Significance of a grow light
Light is essential to plants for the process of photosynthesis; a means by which they produce food. Light helps plants to grow bigger and stronger, especially when combined with good nutrition in the soil and a sufficient amount of water.
If you live in the north or have limited sun exposure in your greenhouse, grow lights are a recommended option to replace the missing sun rays. Use grow lights to brighten up winter days (especially when there’s no natural sunlight), or reach darker corners in your greenhouse. During winter it can also prolong the quantity of daylight, you can set up the grow lights after sunset to give your plants some much needed extra light exposure.
Different regions of the country receive a different amount of daylight. Installing an automatic light timer is the best management. It helps you to adjust to each daylight changes saving energy and the life of the bulb.
Which kind of grow light do you need?
The effect of lights vary, depending on their colour. Blue light and red light have a completely different effect on photosynthesis. Blue light, which is usually referred to as the cool light, encourages more compact and bushy growth. Red light on the other hand triggers a hormonal response and is perfect for stimulating blooms and fruits. Most grow lights will create an orange or reddish light as these are most commonly used in greenhouses.
Grow lights are available in all price ranges, shapes and sizes. When you have a smaller greenhouse, you can find cost effective lights of about $ 30, which function optimally when the light is placed around 24″ from the plant, if you move it too closely, the heat that the light transmits will affect your plant. Many of these spots have a duration of less than 1000 hours and some come with a clip handle which enables you to easily move it around to the plants that most need it.
The second price category are the fluorescent grow bulbs. They are energy savers and easy to install. A fluorescent bulb can last up to 20,000 hours. Take into account that fluorescent light is situated in the blue region of the spectrum, a good choice for seed starting. These lights produce only very little amounts of heat and can be placed closely to the seedlings. There’s a new spectrum fluorescent lights that create red light and enables blooming. When you buy fluorescent grow bulbs, make sure to pay attention to the kind of light they transmit.
LED technology is a new form of grow light and has as the most important benefit its small size. LED lights give a balance of both blue and red lights, giving the plants a maximal dose of both. These lights don’t transmit heat so can be placed closely to the plants.
Although you need to make sure your plants receive plenty of light, they also need some darkness. Most plants will benefit from at least 6 hours of darkness per day, so make sure to research the specific needs of your plants before you buy and install your grow lights.
Getting started
Firstly, you need to map out your goals. Are you starting with seeds and will later need a year-round structure? Do you have existing plants that you want to help to grow fruits? What climate do you live in and how much sunshine does your greenhouse receive during fall and winter? Nothing is more wonderful and soothing than walking into your greenhouse and being greeted by the sight and scent of healthy growing plants in winter.
Best lighting for your greenhouse
 | AGLEX 2000 Watt LED Grow Light, Full Spectrum UV IR Reflector Series Plant Grow Lamp | Check price |
 | Phlizon Newest 1200W LED Plant Grow Light with Thermometer Humidity Monitor | Check price |
 | 1000W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Greenhouse with Reflector | Check price |
