Everything A Beginner Needs to Know About Grow Lights

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  • Опубликовано: 31 май 2024
  • Thinking about starting a garden indoors or if you want to get a jump start on your seedlings, a grow light is needed. This episode will give you all the information you will need to get started.
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Комментарии • 901

  • @natashacline1601
    @natashacline1601 4 года назад +285

    It's difficult to read reviews online because there's too many companies paying for reviews and 5 stars.

    • @dacebruz2626
      @dacebruz2626 3 года назад +8

      So true. It makes me mad

    • @emily1520
      @emily1520 3 года назад +18

      Same, I recently bought one online and they offered a $15 Amazon card for five star reviewers🤦‍♀️

    • @dacebruz2626
      @dacebruz2626 3 года назад +20

      I have found that if it’s Amazon recommended it’s probably sponsored and paid reviews. Those products I always get offers for five star reviews. I stopped buying the recommended ones.

    • @blutkind9202
      @blutkind9202 3 года назад +1

      Do you have an Etsy account?

    • @ryan-xr1st
      @ryan-xr1st 3 года назад +17

      i usually read the 3 star reviews, since no one would pay for a 3 star

  • @larrysiders1
    @larrysiders1 2 года назад +24

    You can double or triple the amount of light hitting your seedlings BY USING ALUMINUM FOIL REFLECTORS to keep the light energy in the growing area....and NOT ILLUMINATING the whole room as is shown here.
    Apply some aluminum foil to some cardboard sheets to make panels that reflect the light (and heat) back into the growing area on the top, bottom, ends and sides (monitor that heat so it doesn't exceed ~75 degrees F... the LED Lights do produce some heat). The rest of the room should be pretty dim if you've minimized the light energy escaping from the growing areas. Any light that escapes is wasted energy on your electric bill.
    DO NOT BUY "GROW LIGHTS". Instead, buy LED "Shop Lights" at ~ 1/3 to 1/4 the price. A single 5000 lumen LED (~40 watt) can be purchased for under $15. The Spectra (the wavelength profile of the light) ARE NOT optimized for plant growth, but I'VE NEVER SEEN any growth difference between the $15 shop lights and the expensive $90 to $150 optimized "pink/purple Grow Lights".
    Two of those $15... 5000 lumen lights will take care of a typical 20" X 4' growing shelf BUT ONLY IF YOU USE THE ALUMINUM FOIL REFLECTORS. Without the reflectors, you'd need 3 of the 5000 lumen fixtures for each shelf instead of just two. The savings from fewer light fixtures + the decades of power savings will pay for the $3 of aluminum foil (and cardboard) you'll use *immediately* (from the $15 per shelf saved by eliminating one light fixture for that shelf).
    The aluminum foil panels ALSO keeps the growing area humidity levels up. Seedlings love that higher humidity. If you start seeing mold and fungus growing don't worry too much about it (unless your seedlings are wilting). Your seedlings LOVE fungi and bacteria growing in the soil. If it grosses you out, go ahead and open up the panels for some air flow...OR quit watering so much!! The mold and fungus will only grow (on surfaces) in very high humidity conditions. You will need to water these growing shelves less often...so watch out for the mold thing. And monitor the temperatures - adjust ventilation to keep humidity below ~70%. Amazon has cheap thermometers that show both temperature and humidity.

  • @FieldTrippers
    @FieldTrippers 3 года назад +84

    Best tips: "just get growing. Don't complicate it. Work within your limitations." I WAY over did it last year. We're in a 3 bedroom top floor apartment and my garden was across the street. I was hauling trays and trays of my little guys out there daily to get them the sunshine they needed because I didn't have the set up for it. I will definitely be scaling back this year. :) Thanks for the encouragement and permission to, in this case, go small.

    • @Macheako
      @Macheako 2 года назад +6

      Great advice, and couldn’t agree more. We’ve been growing things forever, so it’s always important to remember that we don’t NEED to over complicate a very natural process 😉✌️

  • @JeffreyViews
    @JeffreyViews 5 лет назад +222

    Helpful hint: Hold the back of your hand beneath the lights where the tops of your plants are, if it's too hot to hold it where it is than the lights are too close.

