Home Improvement

Fluorescent Grow Light

 Inexpensive and readily available in hardware stores and be utilized with regular light sockets. Producing less heat or none at all compared to full-size fluorescent grow lights.

Not just because of its small size and low heat output; compact fluorescent lights also produce the widest range of color spectrums to any type of lighting. It is ideal for shelf gardening due to their low heat output making the use of multiple shelves on top of each other possible. Compact fluorescent lights can be used with seedlings and small plants in a well designed hydroponic system indoor garden.

 Common Problems with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

 Problems with compact fluorescent light bulbs like inefficiency and poor light penetration are common.  Several compact fluorescent bulbs maybe used and consume energy as that of one HPS bulb, but do not produce the same useable light for the hydroponic indoor garden. 

Optimizing Fluorescent Grow Lights

 With the disadvantages of comparative inefficiency compared to HID lights, several things maybe done to counteract this.

Properly matching lights to the corresponding growth cycle.

Increasing Watt ratings increases light penetration

One cheap and easy way to maximize energy consumption is by the use of reflectors. Compact fluorescent lights have a 360 degree of distribution but only 90 degrees of it can be practically used. Reflectors direct the light to corners in order to maximize the light produced.

 High Intensity Discharge Lighting

 HID light bulbs are the most after lighting system by both hobbyist and professional growers. It has made possible all-year, all-season planting for thousands of indoor gardeners and industrial nursery growers. Due to their efficiency ( 10x more light produced than conventional incandescent bulbs) and color spectrums ideal for plants have resulted to better yields and plant quality all year round. Metal Halide (MH) light bulbs mainly produce blue lights, making them ideal for plants undergoing the vegetative phase of development.

Industrial cultivators the world over are the main users of HID grow lights. HID lamps provide numerous advantages that conventional Fluorescent and incandescent lights lack. Monetary benefits abound, it boosts overall plant production giving better harvests, and environmental factors are eliminated allowing all year-round production. HID lights operate stock 110 to 220 volts AC home currents and have a standard three prong adapter to link up. HID grow lights mostly come with a ballast resistor and reflective hood.

Photosynshesis in plants allows plants them to produce their own energy. Chlorophyll in plants enables plants to convert CO2, water and energy from light to nutrients and sugars. When all this elements like CO2 and nutrients are readily and plenty in a desired surrounding, the potential for growth is bound only to the amount and quality of light available.

 High Pressure Sodium (HPS) light bulbs produce reddish light, it is ideal during the fruit phase of the plant cycle. Cooler (blue) and Warmer (orange) color spectrums raise chlorophyll production and fruit energy. The sun produces cooler lights when it is higher in the skyline, seen in the summer calendar months. It is essential for plant growth shape and keep it tight. Warmer light, experienced when the sun is lower in relative position to the skyline is vital for blooming plants and during the fruit phase.

Choice of lights can also depend on the type of plants grown. Metal Halide growth lights are ideal for bushy harvests such as cabbage and vegetating herbaceous plants. Blossoming plants on the other hand is better suited by high pressure sodium growth lights. Conversion light bulbs are also available for different organizations. More expensive than other lights, conversion lamps give that extra advantage of starting your plants with a metal halide growth light giving taut, small development and being replaced by high pressure sodium light bulbs when the fruit stage of the plant is reached. Recent developments have introduced convertible ballast resistors for regular metal halide growth lights and high pressure sodium light bulbs.

HID grow lights main advantage is that it eliminates such factors as climate, temperature and time of day. Season dependent plants can be grown throughout the year; they provide an alternative to solar light. For those who are garden and flower hobbyists, this would be a plus.

Hydroponic growth lights also gives you control over light exposure. Allowing us to hasten a plants growth or that flower to bloom. Ideal light color, duration and concentration are the key factors in growing those choice plants.

 High Pressure Sodium Bulbs 

A clear ceramic arc tube suspended inside a glass bulb characterizes High Pressure Sodium Bulbs. Xenon gas is the main component inside the inner tube which is then ignited to produce an arc of light. Sizes range fro 35 watts up to 1000 watts. The most well loved of which are the 250 watts, 400 watts and 1000 watts.

 Advantages of High Pressure Sodium Bulbs

 Efficiency is one of its advantages; they provide the best light penetration and have strong light spectrums necessary for plant growth. Mainly producing red and yellow lights or small or no blue lights, they mimic the autumn sun. Popularity for HPS lights are mainly attributed to their low energy to light ratio and is the most economical and efficient than any other type of lighting system. HPS lights work best during the flowering or fruit stage of the plant growth cycle.

