Can't you just hang them from the ceiling? Sure, if you've got a large indoor garden in a dedicated space, hanging your grow lights makes sense. But for a small garden it often doesn't. Even more so if you plan to move your plants to different locations. Then you want a grow light stand. Or a full-on shelf system. Something that allows you to get your grow lights … [Read more...] about Adjustable Grow Light Stand (Best Indoor Plant Light Racks)
Absorption Spectrum Vs Action Spectrum: Differences Explained
You know why there is so much confusion? Because they're very similar. When it comes to plant growth and development, the action spectrum for photosynthesis and the absorption spectra for chlorophyll and other molecules used in photosynthesis are nearly identical. Are there any differences then? Yes, of course. If they were the same, there would be no need for … [Read more...] about Absorption Spectrum Vs Action Spectrum: Differences Explained
What Color Light Do Plants Grow Best In?
The short answer is: Blue light. But it's not quite that simple. For one, plants grow great in natural sunlight. Sunlight isn't blue. It is...yellow? White? Wait, what color is sunlight, exactly? That's a bit of a trick question. Sunlight contains all colors of the light spectrum. Technically, that makes it white light. This means it contains blue light. … [Read more...] about What Color Light Do Plants Grow Best In?
The Effect Of UV Light On Plants (Black Lights For Weed?)
Plants, like humans, are living organisms. And just like us they require nutrients and the right conditions to flourish. While plants obviously need water to survive, light is their main source of energy. The natural light we enjoy here on earth comes from the sun, a blazing mass of fire that produces enough energy to maintain all life forms on this planet. The light … [Read more...] about The Effect Of UV Light On Plants (Black Lights For Weed?)
Benefits Of Indoor Gardening
Did you know that plants make you happier? Improve your health? Help you save money? Me neither. If I had known this when I was younger, I would have started gardening a lot earlier! Of course, gardening outdoors is only possible during the warmer months and not at all in some climates. The solution: gardening indoors. Gardening indoors allows you to … [Read more...] about Benefits Of Indoor Gardening
Best MH And HPS Grow Light Bulbs (Reviewed By An Actual Grower)
Let me guess. You're looking for an HPS and/or MH grow light bulb and you've noticed just how many different ones there are. I've been there. How can you possibly know which grow bulb is best? Or even which ones are any good at all—many are pure crap. That's why we've sifted through all the options (at least the reasonably affordable ones) and narrowed them down … [Read more...] about Best MH And HPS Grow Light Bulbs (Reviewed By An Actual Grower)
Best CMH Grow Lights (Ceramic Metal Halide Reviews: Updated Aug 2022)
CMH or LED are the only types of grow lights I would consider anymore. Nothing else currently available can touch them. I'm partial to LEDs, but there is no denying the appeal of ceramic metal halide lights. But before we get to the pros and cons of LEC (Light Emitting Ceramic) lights, I just want to cut to the chase and give you our picks for the best CMH … [Read more...] about Best CMH Grow Lights (Ceramic Metal Halide Reviews: Updated Aug 2022)
How Far Should Grow Lights Be From Plants?
If you've spent any time searching for the best height to hang your grow lights, you've probably found a bunch of wildly different answers. That's because it's impossible to give an exact distance. What I can give you, is a good starting point. From there, you'll gradually move the lights closer to the canopy, while monitoring your plants closely. This way, you'll … [Read more...] about How Far Should Grow Lights Be From Plants?
Glossary Of Grow Light Terms
You want an LED grow light with a high PPFD. That's nice. Now what the heck is PPFD? And why do I want it? I get a lot of questions about various terms that are standard jargon in our industry. And I know I'm partially to blame for that. I try to avoid grow light specific terms in my articles, but I often catch myself using them anyway. Since I can't seem to avoid … [Read more...] about Glossary Of Grow Light Terms
What Does A Grow Light Ballast Do?
Most grow lights need a ballast. With fluorescent lights the ballast is built-in and LED lights don't need one. But if you're thinking of going with HID plant lights, you'll have to buy the ballast separately. The best way to do this is to get an HID grow light kit that includes everything you need (MH bulb, HPS bulb, ballast, reflector, hangers and timer), but if you … [Read more...] about What Does A Grow Light Ballast Do?