How Far Should My Growlight Be From My Plants?

[@carlhank3495]

You truly have my favorite channel on KZbin for growing. By far the most usable information packed into short and concise videos. Thank you very much for all the work you do and everything you put into them.

[@Just4Growers]

Thank you so much Kyle for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your positivity and I’m glad you find the videos useful. Peace and happy growing, Everest.

[@Nobodyimportant696]

really? lol

[@jaimedelgado7529]

loving this channel. straight to the point. no nonsense. i aint got time to lose

[@freetickeys]

I don't just watch the videos. I read all of the comments and responses, too. Thanks for being one of my favorite teachers and thanks to our community for their input.....well, most of them.

[@duramax78]

Got a 315w cmh because of your recommendation, and your right there is lots to learn thanks Everest.

[@Just4Growers]

Hey Ross Overacker! Thanks for your feedback. The single vs. multiple light sources is on the list. I wanted to cover PAR first and then move on to PPFD-which I will cover in the single vs. multiple video as we need to discuss reflection and light spread at the same time. It will sure be an interesting video to create so stay tuned! :)

[@Timetorockbaby]

Thanks for the easy guideline on distance and also for the technical aspect using a meter. I have 3 grow tables and 2 NFT systems. I use MH, LED Kind, T5s Nano Tech. Thats all in my kitchen! Just purchased a Greenhouse from Canada that is 10 x 16 from Cedar-Built. I learned a lot of helpful info from you. You seam to be one of the best and enthusiastic in technique. I don't pack my tables with Peppers and Tomatoes. They are spread out and trimmed to 3'. I need to load the tables with my grow to get a better return.

[@MrDmadness]

If your lights are too close you will notice crown bleaching or drooping. ( cannabis ) if you have a high part of the plant drooping but flowers just below are reaching then take note of the distance to the light for plant parts that are responding properly. You can also utilize.ize this over par at top cola to get your canopy to even out, flowers too close will slow growth and even droop down as lowers catch up, combine with super cropping for even canopy.. excellent video.

[@skitzabod7727]

Great video. Concise and informative. Thank you. My herbs are going to turn out great.

[@markbertolet1985]

Thanks for sharing te knowledge Dude!!

[@moustafamohamed666]

I am from Egypt and it so hard to get any kind of growing light here but i use a lamp its watt is 9w and its lumen is 900 lm and there is some things i didn't understand RF=0.90 and CRI=>80 and CT=6500k i use this lamp for planting a 1 potato plant i put it about 10 cm away from the plant because it really don't produce heat at all in fact my potato grow really good actually but is that enough for it to produce potatoes at the end ??!

[@Just4Growers]

+Moustafa Mohamed Hi Mustafa-thanks for your question. Even a single potato plant will take up around 4 square feet of space and this area needs to be well lit-as potatoes outdoors enjoy a sunny position. So you should be aiming for around 300 - 500 µmols of light across the canopy of the plant. I'd be looking at a 4 x 4 ft (380W) T5 High Output fixture or a 400W metal halide / HPS.

[@moustafamohamed666]

okay thanks a lot :D

[@piperthirtytwo]

In the very last picture 4:42 I see that your plant trays were built into the frames instead of on top of a shelf. How do you support the middle of the trays underneath?

[@justinlau3960]

Does the cost of growing crops indoor offset the costs of electricity, water and fertilizer? I'm sure hardware and growing containers will last a while but I've never added it all up. Of course you are getting clean fresh produce compared to the supermarket. Have you ever taken a tissue sample of the crops to see what nutrients are available?

[@Just4Growers]

Justin Lau Hi Justin. Thanks for your question! The proportion of the return on your investment (i.e. both initial and ongoing) is really dependent on the market value of the crops you choose to grow. To be honest, I grow for the love of it, not to make money. My family and I obviously enjoy fresh, pesticide-free produce year round, which is a special treat during the winter months. Also herbs like cilantro and hot peppers are difficult to come by at any time of year where I live. I share them with my spicier neighbours, saving them an hour round-trip to the nearest ethnic market, which obviously goes down very well and builds a great community spirit. I have never taken a tissue sample of my crops personally, but I understand that hydroponic crops are every bit as nutritious as their soil-grown counterparts. Also, hydroponics uses up to 90% less water than field agriculture-something particularly pertinent to my friends in California right now. I couldn't recommend hydroponics highly enough. The growth rates and yields are phenomenal and it's a lot simpler than you might think. Thanks for subscribing by the way-it's much appreciated. Any more questions, hit me up!