 Disadvantages of HPS High Pressure Sodium Bulbs

 High Pressure Sodium Bulbs produce fantastic amounts of heat. Proper ventilation and excellent garden construction and plotting help to offset this negative effect. Like all HID growth light systems price is the main drawback compared to fluorescent lights. HPS lights are currently more cost effective compared to other HID growth light systems.

High Pressure Sodium Light bulbs are replaced after 24 months to ensure their and your gardens efficiency.

 Metal Halide Bulbs

 Metal Halide bulbs are constructed by placing an inner arc tube inside vacuum-sealed glass tubing. Electric currents passed through the inner arc which in turn ignites mercury and iodide materials in the tube.

 Advantages of Metal Halide Bulbs

 Metal Halide Bulbs mimic sunlight during summertime. Producing a blue spectrum of light most ideal for plants in their vegetative growth phase. They are also a excellent choice for indoor hydroponic garden systems because of their efficiency in producing light.

 Other Metal Halide Bulb Information

 Available from 70 to 1500 watts, Metal Halide bulbs present a wide variety of choices. Most well loved and commonly used are the 250, 400 and 1000 watts metal halide bulbs. Ballast specifically tailored for each bulb is also essential. Mounting positions depend on its specific bulb type (marks or guides are usually provided). HOR bulbs are mounted horizontally, BU/BD is vertically mounted and U (universal) bulbs could be mounted either way. The vertical position is the most ideal and provides utmost efficiency.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Systems

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as described in the previous paragraphs is one of the most vital elements needed for plant growth. CO2 is combined with nutrients, water and energy from light (grow lights/ sunlight) is utilized during photosynthesis producing essential sugars that provide energy for the plant. Any factor missing needed for photosynthesis will limit the plants growth potential. In order for a plant to grow to its utmost potential and for it to yield the best results all of the elements must be present. 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Injectors

One of the most cost effective way of adding CO2 to an indoor hydroponic garden system is with the use of CO2 injectors. A valve, regulator and gauge are used to measure CO2 levels injected to the air. Sophisticated CO2 injectors are also used to control CO2 release. CO2 tanks are readily available from medical supply outlets and restaurant supply stores.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Generators

Investing in CO2 generators would also be wise for long time use in your indoor hydroponic garden systems for several crops. CO2 generators burn propane, natural gas or other carbon based fuels to produce carbon dioxide. More expensive than CO2 tanks, they provide a more convenient way of producing CO2. Long period and continuous use of CO2 generators has proven to be more efficient and economical than purchasing injectors and many tanks.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitors and Controllers

CO2 monitors with controllers automatically maintain indoor hydroponic garden systems CO2 levels. It is advised for large-scale gardeners or hobbyists and enthusiasts with that extra cash to invest. Often in the hundreds of dollars, they are quite expensive but are really effective if you can afford it. An electronic CO2 monitor together with a CO2 controller are used to maintain CO2 levels. Monitors could be sold separately and can be used with various types of controllers giving room for flexible indoor hydroponic garden designs. 

Water

Water quantity requirements vary according to the type of indoor hydroponic garden system. Adequate levels of water should be maintained whatever type of indoor hydroponic garden system used. Water deficiency even if reversed and corrected cause permanent loss in production.

Not only the amount of water but also quality of water is vital. Poor quality also causes serious problems for any indoor hydroponic garden system. The use of tap water can affect the nutrient balance in hydroponic nutrients solutions. Tap water naturally contains mineral and salts. Often referred to as “hard water,” tap water is offset by constant monitoring and adjusting nutrient solution. Salt content should always be kept below 325 ppm (parts per million) whenever possible.

Temperature

Temperature is a gauge for optimum production for every plant. When plants are exposed to extreme ranges of temperature, stunted growth and poor fruit yields are the result. Plants have specific temperature ranges for their ideal growth. Warm-season vegetables and most types of flowers have 18o C and 260 C as an ideal temperature range. Cooler season vegetables like lettuces have a 10o C to 18o C range.

Gardeners experience proves that the mixture of vermiculite, perlite, and organic potting soil (loose 100% organic soil mixture is also suitable) in equal proportions is the best for the successful organic hydroponics gardening. Such mixture offers the perfect upward capillary action of water and supply of CO2 and oxygen. Organic soil in the upper medium layer provokes microbial action.

Some growers practice mixing organic nutrients (e.g. worm castings) into the upper medium part. Others just distribute them on the surface of the grow medium and then spray them with water. Another way is to mix nutrients with half a cup of water and pour onto the top of the medium. Any of these methods ensure proper nutrients entrance into the soil mixture and excellent absorption by the plants primary roots.

