap and expensive grow lights, they both work great for growing plants. I also have a light meter for measuring PAR. ( Photosynthetically active radiation - light that plants can use to grow) My other more expensive lights have controls for UV and Far IR for changing growth response. Most people wont need or even consider taking advantage of this, but if your a person who wants to play with variables on plant behavior then it is not a bad option. You could play around with some IR led for extra growth performance, I have personally observed with my plants that IR does make noticeable speed increase. For my use case, growing year round that extra efficiency and lifespan is better in a grow light. If you can find a cheap light that last long and makes usable photons for growing then your fine. You may even consider buying a mix - cheap white lights then some extra IR diodes. UV in my opinion is something to use with caution. Plants can use it to grow, but it can bleach the leaves and it can for smaller plants make them grow slower if not stunt them. People typically use the UV on plants like peppers when they start fruiting. One thing that I value in my grow lights is life span. If the bulb is cheap and then replacing it is not to much a problem unless it ends up costing more than the more expensive ones in the long run. Point is do your research. For me, I did the math on the produce and factored in how much of the lights cost + electric + supplies are in each bit of lettuce on the shelf. For my family we spend a lot on produce already at the store. Now I grow hydroponically, and the flavor and quality is a lot better than store bought so factor in how much of the store lettuce you waste and don't eat while it gets slimy in the fridge. Just find what works for you - it doesn't hurt to know if you want to use qualitative or quantitative with your grow lights.

[@samuelgoodwin6486]

I agree with this completely. I also have expensive and cheap grow lights. And for seedlings I really don't think it matters but when you start playing with fruiting and all that other stuff.

[@slicktmi]

What kind of par reading did you get on cheap led shop lights and regular white led lights?

[@Kinetic_CGI]

I just made a crude measurement but my higher ends lights produce at least 4.4 time more light for the same given input power. So while the other where like $25 for a 20watt light my higher end light at 10 watts can produce more than double the light than the cheap light at 20w. I have a PAR meter and a kilowatt meter for measuring draw for those question my crude measurement. I am also working on my own circuit boards for my own custom light that will be more efficient for my use.

[@Kinetic_CGI]

@@slicktmi my cheap 20w light was 280 PAR at about a inch and my higher end light was 620 at 10w same distance +-.

[@GRDwashere]

@@Kinetic_CGI Did your 10w high end light cost double what the cheap 20w light cost? because that's the breakpoint. As you know, for growing applications what you're buying is PAR - not watts, lumens, or Kelvins.

[@dillinger101]

You are exactly right. 100% good to hear someone say this about grow lights.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Until made this video I wasn't aware that so many are hung up of the fancy lights. Shop lights are fantastic. My tomatoes are even setting fruit

[@billybobmcdougal]

Just found this guy for the first time. Subscribed. I like it.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@KENOMAN1969]

Solution for the height issue is a wire frame adjustable shelf set which gives more height adjustment options. Great tios and I will definitely set up my indoor nursery using this.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

This year I am starting a lot of plants in clear totes outdoors in soil blocks, so I am trying something a little different inside. I have 3 shelves where the lights will remain at the same level. Bottom for germinating and initial growth, middle for plants to 4 inches, top to finish them off. Since the potted up plants take up more room the total number of plants is dictated by how many 4 inch pots I can fit. Did some winter sowing as well but inside just tomatoes and peppers

[@KENOMAN1969]

@@FastGardeningMichigan For the winter I've been growing potatoes in a raised bed and attached trellis by the window as well as in a grow bucket. Also I've had a container fig tree that exploded in growth. Everything has been better this winter since I started a compost bin using red wiggler worms and harvest the castings for fertilizer. I mainly use shelving outdoors but am setting up a new permanent greenhouse and will be incorporating your set up using metal shelving using the lower levels for seedlings. This will ensure they get enough light and avoid too much sun in the hottest part of the day.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@KENOMAN1969 i just found a bag of sprouted potatoes in my closet. Do they need intense light?