    • @odgers69
      @odgers69 4 года назад +1

      ...literally just did this

    • @ebp4life
      @ebp4life 4 года назад +38

      this does not work with LED.

    • @ThePostalGril
      @ThePostalGril 4 года назад +16

      but leds don't give out heat that doesn't even make sense

    • @valeriesanchez3074
      @valeriesanchez3074 4 года назад +9

      I usually place them 12" away 6 hours on 18 hours off for younger plants.For fruiting plants 24" apart for 12 hours on 12 hours off. It's very helpful for led lights.

    • @troubadro
      @troubadro 3 года назад

      I just bought a ge grow light LED, how far should they be from the tops of my 3 week old peppers? 🌶

  • @soc101playlist7
    @soc101playlist7 3 года назад +152

    Take-away: Buy the best you can afford; be realistic; test/learn; understand what the light is doing in terms of distance, etc. Great resource, but this video is essentially a "I am not going to give you specific recommendations and do your HW first"

    • @robertwood7034
      @robertwood7034 2 года назад +25

      You just saved me 12 minutes. Thanks.

    • @TaureanDreams
      @TaureanDreams 2 года назад

      Thank you!

    • @DylanBoyce
      @DylanBoyce 2 года назад +40

      He also explained wattage, lumens, and temperature (for the life of me I cant understand why lights and light recommendations were ever based on wattage). He described how distance affects lumens and also demystified the difference between led and cfls (they can both work). So unlike most videos that just say "use this this is what I bought", I can now search on my own for a light and bulb that has the lumens and kelvin I want, while gauging the long term price of electricity I use against the short term price of the unit, for example with a cfl (more wattage but cheaper up front) vs led (cheaper long term, more up front).
      So now when I shop online I'm not just looking at brand names and erroneously using wattage to determine light output, I can read a label and understand what info is relevant and why and whether a light or bulb might meet my needs. I think that's a little more than "do your homework", it's all the tools I need to understand what I'm looking at when I'm doing my homework

    • @MsErika1226
      @MsErika1226 2 года назад +6

      @@DylanBoyce did you find one that seems like a good option? I feel overwhelmed with all of the choices!!

    • @tharakanewan3544
      @tharakanewan3544 2 года назад

      Saved me 10 minutes, thanks.

  • @courtneybrewer6813
    @courtneybrewer6813 5 лет назад +141

    "I'm not growing other things..." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Luke you're a trip. I so enjoy your personality and your channel. Keep growing and sharing my friend.

    • @michaelsoltesz3779
      @michaelsoltesz3779 4 года назад +3

      He's talking about mushrooms...right? 🤔

    • @b3thamphetamine
      @b3thamphetamine 3 месяца назад

      @@michaelsoltesz3779Not quite, mushrooms are not photosynthetic, but you're close lol

  • @markpeace495
    @markpeace495 Месяц назад +1

    If your starting seedlins you can use jus about any light you want from shop lights to expensive grow lights, there is some differences though, led lights will double your seedlins size in half the time, proper grow lights will do even more, as for grow lights that people elude to for growing those 🤔specific herbs, then you have to take into account that you are growing plants through their whole growth cycle or to maturity, so if your starting plants that will be transplanted into natural sunlight then use the starter lights you can afford, if the plants are going to remain indoors for their full life cycle then spend the money and get the best you can, the end result is worth it and the lights will pay for themseves

  • @dennismiller9681
    @dennismiller9681 4 года назад +80

    I believe the intensity of a light decreases according the inverse square law. That is, if you double the distance the intensity that reaches the plant is 1/4. 3x the distance is 1/9. The video says that the 30,000 lumen bulb can be 30 times further away than the 1000 lumen bulb. Actually you would use the square root of 30 (approx 5.5). Therefore a 30,000 lumen bulb at 5.5 ft provides the same light as 1000 lumens at 1 ft. The video is correct to point out that the closer the bulb, the more lumens reach the plant. But as you increase the distance the lumens drop off much much faster than the simple ratio described in the video.

