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Tasmania Australia

Hi, just trying to find out some information about growing lights.
I have seen a few photos where people have set the florescent lights up just about the newly sprouted plants.
Is there an advantage of doing this compared to just having the newly sprouted plants sitting by the window?
Also do you have the florescent lights on 24 hours a day or only for a set about of time?
All information is appreciated.
Cheers.

5/29/2015 2:29:10 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

I run my lights approx 18 inches over my plants. Also they are on timers I try and match Mother Nature.. So right now I think 5am to 9 pm. I use 8 bulb t5 vho grow lights... They do produce heat and if I place them to close to leafs I will burn them also I use fans to keep extra heat to a minimum. My seed germ area runs 81 degrees with the lights on and 72 with no lights. My room is 9 x 10

5/29/2015 8:02:53 AM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, What is the advantage of having them under grow lights once they have sprouted compared to having them by the window.
That is if the room temperature is the same as the grow lights.

5/29/2015 6:32:52 PM

Torrance, Ca.

One of these days I'm going to get those kick butt t5's like you!

My lights are so weak I have to rest the bulbs right on top of the cots or they get leggy.

5/29/2015 6:46:10 PM

East Jordan, MI

many windows have UV protection, so they don't get much needed light and get leggy. If your plants are getting leggy putting them very close to a fluorescent light will be better than a window.

Optimally, setting them outside in the sun is the best for them as long as temps are above 50.

5/29/2015 7:28:32 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I have my germination box lined with aluminum foil. It reflects the light all around and keeps seedlings from getting leggy.

5/29/2015 8:36:03 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

A lot of windows today have low e glass which filters out uv light and uv heat. Which plants like.

5/29/2015 10:16:46 PM

Tasmania Australia

Thanks for the replies.
What is the disadvantage for the plants getting leggy before they are put into the ground?
Do the stockier ones just perform better than a leggy one?

5/30/2015 12:54:36 AM

East Jordan, MI

I'm not sure there is a large disadvantage in a leggy plant, it is stressed (trying to get light) and my thoughts are try to keep them in an optimum environment (warmth, moisture, light, food, unrestricted root zone), especially when they are young, and they will be very vigorous.

In my experience, the more perfect the environment, the better the plant.

5/30/2015 8:10:01 AM

Holton, Michigan

Metal halide or high pressure sodium light I use 1'to 2' above plants. And I also try to match hrs to Mother Nature. Lights are always warm.and steady uv. I never have much transplant shock or sunburn using these lights. I've experienced Window sill alone is not as ideal for seedlings

5/30/2015 9:31:36 AM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, Forgot all about the plant being stressed early on.
Appreciated.

5/30/2015 6:43:49 PM