[@coachgumby1421]

If tomatoes were illegal, then yes it would. lol

[@cassandravalgardson4001]

Everest your great for all indoor hydro info, I will say this video could have benefited by covering some LED info although i can assume its similar to CFL's at 6" - 12" but i always curious the specific differences between the 2 for height, heat, PAR, cost ect. might make for a good video as LED's are quite popular currently and CFL's have been in use and many videos have been made on both separately but rare compare... specifically white full spectrum.... thanks for all videos you have greatly impacted my DIY condo grow shelf set-up!

[@NordicMushroom]

that did not answer the question.. just confusing, how high should a 600w hps be above the canopy with an enclosed air-cooled reflector ?

[@Just4Growers]

18 inches

[@jeffreyharris3516]

Great info! Never hear good info on this subject. Just curious, if the light is too close to the plant, the leaves will be less than 3degrees under room temp, why is that?

[@Just4Growers]

+Jeffrey Harris Thanks Jeffrey. Radiant heat from the lamp causes leaves to heat up when lights are too close.

[@JohnDoe-ve2ti]

Anytime I put my dimmable ballast to 450w I can't place it closer to the canopy than 26 inches without light stress, they are all a little over a foot tall so I can't see why that is. I'm trying to ramp it up to 600w before flowering but scared to move it closer without stress. What should I do?

[@JohnDoe-ve2ti]

It's also an eye hortilux blue daylight bulb if that helps any.

[@rossoveracker9913]

Great info. I find myself watching your videos a few times to try and get it all. Have you done the follow up video regarding the benefit of using multiple light sources instead of just one like you talked about at 3:08? I'd love to see a video about a MH and a HPS fixture in tandem. Would it be beneficial to swap the MH and HPS from one fixture to the other during the grow at any point? Thanks!

[@jperschino]

Good info thanks. Light meter? really needed or can you judge by growth performance?

[@Just4Growers]

Light meter not required. Plant development is as good a measure as anything!

[@jpesicka492]

Phil Goodson that's a great idea, but I would say even that is not worth the money, because the spectrum will degrade faster than the pars or lumens will. they were originally designed for greenhouse grower's to see how much light is coming through

[@cliffp73]

Cliff here, I wanted to try something unless you say no go. I want to put a 1000watt de bulb in a 6"xxxl hood. No I will have to make it. I can not find a vented 6" xxxl hood so I will modify one. May I ask what do you think? I don't have a tall room at all and this will be close to the plants. But vented very well. And I was thinking about turning it down at first. Is there any nutrients out there that can help withSay too much light? I heard someone talking about it but he stoped him self and never did say much Moore

[@DevonWayne]

LIGHTS - Under cut your budget with Alibaba (1st), Aliexpress (2nd), or ebay (3rd.) Reflectors - Under cut your budget by using sheet metal (for hot lights) or wood with "aluminum tape" (see ventillatoin isle in home depot.) Using thin plywood +aluminum tape is very cheap and you can DIY your own shape. Using sheet metal (sold 4x4ft) with +aluminum tape (want good reflectance) would be if you're using HOT lights like Metal Halide. If you're using LED or CFL tubes, metal isn't as big of a requirement... But if you don't want your house burned down, might as well use sheet metal.. Unless you understand how wood can potentially burn/short circuit/catch fire

[@nitheshm]

Sorry I have 130w CFL grow bulb.6400k lumina . So what’s the ideal distance from the plants could you please suggest . Thanks

[@JonRBermudez]

I just got the botanicare 2x4 with the fast fit set up and I love it! I plan on using it for seedlings but I have a non cooled reflector along with a solis tek 400/600 watt balasts. I have spare ballasts like crazy so I dont want to by a T5. Can I light this area up for seedlings with 400 watts? Thanks for your help!

[@Just4Growers]

Jonathan Bermudez Yes-I think a 400W metal halide in a nice wide-angled reflector will provide enough light for raising seedlings. Just keep an eye on the seedlings at the periphery of the grow light footprint. If you see them start to stretch or lean towards the light then you might want to consider switching positions on the tray, or moving them on. Good luck Jonathan! Keep us posted.