    • @astarothgr
      @astarothgr 4 года назад +15

      ooof, finally, I'm not the only one who caught this! :D

    • @MarkBohland
      @MarkBohland 3 года назад +8

      Thanks! I’m an “old school” photographer who needed to be able to *use* that formula when lighting and photographing large groups - sometimes without a light meter, several years PD (pre digital). However, I’m relatively new to gardening, and didn’t want to be “that photo-nerd guy,” to a RUclips content provider who is so helpful. :)

    • @totheknee
      @totheknee 2 года назад +2

      @@MarkBohland I hear you, but the content provider should also know this and give accurate info to his viewers. Plants be dyin' with this error!

    • @smileformenowplease
      @smileformenowplease 2 года назад

      Good question Mark, its said where people that make these videos wouldn't delete the ones that are wrong or outdated, maybe the money has to do with that???

  • @danielloeb2044
    @danielloeb2044 3 года назад +108

    10:00 "These lights are 1,000 lumens; these are 30,000 lumens. That means I can have these lights 30 times as far."
    Nope. Light diffuses by the distance SQUARED. That means a light 30 times as bright can be ~5.5 times as far away (the square root of 30), not 30 times as far away, for the same effect.
    So if you would want to keep that little light 5 inches from your plant, you want to keep the bigger light about 27.5 inches from your plant to get the same effect.

    • @TerryMcGearyScotland
      @TerryMcGearyScotland 3 года назад +11

      Glad you explained that as I was just about to start on it. Bearing in mind though that the Inverse Square Law, I believe, is applicable to a point source of light I'm not too confident that it relates the same to a long tube, but I guess the main principle holds good: you move it twice as far away as it was and you only get 1/4 of the lumens on the same leaf area.

    • @hungsblomsterhus399
      @hungsblomsterhus399 3 года назад +1

      @@TerryMcGearyScotland Can I ask you a question. If i buy a lamp with 4000 Lumens. So how far can it stay from the surface of plants?
      Thanks

    • @TerryMcGearyScotland
      @TerryMcGearyScotland 3 года назад +1

      @@hungsblomsterhus399 Thanks for asking and I wish I could give you an answer. I have just fitted two ceiling lamps each of 1200 lumens. If was growing plants under them I think I would have the about 1 ft. away. So with yours maybe 2-2'5 ft away maybe? Assuming no damaging heat being given off. I'm no expert so I would try it and take care how the plants do.

    • @michealradd264
      @michealradd264 2 года назад +2

      Ok, at least one person understands Newton's inverse square law.

    • @mirandahoffman-giles9655
      @mirandahoffman-giles9655 2 года назад +1

      I’m so glad someone said this!

  • @billsouthard187
    @billsouthard187 5 лет назад +73

    Lumens are what humans see. Plants see PPF Photosynthetic Photon Flux, which means how many photons of light per second make contact with your plants. Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density is that measurement of PPF at a specified distance from the bulb.

    • @kelcritcarroll
      @kelcritcarroll 4 года назад +4

      Bill Southard well that zinged right over my head 😂

    • @SimonHaestoe
      @SimonHaestoe 3 года назад +1

      @@kelcritcarroll Flew so high above mine that I'm not sure I saw it

    • @chestercatolico2824
      @chestercatolico2824 3 года назад +2

      lumens is more common to use - even in d packaging of the bulbs being sold. just convert lumens to PPF unit, so he was correct to use lumens.

    • @TheOriginalArchivist
      @TheOriginalArchivist 3 года назад +2

      This is beyond the scope of most small growers. 90/10 rule in action.

    • @JS-mq6ve
      @JS-mq6ve 3 года назад

      I've read this too and trying to understand it.. it's not talked about a lot. But can you make a light recommendation then based off of this (I find most light info doesn't tell you information about this)

  • @MAMAlbertaGirl
    @MAMAlbertaGirl 6 месяцев назад +2

    You did the BEST job of explaining grow lights in a way that was both understandable and logical. Thank you!