[@KENOMAN1969]

@@FastGardeningMichigan Yes. Try to keep them in a sunny space. If they have 2 or three sprouts and they are not very big just bury the whole thing about 4 to 6 inches in a large bucket of soil. If they are big potatoes cut them into sections with a few sprouts on each section. If you cut them let the cut section dry for a few days before planting. Make sure there is good drainage with holes in the bottom of the bucket. They will push their way up. When watering don't get the base of stems wet or they will rot. Heavy nitrogen in the soil to start then after about a month I add potassium by using bananas and occasionally add more nitrogen via worm castings. Also I mix powdered egg shells into the soil to add calcium. Bamboo supports and plant tape for the stems is a good idea as they grow up to 3 to 4 feet in height. When the top stems die off you can harvest the potatoes. Don't over water every 3 or 4 days is fine and not too much. I usually water with a bottle of spring water and have a few empty bottles with holes buried in the bucket to which I add water and banana scraps. Good luck!

[@heavytank2]

NW Indiana here, glad I found someone in my grow zones. I just started hot peppers and some tomatoes indoors, and have some sprouts. subbed

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks! I'm starting those in a few weeks. I am going to start a couple plants now for an experimental grafting technique I am trying

[@cowboys729]

FGM, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on LED’s . Saving every dollar makes a huge difference . Happy Holidays!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

You too and thanks! I'll be putting out more this winter since there are many questions on the topic

[@thingsthatmakemegoooh]

It's not so easy to source LEDs in the UK to use as grow lights for seedlings - so to keep my prices down, I buy aquarium LEDs 😉 instead, which are by far cheaper 😊 & most are fixed on a flat panel /no lamp & they are dimmable too 👍

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

That's surprising! I thought Europe was all about ecofriendly and you can't get any better than LEDs.

[@urbanharvestdfw]

I agree brother I just learned that this year my walmart shop lights actually work just as good

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I am going to experiment with the high output LEDs like 15,000 plus lumen. We light up construction sites with them. They wouldn't be good to set up right on top of plants, but hung overhead could produce great results

[@urbanharvestdfw]

@@FastGardeningMichigan yea I thought about using those I use em for working on the flight line at night I also wanted to use those I think halogen lights . those things super bright a d get nice and warm

[@urbanharvestdfw]

@@FastGardeningMichigan I also line everything with foil paper to reflect light and lock in heat

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@urbanharvestdfw I've considered that. Last year I started plants in my living room so it sas nice and warm. They're in the basement now in the low 60s by an east facing window. Going to bump them over so the white wall reflects some light back. Temps dont seem to bother the plants but haven't started peppers and tomatoes yet

[@speedbag67]

Great info, brother... I love the fact that you are an electrician (I'm a licensed plumber) so you know what you are talking about. Checked out some of your other vid titles.. I like your content.. Just subbed, and I'll tell my gardening friends about this little channel.. lets blow it up!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks a lot!

[@DKFXCT]

Plumbers should do hydroponics. We need you!!!

[@KindOfBland55]

i bought a 36" x 20" x 63" tent, 100w LED light and a 4" duct inline fan with carbon filter and thermometer and spent $300 with a $50 discount. it works great

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Nice!

[@twoturtleshomestead]

Great info! I've been searching like crazy to try and figure out this grow light thing! I just want to be able to start seeds without them getting leggy before transplanting them into the garden! I always thought there must be a simpler more affordable option. You, my friend, delivered exactly what I was looking for and gained a subscriber! Keep the content coming - this space needs more common sense solutions without all the 'sponsored' hype!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

With them LEDs right on top of those seedlings they grow nice and stout! I realize a lot of my content will disqualify me from endorsement deals BUT providing money saving content brings in more trusted viewers and any financial compensation I may receive doesn't come out of THEIR pocket. The industry is getting a little greedy and out of control. I was spending too much and wanted to find cheaper, easier ways to grow food without being stressed. As I do, I feel it is right to pass that info along and let everyone decide what's best for them. Thanks for watching!

[@chingobling5063]

try adding a fan as well, a light breeze will encourage the plant to grow stronger stem. Without knowing the exact light you are using I cant tell you how close to place them to the light.

