[Suzmama]

Hello Gardening Mamas...

What is the difference between regular florescent lights and florescent grow lights? I bought my house years ago from an avid gardener who left many boxes of florescent lights...I know she grew seeds indoor but am not sure what the difference is, or if there is one, between these two types of lights.

I would love to grow stuff inside for the winter...is anyone else doing that?

Thanks!

Dreaming of SPRING

 

[GardenStream]

Grow lights cost twice as much

Everything I have read says that clear florescent lights will work just as well. I have 3 down in the basement on a shelving system that I use for seed starting.

I grow lots of things in the winter. Right now I have carrots, lettuce, corn salad, and radishes going. I've never done any of them indoors before, but they are working out quite well. I just love having fresh from the "garden" greens when there is snow outside!

 

[Suzmama]

Thanks Atobols!!

I'm new to this...can you tell me exactly how you are doing it? Do you have your veggies in pots...how long do you have the lights on per day?

:

 

[mindymom]

There are so many fun science fair projects in this question!

A useless (but interesting?) answer:
The difference between grow lights and other florescents is the number of colors in their spectrum. Florescents have only a couple colors, depending on what they're made out of - that's why things seem to change color under them. Grow lights are made to have a lot more colors. Sunlight has a whole beautiful rainbow of colors. Most plants need, say, a certain amount of red light. When they sunbathe they can catch a whole variety of reds, but under a florescent they probably only get one. And frankly, it may not be their favorite one. So the seeds will come up, but maybe the plant will be leggier, or bushier, or have smaller or fewer fruits. It may still be fine for your purposes - maybe you don't need too many fruits, or don't care if your plant is bushy.

A practical answer:
How well regular florescents will work for you depends on what kind of florescents you have and what you are trying to grow with them. Same for grow lights, though you get better odds of success. A good salesperson could probably give you specific guidance, but otherwise you probably won't know until you try.

Sorry to geek on you.

 

[FarmerCathy]

I use the regular ones for starting seeds. It probably depends on if you are using them for plants that need that extra spectrum because they stay inside all the time. They do tend to get spindly if you don't pet them or use an oscilating fan on them for 20 minutes a day.