[@Shibu11229]

Another great video. Is there a resource to see how many umols a given plant or tree needs for maximum production? I am growing citrus trees in a tent so I am guessing 800-1000 umol is my PAR goal? Does my target PAR go up with CO2 supplementation?

[@CuttingEdge49]

What about LED's Everest?

[@arizonagardener731]

Whelp I got the 1000 watt hps setup. Luckily I have 10 feet ceilings, and the ballast is dim-able. Cheers Everest!

[@ThatCarGuy1983]

Arizona Gardener Why a 1000? How many plants?

[@Koloherides]

Why cant anyone just tell me after looking at so many sites to How close do i put my t5 to my veg or seedlings

[@Just4Growers]

12 - 16”

[@shad0wman]

What do you think about the canopy distance in vege from 4k 315 or 630 dual CMH?

[@jeffreydavis6134]

Everest you said (there's a strong argument for multiple lights vs just one) so I have a question. which is better.. Two DE 600 or one 1000watt hps

[@Just4Growers]

+jeffrey davis two DE 600.

[@nicgreenfield3357]

rough light-canopy distances for different powered LED lighting systems (ie,45watts up to 1000watts) ?

[@unknowncuyler5449]

but my grow lights are cool to the touch.. but still very intense at over 48 inches away! how far away do I put my light? also my lights have a 60 degree lens but 90 is not straight. think of it like 120 degrees beams light in half a circular direction. 360 would be all directions unfocused like a vertical hang. and 90 would be a quarter circle.

[@skeletonninjas7958]

How many lights and how many watts do I need in a 3 by 9 buy 6ft tall

[@Just4Growers]

There are a lot of questions, but assume a max requirement of 50w per square ft. 2 x 600W HPS lights would be 44w / sq.ft. You could get lower with LEDs but don’t forget to factor in additional heating you may need.

[@meckster100]

Do you recommend sun system hid or led like the spydr plus for a grow tent 8x4 6.5 tall for best quality?

[@artimusclydefrog]

yes that tip about low flat canopies cannot be stressed enough.. cause we all know how much those tomatoes can start to look like christmas trees amirite

[@Just4Growers]

***** Determinate varieties like Baxter's Bush, Valley Girl and Celebrity will form a Christmas tree shape and that's fine if using deep reflectors with a lot of intensity and penetration (or an array of DE HPS) but for growers with just a few lights and regular spec ceiling heights I definitely recommend training those branches out with netting to form a wide canopy-that way you can easily get away with a 600W HPS in an Adjust-a-wing on wide setting. Works for other heavy fruiting annuals too ;-) Peace brother.

[@timmiller5217]

How does lux compare to par? Great vid Everest. That winch is pretty sweet. What do you think of light movers? Have any?

[@Just4Growers]

Tim Miller Thanks Tim. 1 lux = 1 lumen / m2. Lumens are a measure of light intensity based around the human eye's sensitivity which peaks at around 555 nm. Plants, on the other hand, respond to a wider spectrum of light (400 - 700 nm). So a light meter or phone app that outputs in lumens or lux isn't the most appropriate or accurate way to measure light intensity for plant response / photosynthesis- although I'd concede it's probably better than nothing! I have benefitted hugely from the time and mentorship generously given to me by several lighting experts from within the indoor gardening industry. As such, I am left in no doubt that the best practical way for hobby growers to evaluate the efficacy of their grow lights + reflectors is a handheld PAR (aka quantum) meter that measures PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) - the amount of plant-usable photons that are hitting a square meter of surface area in a single second. This is most commonly measured in µmol. I plan to make a video about PAR and PPFD next year. But remember, even PAR and PPFD is simply a photon count. It doesn't take into account whether the photon was blue (higher energy) or red (lower energy), for instance-the ratios of blue to red affect plant morphology too. So, you see, even PAR isn't perfect! But it's the best mix of practicality / usability and accuracy I know of for home hobbyists. Light movers: I don't currently own one, but I have used them in the past. Jason at Gualala Robotics should be your first port of call. Great guy. They make the LightRail-highly reliable, adaptable and definitely recommended for 1000W HPS and MH. These wonderful devices just keep going on and on. I love them. In fact, I think I will give Jason a call! :)

[@travomireleo9932]

I need to know how to hire my light 1000 watt HPS my plants are 3 ft tall I need to know how far the HPS light should be far away or close

[@sm00nie]

As someone brand new to growing plants and the hydroponics scene, I am loving your videos :). I just have one question about your peppers, how are they pollinated? In a pretty dense area like that, I would imagine manually pollinating would be a real pain.