The upper layer of the medium is also called “soil alternative”, as it is the place where the nutrients are supplied to. It is treated as a standard soil container. To improve the capillary action of the water delivered by the lava rock at the bottom, it is recommended to spray the soil alternative once or twice a day with water.

Making your organic gardening using hydroponics system pay special attention to the level of the pumped water, this must not moisten the upper part of the medium. If this happens, the nutrients, delivered to this soil part of the growing medium, will be washed out into the water reservoir, becoming unavailable for the upper part of the plants root system.

The usual watering cycle takes about half an hour to make the whole upper part of the medium wet. If this time is not enough, you may set the timer to prolong the cycles. It is also possible to spray the upper half of the growing medium with water in addition to the regular pump-triggered watering. Remember that soil-based part should never be soaked in water – being moist is enough for growing organic plants.

It is excellent when people treat seriously to any thing they are going to occupy themselves with. They get acquainted with the theoretic base, they learn how to do everything right, and they buy all kinds of tools and materials, which, they reckon, may be necessary. But, sometimes the successful beginning may easily be done using simple things – those that everyone has at home.

Hydroponics gardening may also be started simply: do not overbuy on supplies, use plastic tubs or children’s swimming pool to make your first grow beds for the plants. Consider expensive sophisticated hydroponics supplies the next step you will take in hydroponics.

Beginners usually find it reasonable to get a “plug and go” hydroponic gardening kit. It includes plant cubes, heating pad, nutrient solution, and seeds. Sunlight and water are the only things that you will have to add in this case.

If you have already chose where your hydroponic garden will be arranged, you may wish to buy a “grow tent”, which is easily installed within an hour. Its price may vary from 0 to 0.

Thinking about a small greenhouse, take into account that it will need a drainage system and cement or gravel flooring. Also note that the price for a greenhouse may be a few thousand dollars, though the simplest ones may cost only 0.

If you plot to have a medium to large greenhouse with many plants, you will have to control temperature inside. A grow room temperature control unit will be of help in this case. It will turn the blowers or fans on if it becomes too hot in the greenhouse. It may also be used to open and close air ducts. Note that the temperature depends on the number of plants you have.

To provide the normal plants growth it is necessary to install two types of grow lights in your greenhouse – blue and red spectrum lights.

The necessary minimum may be enriched by the more advanced irrigation and drainage system if you become a skilled gardener. The quantity, types, and size of the plants will help you choose what other supplies and equipment you need in your hydroponic garden.

With the lapse of time, an experienced grower needs to have grow light fixtures in his garden, an exhaust fan, a high quality and convenient aeration system, heating mats, a temperature control unit and other supplies.

All hydroponics equipment can be found at a hydro shop. Beginners can also rely on the advice and practical tips of the professional and knowledgeable personnel. Moreover, gardeners will always find people with the similar leisure activity there to communicate with. 

Buying flowers and vegetables in the garden centers or greenhouses is undoubtedly comfortable. But, starting his own seeds at home, a gardener has a chance to grow unusual and not those well loved plants, many of which can rarely be found in the garden centers. To successfully start the seeds a grower should choose a southern exposure window with much sunlight. Still, it may be necessary to buy cool-white fluorescent grow lights. Commercial mix may be the best variant of the medium, which is healthy and free from any insects.

One of the best-known mediums for starting seeds is Natural Beginnings Seed-Starting Mix from Gardens Alive, which gained several awards for its fantastic performance. It gives better rates, as well as speed of seeds germination. It is reasonable to choose those seeds for indoor starting that are hard to start in the garden; otherwise you would be able to just sow them in the garden.

To properly control seeds starting, it is necessary to know how many days it takes for them to germinate. This data can be found either on the packaging, or at www.savygardener.com. Web sites usually give information on many plants seeds and include the description of the best timing to sow seeds of this or than plant. Do not forget to gradually adjust the seedlings to the outside air. They are usually recommended to be planted in the garden after Memorial Day.

One more vital thing to remember is that the smaller the seeds are the closer to the soil surface they should be planted. Besides light and air your seeds will also need warmth. It is thus beneficial to place a heating pad under the seeds tray or container. Hydrofarm Company offers its special product for starting seeds called the Germination Station. It consists of a 72-cell insert for the plants seeds and a humidity dome. The 10-inch by 20-inch tray is lined with a thin electric heating unit at the bottom. This allows to significantly increasing germination rates.

The detailed description of the right seeds planting may seem a hard task to complete. But, it is worth trying; and even if you start with only several seeds, you will certainly delight in observing the starting of the new plant growth