  • @actionjksn
    @actionjksn Месяц назад

    Fun fact, the T and a number denotes the diameter of the bulb. They are measured in 1/8ths of an inch. A T5 is 5/8 of an inch. A T12 is 12/8 of an inch, or an 1-1/2 inches. A T8 is 1 inch in diameter, because it is 8/8ths of an inch.
    Another fun fact, cannabis needs an insane amount of light. You need to keep the lights about as close as you can without burning them, unless you have spent some money and got some insanely powerful lights it needs to be pretty close for that plant.
    The 4 digit number with a K before it should be at minimum 5,000K and as he said preferably 6,500 K. Happy growing.

  • @melmorsen
    @melmorsen 5 лет назад +48

    Love this video. As a pretty new gardener who is investing pretty heavily in grow lights - this was a great, easy breakdown of all the information I'm struggling with in my own research. Thanks for making it all a bit easier and putting me at ease this season!!

    • @Beligh-Tech
      @Beligh-Tech 3 года назад

      hi Melissa, how are you? so you still adopt grow light for your gardening now? may i have your contact for more communication about the effect of grow light?

  • @Moomoo_Mage
    @Moomoo_Mage 5 лет назад +14

    Thanks for breaking this down! I tried to do myself an educate in grow lights, but everyone has made it so complicated.

  • @kjelliholmes8495
    @kjelliholmes8495 5 лет назад +4

    Thank you you do it the best for zone 6!!!!
    Be proud of your work and never stop sharing thank you

  • @DianeSturlinXX
    @DianeSturlinXX 4 года назад +20

    Oh my gosh thank you so much for this video. You explained it so simplistically but even this old lady understood exactly what you were saying. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. I have been thinking about getting grow lights for a little while now and this video has helped me immensely in my choices. I had no idea that there were so many variables.

  • @bobharms8787
    @bobharms8787 3 года назад +3

    your experience and the way you explain things for an old man like me makes your presentations enjoyable as well as informative. Thank you

  • @txredkim867
    @txredkim867 5 лет назад +12

    You explained that in terms I finally understand, thank you!

  • @sarageis1512
    @sarageis1512 5 лет назад +5

    Love the video. It is so nice as a gardner that is new to starting seeds to have a video that gives you the information without overwhelming you. This is the first video about grow lights that didn't say you needed a specific set up and instead gives you the tools to make the best choices with your budget. Thank You.

    • @chatryna
      @chatryna 5 лет назад +1

      I agree. Love learning the concepts so that I can make it work with what I have and not feel like I need a PhD. A lot of what Luke said makes sense having experienced some of these things first hand. Thank you Luke for making your video useful.

  • @hunterkutcher4584
    @hunterkutcher4584 5 лет назад +3

    Thank you Luke! The lights were are my last step, and now that you have cleared this up I can get growing!!

  • @tinah8890
    @tinah8890 3 года назад +4

    Thank you so much. After many failures on my beautiful light table, I followed the instructions in this video. This year my seedlings are beautiful and healthy!

  • @amarketing8749
    @amarketing8749 2 года назад +4

    Most INFORMATIVE VIDEO on Grow Lights I have ever seen!!♥️
    I'm newish to gardening and start plants indoors in a south facing window. I'm in zone 5 and have been wanting to have fresh greens in the wintertime, but all the confusion over grow lights has stopped me dead each time after some online searching.
    Even youtube light reviews were a waste of time. THANK YOU!!! I finally feel I can go out and buy a light.

  • @marcusmastrocola3550
    @marcusmastrocola3550 2 года назад

    You're so charismatic, made me smile on the first 3 seconds of video. Should get your own TV show.

  • @jennas2068
    @jennas2068 Год назад +2

    I've been trial-and-error gardening for a few years now. Last year's seed starting was a leggy disaster. I think I finally understand lighting! Thank you!

  • @SuperManning11
    @SuperManning11 4 года назад +4

    Dude, I love your videos, seriously, what a wealth of information you carry in that head of yours. You are very kind to share it all with us. Great energy, too--although I have noticed you're a little more cranky in your winter videos, which I suppose is completely understandable! I appreciate all of your vids and once again, thank you.

