Lighted Seed Tray Update

[@Betty-qd8st]

I have the green trays, I like them ok. I have a Mars hydro and some long led lights for seed starting. It doesn’t seem like that light on propagation tray would be strong enough on its own. However like you said it could work in the right context. 👍

[@user-cu2ej7qu6p]

We studied the growth, photosynthesis and productivity of plants (lettuce, radish, sunflower, pepper, Leuzea safflower) when grown in light of varying intensity and spectral composition under phytotron conditions. It has been shown that light saturation of growth processes occurs at a lower light intensity than photosynthesis. The most favorable for growing light-loving plants are PAR intensities in the range of 150-220 W/m2. Blue light inhibits the growth of the stem and leaf surface, and leaves with a higher specific density are formed. Under blue light, the highest photosynthesis per unit leaf area was observed. The red region of the spectrum contributed to intensive growth of leaf area and elongation of axial organs. In the green region of the spectrum, thin leaves were formed with a smaller number of cells and chloroplasts per 1 cm2 of leaf and the lowest photosynthesis per unit leaf area was recorded, but the highest per chloroplast. Using xenon and metal halide lamps in fitron conditions, yields were obtained several times higher than in greenhouses and in the field in a 1.5-2 times shorter time. It is concluded that it is desirable to have the following energy ratio across the PAR spectrum in crop lamps: 25-30% in the blue region, 20% in the green region, 50% in the red region. sedovvic.narod.ru/boev3.htm#head1 Institute of Plant Physiology named after. K. A. Timiryazev Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Interesting experiment. Thanks for sharing your results. Have a great Christmas. Take care. Nick

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

Happy holidays!

[@valoriegriego5212]

I haven't used grow lights...just the windowsill to start loads of plants. I don't use a lid...and not all the windows I start seeds on are south facing. I didn't know these rules when I started gardening...I have great success...usually 100% germination. Maybe it's because I'm in the south US...different strength of sun? Have a Merry Christmas all!🤠

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

Your location likely makes a big difference. Here the daylight isn’t strong in winter even though we get lots of it. The plants become stretched and weak quickly in a window sill.

[@johnjude2685]

As you I'll say might be ok if in window with lucky days with above average sunny days .Thanks for testing

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

We get a lot of sun here so perhaps my idea of just using it to extend the light hours on a window sill is regional.

[@alanliebenberg5443]

Thanks for Sharing . I would like to know if you had no grow lights vs the dome with the LED system , what the outcome would be.

[@emptynestgardens9057]

I had brought seed case outside late Spring and forgot them in garage. I know that's what messed my seeds up 🤦🏻‍♀️ Won't make that mistake again. I think I cooked them during first heatwave. Have a wonderful holiday. 🎄☃️

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

That’s too bad. I know my seeds are several years old.

[@moviemonster2083]

I have a similar green tray with TWO lights and they seem to be enough for my carnivorous plant seedlings, which are nice and green and not leggy. The tray was green, like the one you used on the right of the screen. Perhaps that would have worked better for your lettuce. They send you two in one pack.

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@moviemonster2083]

@@PrairiePlantgirl Sorry, I meant my tray was like your green one to the LEFT of the screen. I'm terrible with directions.

[@neo-gnosis2929]

Aside from the old seeds do you like the grow trays or not, because they look workable with the LED light and air vents? Thank you plantgirl

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

Perhaps I wasn’t clear at the end. The trays are good as far as size and quality. The black trays (lighted)have a larger drain hole. The lights are not strong enough to grow on their own, but I think they would work well to supplement a sunny window and help extend the daylight hours in winter. The drawback to this is the plants will outgrow the dome.

[@geofflukins8913]

Don’t think I would grow radish with that setup.

[@brianramsey3824]

What lights in the hood? That's pretty wild

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

They are not very strong lights and the light is concentrated towards the center of the tray.

[@brianramsey3824]

@@PrairiePlantgirl not to surprising it was a nice idea..p.s. u could have kept your cold temps up there 😀

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

Sorry but we just were too frozen to hold them up here any longer.

[@nicholasnarcowich9163]

maybe not just one, but 4 seeds, as you are only testing... one seed could be a dud, but out of 4, if you get 3, ... just my thoughts on testing...

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

I had two in each hole. I put out twenty of each variety for the germination test. After 10 days 3 seeds of one variety sprouted. The seed is too old. On my third sowing in the trays I actually used about ten seeds across the top of the soil. None germinated.

[@kath-phlox]

I wouldn't bother with them to be honest.

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

It’s not going to make a huge difference for most people I’m sure. The taller done is nice if you leave your domes on. I tend to remove them when I have most of my seeds sprouted.

[@yagyatrips]

I just ordered ❤

[@user-cu2ej7qu6p]

too high and thin, it means they need more light