Growing vegetables indoors with lights

Sun-loving foliage herbs, such as basil and thyme, will need medium to high light levels indoors with a closer light source. Fruiting plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and citrus, will need the highest levels of light. Germinating seedlings also fall into the high-light category.

1. What lights are best for growing vegetables indoors?
2. Can I grow vegetables indoors with grow lights?
3. How many hours of light do vegetables need indoors?
4. Can any LED light be used as a grow light?
5. What wattage grow light do I need for vegetables?
6. What color grow light is best for vegetables?
7. Should I run my grow lights at night?
8. Which vegetable does not need sunlight to grow?
9. Can you leave grow lights on 24 hours a day?
10. How do you grow tomatoes indoors with LED lights?
11. Should seedlings get 24 hours of light?
12. Is red or blue light better for seedlings?

What lights are best for growing vegetables indoors?

What Kind of Grow Light is Best?

• Fluorescent lights are an effective supplement to natural (window) light. ...
• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights are ideal for growing maturing edible plants. ...
• Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights: For efficiently growing large numbers of plants, LEDs provide the best results.

Can I grow vegetables indoors with grow lights?

LED Grow Lights are perfect for indoor seed starting, as well growing as light-loving houseplants, such as orchids. With a set of grow lights, you can grow many plants indoors, including houseplants, orchids, and even some fruit and vegetable crops.

How many hours of light do vegetables need indoors?

As a general rule of thumb, most vegetables and flowering plants need 12 to 16 hours of light per day, with flowering plants at the top end of that range. Plan on giving most plants at least 8 hours of darkness per day. Darkness is actually very important for the plant growth cycle.

Can any LED light be used as a grow light?

LED lights are more energy efficient and emit much lower levels of heat than other types of lighting. But can you use any led lights to grow plants? Generally, yes. ... White light contains a great mix for plants, so white LED bulbs will work to grow.

What wattage grow light do I need for vegetables?

First, determine how much space you need to illuminate. As a rule, you want 20 to 40 watts per square foot.

What color grow light is best for vegetables?

So, for seedlings and leafy green vegetables, higher spectrum bulbs in the blue range are required. But if you want plants to flower and set fruit, you'll also need low spectrum red colors. Or, you can make things easy. Use a full spectrum, white bulb to satisfy all stages of cultivation.

Should I run my grow lights at night?

Like the sun's cycle, it is unnecessary to run grow lights around the clock. Yes, some plants need more sunlight than others. ... A good general rule of thumb to remember, if your plant is flowering or a vegetable it needs 12 to 16 hours of light in a day and 8 hours of darkness to rest.

Which vegetable does not need sunlight to grow?

Root vegetables, such as beets, carrots, and potatoes will grow in partially shaded areas that have less direct sunlight, but will appreciate at least a half-day of full sun and some partial shade. Leafy vegetables, such as chard, spinach and salad greens, are the most tolerant vegetables that grow in shade.

Can you leave grow lights on 24 hours a day?

A: In general, you should not leave grow lights on 24/7. Plants need a light-dark cycle to develop properly. It's believed that they truly do “rest” during periods of darkness, and probably use this time to move nutrients into their extremities while taking a break from growing.

How do you grow tomatoes indoors with LED lights?

Plant the seeds 6 cm apart and around 3 to 4 mm deep. While the LED grow lights will provide sufficient warmth for growth, you may need to cover the plants with a plastic wrap or foil to keep in the moisture and heat. Remember not to over-water your seedlings even though your soil should have good drainage.

Should seedlings get 24 hours of light?

Yes, it is true that your seedlings need lots of bright light to grow healthy and strong—but they also need a period of darkness in order to thrive. ... These fluorescent lights should be left on for 12 to 16 hours a day. Many people make the mistake of leaving their seedlings under fluorescent lighting 24 hours a day.

Is red or blue light better for seedlings?

Light Color

Red light stimulates vegetative growth and flowering (but if a plant gets too much, it will become tall and spindly). Blue light regulates plant growth, which makes it ideal for growing foliage plants and short, stocky seedlings (but too much will result in stunted plants).