What To Look for in Lights For Your Greenhouse

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If you’re just starting out with a greenhouse, it’s important that you make the right choices in lighting. Proper lighting is crucial in order for a plant to flourish. Choosing the right kind of light will ensure that your plants grow quickly and remain healthy. If you need some help figuring out your best options in greenhouse lighting, here are some tips that will help you make the right choice.

1. The first step is to determine how much light you need. The factors you need to consider are the type of plants you’re going to raise, and the size of your greenhouse. Some plants such as flowers and fruit, as well as those that are taller, require more light than others. Outdoor greenhouses generally require 25 watts for each square foot. But an indoor greenhouse will need twice as much light or more.

2. The type of light you choose must be appropriate for the kind of plants you’re raising. The type of light waves produced has a significant effect on plant growth. High pressure sodium lights, for example, are the best if you’re growing flowers and fruit. The light from these lamps is in the red spectrum, and stimulates the plants’ growth hormones. Metal halide lights utilize the blue spectrum and are best suited to leafy plants.

3. The lighting system shouldn’t be too hot for your plants to handle. They can die from becoming overheated. Some lights release a lot of heat when they’re running. For instance, incandescent lighting gives off a lot of heat. They’re not a great option anyway, because the light they give off isn’t enough for most plants to thrive. Fluorescent grow lights, on the other hand, produce much less heat. Make sure you compare how much heat each lighting option produces before making your purchase.

4. Choose lighting products that will give you the results you need without using a lot of energy to power them. High intensity discharge lights are the most energy efficient type of indoor greenhouse lighting available. However, they also cost the most money to buy. LCD grow lamps are rapidly gaining in popularity because of their energy efficiency. As well, they give off less heat.

Regardless of the type of greenhouse lighting you choose, it’s important that it not be left on all the time. Use lighting wisely, only when and where it’s required. For optimal growth, plants need a certain amount of darkness. Leave the lights off for 6 to 12 hours each day in your garden greenhouse, depending on what kind of plants you have.

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