[@Just4Growers]

sm00nie Hi sm00nie. Thanks for your question. I'm really happy that you find my vids useful. Pepper flowers actually contain both male and female parts so they self-pollinate. A little breeze or movement helps but there's no need to get the little paintbrush out! :)

[@soundksky]

A1

[@xxdeedee]

You didn't answer my question. How much ppfd is needed for seedlings?

[@spiritjourney7150]

I'm new to your channel. I'm planning on growing a watermelon indoors. What would be the best light to grow it. Thanks!

[@Just4Growers]

Hi SJ-and welcome to the channel! I would start the young plant off under a T5 fluorescent and then move on to an HPS. The main challenge will be training the leaves across a flat plane (either horizontally, vertically or both) to absorb as many photons of light as possible-and supporting the fruit itself if you decide to grow the plant trellis style up a wall. Good luck-I'd love to follow your progress if you're posting online.

[@joshtrujillo3732]

Thanks I needed that info!

[@Just4Growers]

Thanks Josh! :) Appreciate the feedback while the video is still warm! :)

[@cindycin9]

Friendly voice easy to listen to.

[@keithdippin3147]

Hey, great informative video. I jus build a 5'Lx5'Hx3.9W pvc grow tent with panda film. With these specs what size and how many fans and carbon filters I need? Thanks

[@aahhhyess]

excellent job explaining, i didnt know there was so much to know!!!

[@Just4Growers]

aahhhyess Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the vid. Thanks for subbing the channel too :)

[@chicomendez3720]

My 1000w Mh veg & 1000w HPS flwr work great ! My first crop so-so...but the 2nd...WOW ! I have Oregano,Green Onions,Cannabis,Romain Lettuce,Poppy Flowers 2 kinds, Fanders Field and Californium Jelly Beans (no...not Opium Poppy "Papaver somniferum",) jk... I'll take them out in spring.Flanders Feild is for Rememberance Day. But my goal is to plant something no one else has like Avocado,Pineapple,Orange or Lemon,Mango,or any other exotic fruit that can be grown indoors winter,take out for summer,bring in again in fall. Any suggestions ? I want something I can grow,harvest & eat ? Besides tomato,cucumbers. Can it be possible to grow grapes in big planters and follow the life cycle... 2-3 months of spring 3 mths summer,2-3 fall and harvest... winter prune...& re-grow every year but indoors ? Not a vine...for example in Chile the Wine Grape vine is pruned kept with only few grape clusters so they grow better quality,& like Cannabis you can "train" it to grow in different ways short,one single vine,two,three...best is short 2-3 vines no more.

[@kalisfinest805]

What if your not “growing” plants what if you just have housplants that only need bright light with no “direct” sunglight?

[@Just4Growers]

Just put them in a bright room in your house. The natural light will be fine for them. Keep them away from south facing windows.

[@alanduncan6244]

hi just like to know can i use a 600w light when I first seed

[@onlyog4me216]

Alan Duncan most definitely you can as long as you keep the plants the right distance from the light. I start my cannabis plants from seed under a 600w metal halide, I just keep the light about 4ft above them until they are a few weeks into veg and can take the intensity and then I move them closer

[@soilBGuRu420]

what about leds? any video on leds?

[@Just4Growers]

+Soil_biota.guru permaWarrior Hello! Sorry, no videos yet. I've been waiting (patiently) for the technology to improve before spending the $$$$ only for something better to come out the next month. Lol. However, I think the time to jump in is upon us.

[@soilBGuRu420]

Everest Fernandez there might be some that'd I recommend that ive been looking at. Ill let you know once I gather them into a list nd throw it your way

[@Just4Growers]

+Soil_biota.guru permaWarrior I would ***really*** appreciate that my friend-thank you.

[@soilBGuRu420]

Everest Fernandez www.leoledgrow.us/en/models www.ledgrowlightsdepot.com/collections/4-sq-ft-coverage-area/products/nextlight-mini-led-grow-light-150-watts www.illumitex.com/product/powerharvest-w-10-series/ the leoled seems to be the most efficient imo . Will let u know if I find a better efficient pffd/watt

[@claytontrexler4051]

spectrum king has amazing led lights

[@heribertogonzalez884]

Grow some cannabis next time

[@hannible1002]

Who cares what he smokes! lol

[@debramartinez8009]

Excellent info

[@kaelinksmith]

Cool video thanks for the advice!

