Lighting for seedlings.

[augiedog55]

I'm going to try to starting my own plants from seed this next spring. I've watched the tutorails on gemenating the seeds. ( i think I can do that)My question is do I have to buy any special lights to grow my seedlings or can I use the standard 4 ft shop lights? If not do I have to buy special bulbs? I'm want to start around 70 plant. Do I need 2 sets of lights for that many plants? Any imfo would be greatly appreciated
Bruce

[eddie46]

I start about 100 plants/yr and use 2 4ft bulbs. I have the fixtures on chains (to adjust height) and keep the lamps approx 1" above plants.

Ed

[JamesL]

Augie, as Ed said, the chains are a plus.
Lights - I used standard t8 4 bulb fixtures from HD.
Alternated "cool" and "warm" bulbs to better cover the spectrum.
Not even sure you need to go that far, but it worked very well.

[Granite26]

I use 4' fixtures with two 32w 6500k fluorescent tubes. I space the fixtures a max of one every 12 inches. Yes chains are a must so that you can raise/lower the fixtures.

[augiedog55]

Thank you guys for the help. I looking forward to growing from seed.
One more question, do i need a heat mat to germinate my seeds ?

[JamesL]

You do need heat. I have not used a mat. But I am also not doing volume.
I use the top of the refrigerator, have read of others using the top of the cable box as well.
Read Craig's 2 sticky threads at the top of the starting seed section.
Doing volume germination, it is probably easier to just buy mats.

[augiedog55]

Thanks James. I'm going to try about 50 - 75 plants this spring. I'll try the refrigerator. My cat has the cable box taken.

[JamesL]

Test drive a few seeds now or this fall just to make sure it is going to work for you.
Better to work out your methodology in advance so you aren't scrambling last minute. (which is where i usually am.....)

[augiedog55]

great idea. i need to have it down pat for the spring.

[augiedog55]

Do you guys use timers on your lights? if so is there a certainer brand or make you use

[JamesL]

Originally Posted by augiedog55

Do you guys use timers on your lights? if so is there a certainer brand or make you use

Augie,
I used these from HD. Had them set for 14 hours.
They functioned fine.
GE 15 Amp 7-Day Plug-In Dual-Outlet Digital Timer
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100685884/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=2+outlet+timer&storeId=10051#.UCCHWJF8Ap o

Lights -
Lithonia Lighting 4 Light Heavy Duty Shoplight

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1#.UCCJGJF8App

Jack chain, extension cord and some ceiling hooks to hang them from complete the puzzle.

[ChrisK]

http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=21408

[Cole_Robbie]

Any fluorescent will work as long as you keep it right above the leaves. I make my own fixtures. I just buy the biggest spiral fluorescent I can find; last time it was the 200-watt equivalent bulb that uses about a fourth of that much actual watts. The bulb is about $8. Scrap sheet metal will make a reflector. The bulb will screw into a standard ceramic socket ($2). The wiring is very easy. You can just buy a cheap extension cord and use that for the wire and plug.

Someone mentioned heat for the seeds and I agree with that very much. All of my seeds get started in vermiculite in a germinating chamber that I heat with a space heater. It gets 95-100 degrees at night when I have the heater on. I get a tomato sprout within three days at virtually 100% germination rate.

[ddsack]

I never used my timer last year, just turn the lights on when I get up in the morning, and off last thing before I go to bed. But I do have a timer from previous years for when I have to be away from home -- can't remember what brand, it's a heavy duty outdoor kind for turning Christmas lights off and on, got it on sale after the season.

[augiedog55]

Thank you one and all for all your help. I started 5 seeds yesterday for a trial run. I'll probably do this several times before spring to make sure i don't ruin my spring seedlings. I would hate to ruin 75 plants first time out. i'll be off to hp for assessories after i eat this blt.. love those carbons