  • @markclipsham9199
    @markclipsham9199 4 года назад +10

    The number on the fluorescent bulb has to do with how many 1/8ths of an inch wide it is. A T8 is one inch dia, T12 is an inch and half. Depending on where you are growing you may want to put a heat mat under your plants. I grow mine on top of a spa cover when it gets a little warmer out and it gets the heat that passes through. Soil temp is important. I have a convex mirror behind it to maximize natural sun gain which in spring can be spotty - hence the grow lamps.

  • @robertodiazdelpinal2386
    @robertodiazdelpinal2386 5 лет назад +6

    That intro is the only motivation you need to start your garden

  • @juliankirby9880
    @juliankirby9880 5 лет назад +10

    The size and height of the grow area determines the light you want, the taller the plants you want to grow, the more likely you will need more powerful lighting. For seed starting and small plants, small grow tents are wonderful. I have a 2x2x4 tent turned o it’s side with 150ish watts of t5 lighting, and 3 heat mats(for starting) and a 4x4x4 with 600w of led for getting full size tomato and peppers out at the beginning of the season, and my neighbors are always jealous of my massive early harvests in mid April

    • @cynthiawebb389
      @cynthiawebb389 5 лет назад +2

      Can you post a picture?

    • @crossing3790
      @crossing3790 4 года назад

      can the lights be too close? damaging? what do damaged plants from too close lights look like?
      I have 6500 k . and 2200 lumen
      Thanks for any assistsnce

  • @The00kelly00
    @The00kelly00 4 года назад +8

    This is the simplest explanation I've seen about grow lights. And you've answered all my questions- Thanks!

  • @rogeliodedios9477
    @rogeliodedios9477 4 года назад +4

    Why aren't more videos made like your video? Simple, quick, concise and informative. Thank you!

  • @fatladyfarmer2025
    @fatladyfarmer2025 5 лет назад +1

    Perfect timing! This is just what I have been looking into. Thank you#

  • @dawnesmith-sliming7004
    @dawnesmith-sliming7004 4 года назад +3

    Very helpful and, dare I say, illuminating.

  • @ewellacres
    @ewellacres 5 лет назад +10

    I find by using timers and automating the lights it makes it a lot easier to manage the light time. Allowing me time to get everything done in my busy life and not have to worry about whether or not I turned on the plant lights home or the office.

  • @iartistdotme
    @iartistdotme 4 года назад +14

    So informative - thanks. I've been 'in the dark' with my lighting. LOL

    • @iartistdotme
      @iartistdotme 4 года назад

      @@chunlingcui2851 I didn't buy from Amazon. Love the lights. Don't know the name.,

  • @jpc1147
    @jpc1147 7 месяцев назад

    Please ratio the difference between the wattage use of the various sources used to grow plants, a tall order Luke but I believe we would all benefit from this information in these transitional times. Love ya' son, keep on going.

  • @writeangles6042
    @writeangles6042 3 года назад +59

    "You should spend as much as you've got in your budget"
    What can I get for 12 cents?

    • @ideriklaser8063
      @ideriklaser8063 3 года назад +11

      a seed and the sun^ good luck

    • @AwesomeSauceShow
      @AwesomeSauceShow 3 года назад

      I'll sale you my 10 cents.

    • @KD-ul8ul
      @KD-ul8ul 3 года назад +1

      Look on Facebook marketplace. You can find a bunch of free stuff like grow lights.

    • @YACABE
      @YACABE 2 года назад

      Me: what is a reasonable budget? 30? Or 100$
      Luke...*talking about some $700 lights.
      😰😰😰

  • @sherriesoultra310
    @sherriesoultra310 5 лет назад +3

    Thanks Luke this info was right on time I’m trying grow lights for the first time

  • @simonhenry7415
    @simonhenry7415 4 года назад +6

    I see you have some Spectrum King lights in teh background there Luke, amazing!

  • @tawanajeffries3610
    @tawanajeffries3610 5 лет назад +1

    So glad you covered this. There is so much confusing information out there!! Thanks

  • @timoteooo94
    @timoteooo94 2 года назад

    thankyou...i am growing those type of plants.....mines was doing some serious stretching, one of my plants is suffering but i took it out the dirt and now its growing roots.....i brought the right lights and adjusted my heater correctly so i can heat the soil a bit more. the soil was a bit cold because im growing close to the basement but i put the heater up to point more towards the plant. i have buckets with just water sitting in the room for humidity. it's keeping the soil nice and moist and even though my healthy plant stretched from previous, i'm confident because the plant is nice and green.

