Hi!! I just bought a 5 foot by 6 foot by 7 tall portable greenhouse.. One with the green cover.. I live in Eastern Washington State, zone 6 and want to start seeds in it and also bought a heat mat and starting trays with plastic domes.. We still have 12 inches of snow on the ground so I plan to put the GH on my covered deck which gets about 9 hours of light but no sun.. I then plan to move the greenhouse to my garden area when the snow melts and I can prepare a good spot for it there.. I get about 6-8 hours of sun in the garden area in spring and summer.. My question is: Do I need a grow light in the GH to start seeds and if so what is your recommendation as to the best one for it?? We are currently having a late winter and it is in the teens.. I was thinking of putting an oil filled heater in there also to keep the temperature up.. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks Pat Collins
If you get at least 8 hours of sun, then you likely won't need a grow light. If you just want to provide enough for seedlings, then you really won't need anything more than a T5 panel. You really don't need a whole lot of light for seedlings, and outdoor light will usually be plenty.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/what-are-grow-lights.htm
I have about 45-50 plants of various sizes in my living room and in entry way. I have a GE grow light that is somewhat like a flood light and a grow light bulb. I can't attach anything to the ceiling. Any recommendations. I prop up GE grow light and after about5-6 hrs swing direct the light to the other side of the room. Middle area plants get about 10 hrs. Plants are surviving, one small tropical hibiscus has bloomed. The room size is 20 wide by about 18.
You may need to find some floor or table lamps that will support grow bulbs. Your local garden nursery would be a good place to find out if there are other options that don't require a ceiling attachment.
Here's an article for you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/what-are-grow-lights.htm
I have 2 grow light fixtures each with 4 tubes. I'd like to know If I can hang them side by side. Here are the specs. T5 Fluorescent: 6400K 54 watts 20000 lumen. LED: 80 watts CCT(K) W:6500K R:660-680nm B:460-465nm Optical properties than 7:2:1 Beam angle >120 If this is possible, can you tell me if the height from the the seedlings top is different for each fixture?
You have the newer fluorescent bulbs that put out less heat and can be placed close to the plants.
I don't know why you couldn't place them side by side. You can lower them as close as you need to for your plants' benefit.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/fluorescent-lighting-for-indoor-gardening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/what-are-grow-lights.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/led-grow-light-information.htm
Using Florescence 4-ft, 3-bulbs, This arrangement is adjustable in height. I have seeds in plastic cups, about 4 inches from the top of the cups. Is there any information that I should Know. Thank you
Sounds like you are off to a good start. Is there adequate warmth for the seeds to sprout? Did you cover the cups with saran wrap or a clear plastic cover to retain moisture till they sprout? Once they sprout, you can remove the cover. Water with a mister at first on the delicate sprouts.
Here is more info:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/leggy-seedling.htm
I recently changed to LED GROW lights that have full spectrum. I am in the same room as the lights. What harm can occur from this? I already have skin feeling taut, eyes hurting, after being in room. I tried separating the lights with use of cardboard to no avail. As a homebound person, I have no other place to grow except for my bedroom. My plants have not responded to regular grow lights that are not full spectrum. How can I get my plants and fruit trees to grow and produce under other light sources? Is there anything I can do to coexist with the lights without harm to me? I hope that you can help me! Thank you!
While grow lights are considered safe, since you will be around them for long periods, you can take precautions to protect yourself from overexposure to the blue light and UV rays. Wear grow glasses or sunglasses to protect against the UV rays. Hang lights about 8 feet off the ground and try to work three feet from any light source that contains UV rays. Keep your skin covered with long sleeve shirts, etc.
I am growing succulents from seedlings I also have many succulent plants full grown I’m wondering what would be the best grow lights for them in my basement the lights are about 4 to 5 feet above the plants 2 foot long fluorescent which ones would be best to grow seedlings and for my succulents?
Any T5 flourescent fixture will be fine for succulents. Find one that covers the exact area that you intend to light. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/fluorescent-lighting-for-indoor-gardening.htm
I'm wanting to know if this type of light with sun shining in (when there is sun) is ok for pointsetta plants
Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light. If you put it near, but not right in front of, the west window it should be fine. Or, you can filter the light with a curtain. Rotate the plant 1/4 turn every week or so to balance the light it gets.
If a plant is put right in front of a west- or east-facing window, it will get direct sun.