[@tangobayus]

You can put LEDs just a few inches above the tops of the seedlings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/onSwfJWNi6qEosU

[@english1midlands]

You need blue lights for seedlings as red makes the plants stretch.If you want a light for seedlings you're better off getting some CFL strips as seedlings need very little wattage,anything more than 50watts is a waste.I haven't watched this post but you can't use any cheap light to grow anythinng as some crops require much more par than others.If you try and grow cannabis with less than 600 watts over a 4x4 area the flowers won'tt bulk up like they should.It takes much more energy to grow fruits than it does leaves.600w would destroy your leafy greens.

[@english1midlands]

@@chingobling5063 As a general rule,if it doesn't burn your hand it shouldn't burn your crop.

[@timc.7599]

Your right the led set ups are awesome. You can get those shop lights at canadian tire in Canada. Ive used the screw in led bulbs as well. U can get double socket screw ins and do an array on a power strip. I think mine ran me about $30 in 2017....still using it. Works great.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Same price. Hard to beat! Mine are still going strong

[@hrvstmusic]

Spectrum only matters most during later stage growth. Basic lights to start things is the move

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

That's the truth

[@joanies6778]

Walmart sells Hyper Tough LED shop lights with 5000 Kelvin and 6500 Lumens and they cost $20 +/- a pop. I have been using them for 3 years for growing seedlings and they work great. The ones I use don't daisy chain, but I have them all on a power strip that plugs into a 3 prong timer. I noticed Walmart stocks them up this time of year, so it's pretty popular in my area of farm country. (The closest Menards is 2 hours away... I see several posts mentioning their less expensive lights.)

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Lots of people are using thise with good luck

[@Starship245]

Amazing that the Real Work 120 V 6000 Lumens will work. Thank you

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

They're down to $20 now too

[@andydundas2443]

Being in Michigan as well (same frost zone even) I'm truly enjoying your channel. Great info on horticulture without spending an arm and a leg.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks! Almost time to get tomatoes and peppers outside

[@pattyanderson1199]

Thank you so much. You're an electrician so I trust your experience. I've been going out of my mind over this. I live in a small apt., and I wanted to grow a few things. Lettuce and such. But all I could find was spectrums spectrums and more spectrums, and lots and lots of money. lol. You saved me. Thank you.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

More important than lights are soil fertility and proper watering. Use rain water if you can! If you haven't check out my follow up video. Compost from my chicken run and rain water produced monster plants under cheap lights

[@zacharykim9384]

I laughed so hard at “it’s still January here in Michigan” 😂 great video appreciate the knowledge!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Sometimes it feels like January until July. Weather here is wild. I'm on a hill top so I have a weird microclimate. I get snow when it's sunny a mile north or south. I'm a growing zone below for that reason..just a tiny 5 dot on the map surrounded by zone 6 😂

[@RichGardens]

Great video. Yep, I'm going to do it to you. You are on the right track. For LED lights only, 3000k to 4000k has been shown to be the best spectrum for 95% of your grow light needs. You'll like the results. Leave the light on 24/7 and you'll see them grow fast. That light you showed works great in pairs. 2 of those lights would cover 1 foot by 4 feet or 4 seedling trays. Try one of the tips, you'll be surprised on how fast your seedlings grow.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@fromak2nc]

Brother you are doing a great job. I’ve been looking for a way to help my nephew; 12, get into gardening. These lights are perfect for young people. Thanks

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

My 4 year old's green beans are about to set pods under these!

[@callyman]

Maybe you mention its as ive just started watching but i just bought lights in different spectrums. Saved me a fortune.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I do not focus on spectrum. White light carries all colors. To flower and fruit give the plants less light, similar to what they experience during season change

[@peggycole7162]

What do you know, an honest, helpful utuber!! I only grow tomatoes anymore,& wanted to be adventurous & try some nearly seedless, massive heirlooms. So last yr I bought the seeds but didn't use grow lights. It was a dismal failure. I even tried sprouting outside when it warmed up and a lot of seeds still didn't sprout. Thanks for your honesty and looking out for our wallets

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Problems with germination are usually related to the soil being too dry. I like to germinate with a cover on to hold in moisture. Soon as they poke out I keep the light right in top of them 18 hours a day until they're bigger!

