Grow lights, heaters etc, on a budget

Discussion in 'Propagation This Month' started by clueless1, Oct 5, 2012.

  1. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,669
    No, I'm only going from what I remember reading on other sites - so Second Hand and relying on my unreliable memory.

    My only thought is that LED providing just the wavelengths that plants need means that more of the electricity is converted into things that the plants can use, so increased efficiency and even if it doesn't look that bright to our eyes it probably is to a plant.

    If you can be bothered you could perhaps put an upturned pot under one of the 1/4 size seed trays to get it as near to the top of propagator as possible to see if more light makes any difference (assuming whole of propagator is at desired temperature and you aren't relying on bottom-heat - having typed that I'll put money on you telling me "bottom heat" :heehee:)

    Once they are out of the propagator perhaps try some within 2" of LEDs and the other tray several inches further away?
     
  2. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Messages:
    14,622
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Guildford
    Ratings:
    +25,637
    I have been told I have a hot bottom lol That aside, the propagator is indeed heated from below. Good idea on trying out seedlings at different heights though, will give that a go.
     
  3. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2012
    Messages:
    28,551
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Public Transport
    Location:
    At me 'puter, GCHQ Ashford Office, Middlesex
    Ratings:
    +53,707
    Is it better to have 18 hours solid light, and then 6 dark, or is it better to break the lit period up?
     
  4. Lolimac

    Lolimac Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    My 'light box' is almost fully enclosed barring a vent so i'm just trying to simulate summertime...it goes on first thing in a morning and off at night....i'm presuming i'm doing it right:dunno:..
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

      Joined:
      May 5, 2012
      Messages:
      28,551
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Public Transport
      Location:
      At me 'puter, GCHQ Ashford Office, Middlesex
      Ratings:
      +53,707
      Ah, so 18 hours is too much then?
       
    • Lolimac

      Lolimac Guest

      Ratings:
      +0
    • Kristen

      Kristen Under gardener

      Joined:
      Jul 22, 2006
      Messages:
      17,534
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Suffolk, UK
      Ratings:
      +12,669
      I don't think so. The more the merrier (if electricity cost is not an issue). However, I have read that there are some chemical processes that happen during the dark overnight, for some plants, but it all seemed very inconclusive, and was not clear which plant species.

      When I first had a grow light (Metal Halide, very powerful) I had it on 18 hours a day and it only took some Cannas I sowed 8 weeks (in mid winter) from seed to flowering, so I am sure that bags of light can make a significant difference. Might not be the case for all plants (e.g. with onions I would be worried that long daylight hours would send the signal to "stop growing and make a bulb"). I've got some Monkey Puzzles, grown form seed, under my T5 lights for about 12 hours a day; they are notoriously slow to grow initially but they are 10cm tall already :) (germinated about 6 weeks ago)

      We need a university student who is desperate for inspiration of what to do for a project!!

      Height of lighting from plants - steps of 2", 4", 6", 8"
      Length of day - steps of 12 hrs, 16 hrs, 20 hrs
      Crops - peppers, and some others ...

      The Height and Day length combinations would need 12 panels ... its not all that many. And you'd get enough pots under each 1' square panel for 4 or 5 different crops.

      Then another 12 x T5 tube lighting rigs to compare LED with Fluorescent.

      I'll put up 100 quid in either sponsorship or, if bribery is more appropriate, then Beer Money :)
       
      • Like Like x 3
      • Loofah

        Loofah Admin Staff Member

        Joined:
        Feb 20, 2008
        Messages:
        14,622
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Guildford
        Ratings:
        +25,637
        There's a horticultural college not far from me, Merrist Wood (@JWK will probably have heard of it). Perhaps an email to them...
        EDIT: Actually just checked. They aren't a horti college although they do do some courses.
         
      • mowgley

        mowgley Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Aug 16, 2005
        Messages:
        3,564
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Wanna be gardener
        Location:
        Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
        Ratings:
        +6,627

        Well here's a update on the brugs I put under.
        Without a doubt, the lights are definitely working
        The chillis are on to there 2 second set of leaves.
        The coleus are a little slower than the rest but still looking healthy (better than I've done before)
        The problem with the brugs is that there getting too tall to go under the lights :doh:

        image.jpg
        My lights are on from 7.30am till around 10.30pm
        Still the cannas and toms to start yet this weeken.
        I think I'm going to order another panel
         
        • Like Like x 2
        • Informative Informative x 2
        • Kristen

          Kristen Under gardener

          Joined:
          Jul 22, 2006
          Messages:
          17,534
          Gender:
          Male
          Location:
          Suffolk, UK
          Ratings:
          +12,669
          Raise the lights or lower the plants? :heehee:
           
          • Useful Useful x 1
          • Loofah

            Loofah Admin Staff Member

            Joined:
            Feb 20, 2008
            Messages:
            14,622
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Guildford
            Ratings:
            +25,637
          • Lolimac

            Lolimac Guest

            Ratings:
            +0
            That's interesting Loofah:dbgrtmb:....i feel a cress test coming on:blue thumb:
             
          • sumbody

            sumbody Gardener

            Joined:
            Mar 18, 2013
            Messages:
            256
            Gender:
            Female
            Occupation:
            Retired
            Location:
            South East London
            Ratings:
            +303
            Yesterday I finally ordered another one of these - been meaning to do it for a while - although I have not idea at the moment where I will be putting it.
            [​IMG]
            Being rubbish at the DIY bit - and thought this not overly expensive (£60 delivered). Easily adjustable - and as I have had one for a few years I know it works. The light spreads outside the area although not as strong of course - but does the trick. Plug and go.

            S.
             
            • Like Like x 7
            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

              Joined:
              Jun 3, 2008
              Messages:
              33,056
              Gender:
              Male
              Location:
              Surrey
              Ratings:
              +51,736
              I'd agree they wouldn't be able to throw any light on this subject (excuse the pun), they are more into the the landscaping side of things rather than research. I have done a few of their weekend short courses, garden design, surveying, block paving - they are very practical and I'd recommend them for that.

              Loofah, if you have the chance go to their Summer Show, lots to see and do, I've bought a few bargain plants from their greenhouses too.
               
            • Loofah

              Loofah Admin Staff Member

              Joined:
              Feb 20, 2008
              Messages:
              14,622
              Gender:
              Male
              Location:
              Guildford
              Ratings:
              +25,637
              Got a date for the show? (I'm not offering to take you out, just wondering when it is lol)
               
              • Funny Funny x 1
              Loading...

              Share This Page

              1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                Dismiss Notice