What type of lights to use to grow tomatoes and lettuce indoors?
I live in a small apartment in a large city. City regulations ban outdoor "window" planters. So, that being said, I’m looking to start off gardening indoors!
For starters, I’ll be growing a couple of tomato plants and a small bed of lettuce. What type of lighting should I use? I hear HPS is the best to use, but they produce a lot of heat and are expensive to buy and run. Does anybody have luck with fluorescent grow lights or LED’s? How big of a light(s) will I need for starting off for growing these few plants?
Thanks!
2 Responses
slicknotes2008
06 Feb 2010
Ebb and Flow
06 Feb 2010
Your’re right about the HPS. A flourescent hood with one cool bulb and one warm bulb is a great option and is economical as well. I did a research project in college and this set-up was equal or just a little inferior to the HPS or Metal Halide options. You’ll get the full spectrum of light!
One tip: Allow the seeds to germinate in the darkness and once they sprout, keep the light one inch above the plants so they do not become "leggy".
Good Luck!
A friend of mine sits all of his plants by the window and puts mirrers all around them! They are the nicest plants i have ever seen, he said to make sure you don’t let them get to hot! He used to use growing lights and discovered that natural was the way to go. We also get alot of sunlight year around also! Got some Comfrey growing in the window right now1
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