One of the most difficult aspects for many novice gardeners is the process of breeding indoors in late winter and early spring. Like tomatoes and peppers, the seeds need to be (in most cases) moved indoors until the last frost has passed. This process is often very risky without a grow light system. It is for this reason that many people begin to consider organic grow lights. However, the first thing to do is to weigh the positives against the negatives.
Pros - Reasons to Use Grow Lights
Whether growing rare plants indoors or overwintering tender flowers, grow lights are revered for their ability to produce lush plant growth.
Grow lights provide the lighting most plants need. In fact, one of the main reasons for using grow lights has a lot to do with the quality of the light produce. These lighting systems differ from ordinary light bulbs by producing a full spectrum of light colors, not just those visible to the eye.
Plants can be grown almost anywhere. Grow light systems are also a viable means of utilizing even the darkest of spaces, such as basements and interior spaces.
These lights save money. Grow light systems produce healthier light than those grown in windows or outdoors, and while gardeners on a budget can achieve this by using fluorescent lights, LED grow light systems are more energy efficient.
Grow lights provide a more controlled environment. Regardless of the price, gardeners are able to control the amount and intensity of light given to their plants to better suit each plant's growing requirements.
Be visually appealing. Not only can better lighting thermal regulation be achieved, but also more visually functional as a home interior design. Many homes use grow lights as mood lighting.
Cons - Negatives of Grow Lights
We all know that plants need light to grow, but how they get that light can be the subject of debate. In an ideal world, plants grow under perfect conditions and nature provides an ideal source of water. Artificial light is used to stimulate plant growth, especially when growing indoors or in a greenhouse, but there are several problems with using grow lights.
Prices can be expensive. As the saying goes nothing is free and one of the biggest negatives of using grow lights is cost. There are many grow lights available some of them are very expensive and of course the quality is usually the best. Even if you choose the lowest cost option, grow lights will cost you money on your electricity bill.
It may be necessary to use more than one type. Plants primarily use red and blue light for photosynthesis. One of the lowest cost options is compact fluorescent lighting. One downside to this type of grow light is the need to use multiple bulbs as it is not suitable for large farms or gardens as the low light output requires close proximity to the plants compared to other bulb types.
CDL bulbs have their own problems. High intensity grow lights are a big step up from CDLs, but they generate a lot of heat and require ventilation and exhaust. The other disadvantage of grow lights is their short lifespan. LED plant grow lights are the best choice as they are also the most energy efficient grow lights.
Ventilation problems - grow lights often provide uneven distribution or too little or too much light and can emit too much heat. Space must be considered as some types of lights require ventilation.
The popularity of grow lights is on the rise. Be sure to research where your grow lights will be installed and be aware of all the issues associated with using grow lights. Whatever the reason for choosing grow lights, doing so undoubtedly has both positive and negative consequences that must be weighed. As with any gardening technique, personal preference and the conditions within your own garden will determine the usefulness of your grow light system.
