What type of light bulb should I buy/use for my indoor garden?
I’m growing a little container herb garden in my bedroom, but it doesn’t get enough light during the day. I want to buy a light bulb or a really cheap lamp (as in under if possible) I can use instead of buying the really expensive ones I’ve seen on the internet. What type of light bulb should I buy? Where can I buy them? How much are they going to cost?
5 Responses
mtr_o9
06 Feb 2010
paul
06 Feb 2010
You should be able to get one of the clamp lights for just a few bucks. You can use a florescent light if it says natural light. Or a regular light that says grow light.
chopsaw
06 Feb 2010
I used to use a 4′ colored florescent grow light, and it worked fine….that’s been a while ago……..but I don’t think they are expensive.
Rusty Nail
06 Feb 2010
There are special fluorescent light bulbs called (GROW LIGHTS). this is what you need. You can get a cheap fluorescent fixture at any home supply store.
manu
06 Feb 2010
I also suggest you to use special fluorescent light bulbs that called grows lights.and you can get a cheap fluorescent fixture at your ondoor garden
thanks
hello Im doing the same as you. Only Im growing full size tomatoes in my basement with no "real sun". I am using compact fluorescent bulbs,they are those swirly energy efficient bulbs. some have different color light spectrums ( day light,cool white,natural) but it doesn’t really matter for you. I don’t know the circumstances of your herb garden, the size, the plants etc. but more light might be required. To get the most light to the plants line the area with tin foil, and get a reflector so no light is wasted. That you don’t have a high power bill get a timer for the lights, set it to 18/6 (18 hours of light and 6 of dark like summer). have a fan close by or shake the plants to strengthen their stems so the don’t become spindly and keep the light at max 3 inches away
what you will need to grow
42 watt "CFL" $10
cheap timer $5
socket/reflector $5
tin foil $3
total $23