[@Just4Growers]

Kaelin Smith No worries Kaelin Thanks for the sub! :)

[@ghettoentertainment2425]

cool channel dude, how far should my 600 watt hps be from the the top of my plants?

[@Just4Growers]

Weird, guess what I was testing today! 600W DE-HPS in open (adjust-a-wing) fixtures (with a super spreader). I was testing at 60 cm amigo. What sort of reflector are you using?

[@ghettoentertainment2425]

just a regular barn reflector i have low power led lamps but would prefer to just do everything with the hps is this safe?

[@lazyjesus6573]

What about seedlings?

[@kevin48800]

use the back of your hand its easy. if it hot on your hand its hot on your plants just move the light up a bit

[@airgunningsa3771]

And led lights?

[@Just4Growers]

Worth their own video :)

[@hunterbray4932]

wht about a 75 watt bulb

[@Whyiscarloshere]

Excellent!

[@Cb.951]

hey everest, i love your channel! do you have a video explains the area a gavita covers and what the distance they should be at?

[@rizzledizzle2040]

Ah nice garden.

[@imyur930]

LED?

[@tonyboroni6949]

for led light there should be lenses on them one for 12inch top intensity 24inch top intensity one for 36intensity that way the light has same intensity from top to bottom no light in the world incorparats even luminosity from top to bottom by useing lenses in the led diods to peak at certain distances .

[@DJTechnoboom]

i like my 250 HPS cause i can flower at 18 inch

[@5h1tfuk]

I recently got an App that does this. It’s not as precise as a legit one, but I’ve watched a few comparisons with the App and the real meter and the app wasn’t far off. Just needed something to cover the camera and it was off by a tiny bit. App called Korona. Forget the channel that had the comparison. Maybe Migro 🤔

[@loveisfictional]

I love me some tomatoes....🍅🍅🍅🍅

[@JonnyMudMower]

I always used 1000W MH for veg and 1000W HPS for flower with two extra fluorescent grow lights as back ups if a bulb goes ,,,there's no replacement for displacement my grandpa always said.

[@viralvideo171]

Do more LED videos please.

[@Just4Growers]

I hear you Korgoth! I have some plans in the works. LEDs are moving so fast - 90 days sees so many changes. Perhaps I should talk about why I've been sat on the fence so long. It's a bit like waiting to buy an iPad but perennially holding out for the next update. I guess it's time I dived in!

[@710techglass4]

6"-24"

[@DrGray_Drummer]

This vid is wrong. Read DJ's study on this topic for terpin production. Within 18 inches, you won't get much other than a citrus smell/flavor. For yield sake only, I agree

[@lancoschino731]

There's an app called korona. You can download a par meter directly to your device🙂 thank me later!

[@Daniel_Callie]

Led duh ... where have you been?

[@Just4Growers]

Had time to see some amazing DE-HPS and CMH set-ups since that video :) And some awesome LED farms too.

[@Koloherides]

No i dont have a $200 meter stop telling everyone how many lumens or? Just t5s how close

[@amarramdial8826]

🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜

[@deenanthekemoni5567]

You've clearly got money to burn on this. Good advice for financially endowed growers!

[@valeriesanchez3074]

Lol

[@look2christ777]

does this guy really have such expensive equipment just to grow culinary herbs and tomatoes?

[@Just4Growers]

Judge not, my friend, or the measure you use against others shall be used against you. I am a plant nutrient researcher - so this isn't just for growing produce, it's for science. :)

[@ΑγνωστοςΣτρατιωτης-φ9λ]

Everest Fernandez cannabis is the past and the future science.

[@nicewhenearnedrudemostlyel489]

and the rest of it is just plain food, you know, the stuff that every human on the planet has to do, or they die? Attempting to put weed in front of food for importance for anything is pretty laughable. lol. I can agree that it is quite useful in various scenarios, but it is so far from being understood, nobody actually knows how important it is(or isn't). Like gravity, you know it's there, and it works normal 99.9% of the time, but we know almost nothing about it.

[@upplsuckimcool16]

yeah I don't knoiw I shouldn't comment I know nothing about what you're growing andthat set up a fuckin mess ..... but it's beyond my experience so it might be fine...