[@timmo971]

I 100% agree with led daylight average white lights. The narrow range purple ones give you a rotten headache when you have to enter the grow room after a period of time as well. The various sunglasses you can buy are not only another expense but don’t work for long work times.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

So many great CHEAP lighting options have shown up in the comments. Take some time to read through them to hear everyone's experience. Great to see fellow gardeners helping eachother out!

[@movingforward4623]

Exactly! I pretty much read through all the reviews on vids I watch as there can be a lot more info to gleam.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@markwright4412 they can go to menards or walmart too and get better options than a grow store that's trying to sell the same lights but calls them grow lights and marks up the price. Many of the amazon options are multi packs as well.

[@markwright4412]

@@FastGardeningMichigan your links were bogus not saving anyone money. Sorry

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@markwright4412 then drive to walmart or harbor freight and buy lights around around the same price. Or maybe you don't even grow plants or you have better options you'd like to share with everyone?

[@arvellataratuta2150]

I bought my shop lights, some with LEDs and with the specs you recommend for about $18 at Walmart a year or two ago. They do well for me.

[@brothernorb8586]

Thank you for the great tip. As a massage therapist I found the same thing. So we would take a jig saw fit it with a PVC cap and rubber cat toy ball for percussion.

[@jarritosisthebestdrink]

dude this is so helpful, i was about to spend hundreds of dollars on 8 separate aquarium lights, and now i got 3 that cover EVERYTHING

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

The ones I use are down to 20 bucks now.

[@JGfloatsnfishez]

Thank you the internet needs more of this!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I will have more. The doubters still keep replying. They might work for the grow light companies that keep emailing me to endorse their lights

[@tuloko16]

I use the 4 bulb LED Shoplight from Harbor Freight, and it works great. And can’t beat the price. They also have. A 2 bulb version. I found that 4 bulbs is just right to cover the shelf i use. With the 2 bulbs, in the center of the shelf, the outside seedlings of the tray, were leaning inwards a bit. With 4, they all grow straight up.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Nice!

[@Thingys-Jill]

I've used LEDs and I also have "grow" light bulbs ($6) that go into reguar fixtures (I use the clamp on work light fixtures). It works fine. It's like how so many say you have to have heat mats to start seeds. I use the heat vent in the floor. I currently have 20 artichoke starts, about 15 pepper seedlings, and just sowed my tomatoes. Light bulbs work fine!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

My heat mat is just a cooking pan with a clear lid under lights. Mini greenhouse. Germinates everything!

[@DKFXCT]

I use the light fixture that mechanics use on car hoods.

[@DKFXCT]

Can you use an electric blanket as a heat mat? Let's get creative!!!!

[@thedreamwitch]

I won't comment what's going on behind you, I try to focus on the topic, sooo I'm very thankful for this video, especially since most people tell ya like " This is a low budget video for grow lights" and then they put stuff in the description for like 800Eur , yeah in which universe is this cheap low budget?:D So you brought up some really good information, advice and links, thank you very much ♥

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@skylerfink9983]

Yup I got one from walmart to were you can mix the colors for around 40 bucks and it's working great so far

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Update video coming tonight. Plants did great

[@Kriskat6]

Thanks for the information. I use the same criteria of 5000k etc. I do have that last one you linked in the 2.5 foot version and it is very versatile. I came across a brand of lights that I am really doing well with for my application. (Barrina) I needed short, inexpensive ones as I have adapted some unused guinea pig cages to grow in. I do have some of those "expensive" grow lights, but those were given as gifts so I am not complaining. They are currently being used on my dwc tomato and pepper plants. Thanks again!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks for watching! Seems like you have a very diverse set up. Guinea pig cages sounds interesting

[@johndoh5182]

Couple things. This is best for starting plants, and plants that require full sun should get outside when it's time, so this isn't an all year thing. Next would be minimizing other light sources from hitting the seedlings because it could cause them to lean towards the other light source. THANKS for the tip!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

It works all year but plants are made to be outside. I have dwarf varieties growing now doing great, but it's a lot of work. I'm more of an outside grower where I can plant them and walk away 😂.

