A master gardener from the University of Vermont Extension Department warned that starting the seedlings quickly can speed up spring planting-but the wrong artificial light could disrupt these plans.
Expansion intern Nadie VanZandt pointed out that not all light can work: the light you shine on the flowers and vegetables that are just starting out needs to closely mimic the "full" spectrum of the sun without producing too much The heat.
And, just like the sun, grow lights should spread photons evenly across the crop, VanZandt explained in an announcement this week.
She admits that choosing the right indoor settings can be "incredible." Do-it-yourself people do not need a crash course in physics, but they will benefit from reading the label on the lamp or light bulb.
The ordinary old-fashioned mobile phone system has also come into play.
VanZandt added that as the plants grow, you will want to be able to increase the brightness of the light: if it is too low, your leaves may turn brown and burnt. Too high, your stems may become "skinny" or "long legs"-and weaken to the point where they cannot support their own weight.
According to the Burlington Power Department, the prevalence (and legality) of growing cannabis indoors has stimulated interest in how young plants photosynthesize.
A pot-specific page on the BED website outlines the differences between incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, and LED plant growth lamps, and provides tips on how to minimize electricity bills.
Different plants have different light requirements at different developmental stages. VanZandt said that in a broad sense, seedlings need 16 to 18 hours a day.
She pointed out that plants need more than just the best light-temperature, humidity, airflow, and soil fertility all play a role.
Related: Is it environmentally friendly to grow hemp in it?
Contact Joel Banner Baird at 802-660-1843 or joelbaird@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @VTgoingUp.
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