Comments on: will several desk lamps with work as a grow light for seedlings?

By: grannygrunt28391

grannygrunt28391 — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:14:47 +0000

You need a full sprectrum light.
Choosing the right fluorescent tubes for indoor growing.
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/factsoflight

By: gardensallday

gardensallday — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:00:41 +0000

I start my seedlings with ordinary cool white fluorescent bulbs (the 4 foot kinds). So you do NOT need a grow light. I’d put your setup right next to a south window (east or west as a second choice) so the seedlings do get some natural light. Then use compact fluorescents in the desk lamps. You save a lot of money with compact fluorescents anyhow, so they are money in the bank. I like the new daylight ones becaue they are prettier lighting than the old cool whites or warm whites, but they do cost a bit more. Keep the bulbs about 3″ above the seedlings so they get bright light, but won’t get burned if you forget to adjust the lamp for a couple days as they grow.

I think this setup will work out fine! It will be a bit klunky, but if you are just putting say a couple 4 pack pots under each lamp, that is great.

By: gotech

gotech — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:39:18 +0000

You can but grow lights for your desk lamps. They are available at home improvement centers, and I think Walmart still has them.

By: redleader

redleader — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:08:12 +0000

You should use full spectrum fluorescent bulbs in the desk lamps. They are available in compact (spiral) types that will screw into regular bulb sockets. Position it so that the bulb is within a couple of inches above the plants.

By: stephensonpauline

stephensonpauline — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:24:39 +0000

I have a Fluorescent light above my sink and African Violets beneath it, they bloom continuously.

Another thing, this bulb was already there when we bought the house nine years ago and we have not changed it.

Wish I knew where they bought it

By: John L

John L — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:50:20 +0000

You will be far better to get a fluorescent tube specially made for growing seedlings, they have the correct light color and balance which ordinary lights don’t have, they are also economical being fluorescent, they are available in different sizes to suit most applications, most gardening suppliers have them, but you can get them cheaper from online light bulb suppliers

By: HyperDog

HyperDog — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:24:41 +0000

Yes.

However, if they are incandescents and the plants grow up to touch the bulb, it will burn them.

Fluorescents are safer, and now you can buy CF bulbs that fit in most incandescent fixtures. It will consume less power and won’t kill the plants if they grow up to touch the bulb.