[@johndoh5182]

@@FastGardeningMichigan Yeah I tried to be specific when saying "plants that require full sun", and it's not that you can't grow them inside, it's about having to run lights for more than 12 hrs./day to give those plants the amount of light they need. I'm not being contradictory as much as being practical. Peace dude.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@johndoh5182 I'm on the same page. When you run lights that long you're growing very expensive food that requires more care. Most of us have a long enough season outside to grow what we need. If you put together the time and monetary obligations growing inside isn't exactly efficient.

[@kurtdowney1489]

Great video and you are absolutely correct. I bought a Braun 5k lumens from Harbor freight 4 footer with chains and hooks/chord included once for 15 each now they are 20 unless you get the sale or coupon. They work perfectly. Subbed Like your style I am in Colorado so short grow season like you.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Heard good things about the harbor freight lights. I have been harvesting green beans started in February under mine. Will be growing lots of them over winter since they did so well

[@SuperUnknown-y3h]

i bought a vivosun grow light, expensive but believe me i do not regret it at all

[@MyTube4Utoo]

The high-dollar, HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights are often created for, and marketed to, those growing pot. Although other plants thrive on as much light as you can give them also, and with lower-power lights the amount of light decreases so rapidly the further from the plants that you get, it renders them very ineffective for some situations. Also, if you're growing seed-to-table indoors, perhaps in a hydroponic setup, a single, higher-powered light that can be some distance above the plants in order to cover a broader area may be desirable. Having said all that, for what he's doing here, a lower-powered and cheap LED is the perfect choice. Especially for something he's just going to transplant. When I use to grow other _'stuff'_ besides food many years (decades) ago, we used Metal Hallide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs, both running much hotter, (obviously) at greatly reduced efficiency (hence the heat), and lasting usually less than half the time of what LED lights do today. LED lights, at least entire panels used as "grow lights" weren't really a thing back thing, although it wouldn't be long before they exploded on the scene. LED lights are definitely the way to go. However, just don't think you'll always get the best results with a low(er) power LED light if you're growing plants that thrive on a lot of light. Unless maybe, you buy a lot of the cheap, low-power LED lights and keep them right on top of your plants, and your plants won't be getting very tall. Even then, you'll probably be operating with a deficit.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Good points. These lights did not stop my plants from growing vertical (ran out of room!) and they also had great flowering action. I have never tried letting them fruit indoors with these lights but I may at some point. These lights also work great for plants where we prefer to harvest the leaves and don't have to worry about fruit set.

[@whitneywiebe1725]

Hey I am looking to start gardening indoors and I would have to have the garden indoors the whole year since it’s very cold and windy where I live. Could you suggest any type of large overhead grow light I could use for long term like that? I want to set up in my garage.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@whitneywiebe1725 cheap shop LEDs will work to grow leafy greens. I've had lettuce growing indoors for the past 6 weeks. In a garage you may need to worry about temperature. You still want the area to be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're looking to grow plants that set fruits you may need a set up with different color spectrums for flowering and fruiting. Although many say the cheap LEDs won't get a plant to flower, I've watched many plants do it. I never tried to let them fruit but I am currently growing green beans and will be planting cucumbers under them as an experiment. Stuff like tomatoes and peppers may need supplemental heat. I will eventually try those too, but have not tried yet.

[@whitneywiebe1725]

@@FastGardeningMichigan thank you so much!! I will definitely be heating the garage with a heater of some type and may set up a couple heat lamps as well! This info definitely helps me out, thanks again!

