Organic Gardening will upgrade its login and registration system on
December 11. The new system is needed to support some of the major site
enhancements that we are currently developing. The new system is shared with
other Rodale sites, including Prevention, Men's Health, Runner's World and Women's Health.
Click here for answers to the most frequently
asked questions related to the new system.
Hey there. I am planning to start seeds in my basement this year. I do not mind spending some money for equipment that is worth it.
Everything I read says to just use flourescent bulbs (Rodale's guide and others). However I was planning buying a HPS or metal halide or mixture bulb. What do you think? Worth it for the money or just buy some flourescent plant lights from the store for 10-50$, instead of the 300$ for the high powered light? I also plan to use heat pads since I'll be in the basement. Please respond with answers or comments or feel free to email me!
Aren't the (expensive) halide lights more for plants destined to live their entire lives under artificial lights? With higher intensity and light dispersion, they'd cover a wider, mature plant. I think that would be unnecessary for small seedlings.
I tried starting my own seeds for the first time last year. I used flourescent bulbs--one warm and one cool bulb per light unit and mine did just fine. Be sure to hang your lights so that they're only a few inches from the seedlings but can be raised as the seedlings grow. For bottom heat, I used an electric blanket (I had several trays to heat) and checked the temperature with a small, inexpensive thermometer. I plan to do the same this year as well. Hope this helps!
Be careful with the electric blanket - especially when you water. If you can find the heating element from an old waterbed use that. They are completely sealed and water tight (for obvious reasons) plus they are designed to operate in the approximate temperature zone you would want, whereas the electric blanket's ideal range is a little hotter.
