Grow lights, heaters etc, on a budget

Hmmmm... I am tempted, but I cannot put them in an enclosed cupboard - or can I?

I have an old, two door cupboard in the shed which has one shelf in it - I suppose I could use that?

I've also got a 60w tubular heater lying spare in the loft - do you think that would provide enough warmth in a cold room?

 

Sounds suitable.

Do you mean to provide heating in your shed or a spare room? Assuming shed: then it depends on what it's like. If it's a wooden stand alone one then maybe you could put the heater n the bottom of the cupboard. If it's a brick built shed attached to the house then it's got more chance of staying warmer.

60w is quite a lot and could easily cook seedlings if it was left on continuously in a cupboard. If it's got a thermostat then that is better and maybe you'll need to add some vent holes to the cupboard (or just leave a door ajar). Probably a bit of experimentation is needed, run the set up for a few days prior to adding seeds.

I know you will be, but do be careful with the electrics and watch heat build up too

 

Well that seems to answer any lingering doubts for me

 

Just found an amazon gift card from chrimbo so my lights have been ordered

 

@OxfordNick, have a shower and water your seedlings at the same time - very eco

 

If a <shocking> experience lol

 

Now, if Mrs C comes asking - you lot MADE me do it, right? You forced me..... and as I am a plantaholic, it happened on the grounds of diminished responsibility

Just ordered a couple of these ones - very slightly dearer than the others at £16.99, but these are UK stock and the others come from Hong Kong - that, and the delivery on the Hong Kong ones is the best part of £2 delivery each, it makes it only pennies different.

 

All I need do now is set up my grow cupboard.

I have the bottom half of an old display cabinet similar to this one in size currently storing stuff in the shed.

My thinking is to use a spray adhesive to stick foil onto the top, sides and back to give a reflective surface, cut a couple of cable holes for the wiring for the lighting and heating, then mount the 60w tubular heater at the bottom near the back; I don't have any thermostat, and don't really want to pay out for one at the moment, so I am reckoning either a digital timer (I have a couple in the shed somewhere) or a cheapo segment timer set to 10 or 20 minute intervals of on/off should provide a nice warmth without cooking the wee things?

Question is, do I mount both lights in this one cupboard or keep one out to use elsewhere?