[@brianfitch5469]

​@@whitneywiebe1725 That's the trade off, if you use lights that generate more heat you don't need to add extra heaters so either way your going to use the electricity. I like flourescents I use a mix of them and some cheap leds

[@RichardJohnson-xr1ft]

Just what I was looking for. I really appreciate your video. Thanks from Minnesota!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@cannabinerd9665]

I used to use fluorescent lights, led shop lights, etc. The thing that I hated about them was constantly having to move lights. Raise lights to water, to check out the seedlings, etc. I finally bit the bullet and bought actual grow lights with dimmer switches. I did some research and found some highly regarded lights that were being discontinued and snatched them up for less than $100 a piece. They stay 18-24 inches above the seedlings and you can control the light output with the dimmers. I love being able to just glance at my trays and see what's going on with them. As I get older I value keeping things easier and more convenient.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

That's a benefit. I dont even use timers. I like checking to see how things are going

[@slpardee10]

​@@FastGardeningMichiganYes, but most of us don't watch them with that kind of dedication. A new type electronic timer these days is like $7. Very worth it.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@slpardee10 i did get timers when I had to leave for a few days. I dont trust devices like that.. Fire hazard. But so far hasn't melted

[@drivenmad7676]

Back in the day, i flowered cannabis plants with fluorescent. Plants were healthy. Buds weren't huge but they were dense and potent.

[@stoneyyak4967]

@@FastGardeningMichigan growing weed is a little more involved than veggies. gotta keep that light schedule on point!!

[@dougsholly9323]

You can also use aquarium lights. They are a little bit more than these with roughly the same specs, but every light comes with a built in timer module. You can also just plug them into a smart plug and schedule the lighting times. They really work great on my planted tanks

[@Jacques_van_Wyk]

You're spot-on mate. Thanks for sharing. We've found the same results at our farm. Light spectrum is never even perfect in nature, given dirt factors like weather, clouds fog, smog and other atmospheric conditions. The lights you suggest are perfectly good. Thanks for shedding the light 🕯️

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks for watching!

[@lilbear19601]

What light was suggested, I missed that. Thanks

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@lilbear19601 any cheap LED shop lights between 5000K and 6000 lumens plus or minus 1000

[@xrt126]

It's bullshit compare the sun light spectrum to a cheap led housing light 😂 and he's a farmer waw

[@SamFBM]

@@xrt126 No LED is going to come close to the sun. youd need the sun for that..

[@phillipcampbell]

I use 2 Aglex led lights from Amazon for 70 a piece. I use in a 2x4 tent and consistently produce 1/4 to 1/2 Lb. from 3 plants. I just started using CO2, and wow.

[@LovelySummerOrchid]

Thank you so much for this! I'm starting seeds for my first garden this year and this has been a huge hurdle for me!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

It's such an annoying, yet rewarding process. I've learned that less is more when it comes to caring for indoor starts. Thanks for watching!

[@LovelySummerOrchid]

@@FastGardeningMichigan If I can get everything to sprout like the dwarf eucalyptus I started with, I'll be very happy! I'm already planning on going to Menard's tomorrow! It's still exciting for me lol

[@llamadeyrey]

Okay -- two videos watched. Had to subscribe! Amazing info ty, love the straight to the point.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@jayduplessis7698]

Another great, informative video - as always!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@alexdotsonjr4579]

Thank you very much for doing this video. It explains the lighting procedure for plants very in detailed any help me out greatly.

[@Trini4th]

I have a south facing window and I live on the 5th floor. I wish I could share some of this intense year around light with you and your subs . I can only grow outside plants indoors because of the full sun all year😅.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

If that was me I'd probably have 16" of dirt as my floor and be living on an indoor garden 😂

[@biggmcken1]

Thanks ! Just started using Led strip lights on my plants that overwinter inside

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

What plants are you overwintering? Ive done peppers but they brought in a lot of bugs. I've even considered trying tomatoes just to see what happens since they sucker vigorously from the base.

[@LadyRenira]

Totally agreed on this. And if you really feel the need for red or blue light to add, you can compliment it with an led strip, which won't put off as much light, but will add the spectrum you're after. Honestly I don't really see a reason to min/max when the 5000K does great.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Seems like 5K is the sweet spot

[@shine9680]

But hes totally wrong soooo

[@Innvertigo]

@@shine9680im betting you’re not going to say why

[@jfost4442]

Thank you for sharing this! I just put together a set up to house my starters but looking for ideas for lights. I’ll try this, in appreciation of you 😊

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Good luck and have a great growing season!

[@kentuckycunctator]

good info. you have a good channel; keep the content coming as looking forward to gardening keeps me sane in the winter months.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I appreciate it! Winter is tough but it gives us all time to reflect on last year's grow and how we can do better next season

[@The_Survivors_Handbook]

Great info brother. I myself have used both cheap brand lights and spiderfarmer lights. The difference in growth with a light made properly is astounding. Both lights were 100w but one is a brand with just letters and numbers for a name while the other is a known company. The spectrum is drastically different on the properly made one as well as light penetration. Things I wish I had known before trying to save money on the wrong products lol.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Those spiderfarmer lights look pretty cool. They have videos to back them us as well which is good.

[@anekinoo7]

The shop lights don’t have the full spectrum for growing.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@anekinoo7 They do, but it's limited. White LED has a little bit across each spectrum. If one were to wish to grow fruiting plants from seed to maturity the growth may be slowed down. I was able to have prolific flowering with these lights but never had plants in long enough to fruit. I'd always pop the flowers off. However, shop lights with the right K and Lumens can grow leafy vegetables full term indoors.

[@wastedwages8229]

But Spider farmer is a cheap brand grow light 😂😂😂 chilled Growcraft Leds for the win

[@The_Survivors_Handbook]

@WastedWages82 I haven't tried them yet but I have seen a few of the people I watch grow with them and they seem like great lights !

[@patterdalezipsuzilil]

Use low pressure sodium pure sodium 135w is equal to a 600w high pressure sodium in brightness and low pressure sodium you can touch the bulbs

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Being an electrician any sodium lights give me nightmares. Older technology usually powered by old cloth wire thats melted together at splices due to the crazy power draw

[@journal.revival]

I appreciate your honesty! Thank you, new sub

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks! I know the grow light industry is pretty big but LED shop lights work great. I've never had plants inside long enough to fruit, but even with the shop lights I got prolific flowering which according to some needs a different light spectrum. White LED provides a vast spectrum, just in smaller doses. May be an experiment I do to see if I can grow fruiting plants full term with just these.

[@authorfabu]

Thank you for making this video! Respect ✊

[@elmultimediaschoolofartscu3924]

❤❤❤😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉 BEST VIDEO 📸📷 EVER!!! BEEN SEARCHING AND THIS POPPED Up 😄 🙏🙏👍, U R THE BEST SIR!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@MrFlyTWA]

First time watching your video. Very nice! Right to the point and no stupid 20sec intro. Keep up the good work, thanks for not wasting my time. I just subscribed!

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks!

[@ikiruyamamoto1050]

Thanks for the video! That looks like a great product, although shipping will probably eat into the value (i.e. a $25 light, and $20 for shipping...for those of us who don't live near a Rural King). I was wondering two things. First, although I see you don't use a timer, I wonder if they'd work with a timer (i.e. they don't "reset" requiring the chain to be pulled again)? Second, what is that modular rack you have. That looks like it might be reasonably price, even if a bit small for the lights. Although I see a lot of people do a DIY PVC set up to hang their lights.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

They work with a timer. As long as the pull chain is in the ON position any external switching device will control them. 20$ to ship?? I didn't see that. Good thing I left some other options in the description. Not many rural kings around..

[@ikiruyamamoto1050]

@@FastGardeningMichigan I don't actually know the shipping, but I'm pretty sure it'll be at least $10 these days. I'll check some of the other options as well. Being from CA, I've never even heard of Rural King before.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

@@ikiruyamamoto1050 probably isn't cheap! 8.25 is the minimum to ship a package nowadays unless you're a big business

[@valeriesanchez3074]

Been using mars hydro ts600 for almost 3 years on a timer. Still going strong.

[@CrashOutCatfishing]

A 7500k florescent light tube is the ticket to veg all plants the best. They give off true sun spectrum. But this guy is 100% correct about cheap lights can do better 😉

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Fluorescent just draws more amps meaning a higher electric bill. Ill do a future video on the calculations and how they add up. Also, not overloading a circuit is important. When i see people talk about 1000 watt lights it sounds like a fire waiting to happen if the wire size is wrong.

[@deadizbetter]

Im an electrician and leds rock. But nothing beats the sun. We put all kinds of stuff in the windowsill, and move em outside when they are big enough. We started a lemon tree, rosemary, tomatoes, chilie peppers and even an aloe vera plant

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I have no windows that get any sun at all or else I'd utilize it.

[@vinivv]

Great for seed starting not the rest of the grow, when my plants are 4-5' tall and the entire plant needs light, yet even thoughs are cheap i buy Viparspectra they cover entire grow from seedling to flower, low wattage and only 1 light for the entire grow

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Why would you waste money on electricity when plants are 4 to 5 feet tall when there's free sunlight outside. And why grow a plant that size indoors when there are shorter varieties. The price to yield doesn't add up

[@ewolf734]

Good information Nice job brother 💯 734

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertfullone9032]

I have a grow room with 3 different kelvin rated lights, (a total of 10) timed to mimic sun's intensity through a 24 hr period, only 4 lights are actually called grow lights. Sticky icky.😊

[@ourv9603]

I watched a farm show that visited a commercial tomato grower. They grow all their tomatoes in a windowless warehouse. They said the first thing their scientists did was try all the different colors of grow lights and they found that the BRIGHT WHITE LED 5000K emitted all of the color spectrum's so thats all they use. Me too. If you want to know, ask a pro. !

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Some people don't realize that white light only looks white to our eyes. Shined through a prism the colors stand out! There are many factors to indoor growing that people disregard when they focus on the lights. Container size, soil, nutrition. Just using rain water made a big difference. Choosing the right varieties. My tomatoes set fruit inside at 2 foot tall but they are currently 15 feet tall outside which doesn't make them a great indoor candidate. Grow lights are where the big money is at so naturally it's an easy product to push. Most of the data they put out comes from the same people profiting off the sales.

[@BlazeBuds]

Sadly I just spent nearly $400 on a light. Although it is good, bright white for veg and a more yellow color for fruit. Although just looked at some extra ones on ebay for about $40

[@johac7637]

Type A plug and play, Type B are direct wired ( no ballast) any 4 tube shop light, I use the 6500K Type B and have been using for 5 years, this year added a 6 tube, hi-bay lite, better lites, reflectors, in the cooler garage, I add a chicken brooder heat lamp. Got a 20 pack, Type B for $6.50 per bulb. Changed out all my 4' fluorescent fixtures. Love the Daylight spectrum of the 6500K If the plants need to stay in longer, re late spring, I've put a strip of Red Christmas wrapping paper on one side of stand, the reflected red gives a better blossom set I found.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

I do not like the "smart bulbs" that work with the ballast. Lights I upgrade at work are usually replaced with flat panel LEDs. We've done the ballast bypass as well but labor wise costs more. That's just my electrician input lol. Good set up

[@johac7637]

@@FastGardeningMichigan as a retired electrician, 5 minutes, done. Ballast gone, enough wire, use the push in connectors, cost more than nuts, but easier. I don't like the switchable Kelvin bulbs, costly, shorter life.

[@rebelalliance420]

As a person that started out using less than ideal lights, then moved to cfls then to hid....I have a pretty good idea of the range of quality of lighting available. The new LED lights with added far red and UltraViolet in the Spectrum are far superior to anything I have used in the past. My only advice would be to go with an American company, you will pay a little bit more money but the money won't go to China. Instead it will go to your corporate overlords here in America so somehow that's better.

[@FastGardeningMichigan]

Any recommendations for American made lights?

[@rebelalliance420]

@@FastGardeningMichigan Horticulture Lighting Group!!

[@benc1978]

@@rebelalliance420 HLG are made in China!! I can give you their number if you want. They'll sell direct to public.

[@benc1978]

@@rebelalliance420 And ridiculously overpriced and behind in technology already. The LM301H boards are all made in China. Like the Japanese parts I sell on ebay I state they are 'Assembled in Australia'. Thats what HLG do!

[@lurklingX]

hard to FIND american companies/products. :/ i always look and *everything* is china. back when i was a kid there was a "made in america" craze. and i think we need to get back to that. but gov't has to support us moving jobs back in instead of letting companies outsource tf outta everything. ((tho maybe it's partly just amazon that has all the china stuff? who knows.))