  • @maria09mc051
    @maria09mc051 5 лет назад +10

    Might want to consider checking big box stores for clearance. I found that Ferry Morse for $10 😊

  • @nardamock
    @nardamock 5 лет назад +11

    I replaced some of my florescent tube lights with a LED lights from Amazon. They come in a set of 6, 20W, 6500K, 2200 LM. I really like that they are cool to the touch so I don't have to worry about burning any leaves if it should touch the light.

  • @patricianelson8
    @patricianelson8 Год назад

    We have a 4x4 grow tent with two 100w led grow lights. Last year was successful up to the day I transfered in the ground and went to work the next day. 40 mph winds took out my entire garden. Direct seeding, a couple of months late, still had a great yield.

  • @jaimyn5004
    @jaimyn5004 4 года назад +1

    Thank you so much for all the INFO I just got some grow lights for succulents and had no idea what color to use or how far to place it, but you cleared my confusion 🌵🌱

  • @HomesteadCorner
    @HomesteadCorner 5 лет назад +5

    We find timers to also be really great to make sure they are getting the right amount of light hours.

  • @angelariebli4843
    @angelariebli4843 4 года назад +6

    Thanks again, buddy. I learned all this long ago when I grew the "other stuff" - but needed an update about T5's vs LED for seedlings :)

  • @jonsimas7972
    @jonsimas7972 3 года назад +1

    I'm completely inside this yr for the veggies and i kinda understand, thanks.

  • @whatgrowsaroundcomesaround792
    @whatgrowsaroundcomesaround792 3 года назад +1

    Just a small caveat, luminosity (lumens) is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.. That is to say, if you move the grow light from 1 foot away to 2 feet away, the lumens will be 4 times lower!

  • @debbierhode6291
    @debbierhode6291 4 года назад +3

    I love finding growlights on clearance in the late summer/fall!! They work!

    • @TheRipeTomatoFarms
      @TheRipeTomatoFarms 4 года назад +3

      Cheapest time of the year that I find bulbs and fixtures on sale is actually in the spring. Right when demand goes DOWN and when everyone is moving their stuff outside.

  • @someguy43210
    @someguy43210 5 лет назад +31

    I recommend looking up photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
    400 - 520nm ~6500k (violet, blue, green): peak chlorophyll absorption
    520 - 610nm ~4000k (green, yellow, orange): little chlorophyll absorption
    610 - 720nm ~2100K (red): promote flowering and budding
    720 - 1000nm (far red): little chlorophyll absorption, influence flowering, need to be used with other spectrum for best result
    Also I don't recommend buying those reddish or purplish LED grow light and have it shine through your windows.

    • @charliemaddox3226
      @charliemaddox3226 5 лет назад

      That is definitely the "true" answer, but almost impossible to get for inexpensive home lights.

    • @snowpaw360
      @snowpaw360 5 лет назад +3

      Apparently the most efficient grows lights have about equal green to red in their spectrum and only 10-20% blue. Green light not being used is an assumption that has been taken as fact, in reality only a small % of green light is actually reflected (which is what you see), green is best and penetrating the canopy leading to less loss of lower leaves, which is good for indoor growing since you have only one angle of light (green is still the least efficient though). So yeah i agree on not getting purple lights but for a different reason. But yeah lumens is what humans see not what plants use. Not sure he will want to shell out for a par meter though, it will help him get optimal light placement though (and if he reviews his lights he cant give us nice data on them)

    • @charliemaddox3226
      @charliemaddox3226 5 лет назад +3

      @@freelancelife6704 I wasn't talking about finding inexpensive grow lights. I was referring to finding the PAR information on the inexpensive seed starting grow lights that many people are talking about. I found some really good deals on Amazon for 150w and 300w lights, but they were still way more than the $15-$30 price range that people are busy talking about right now in his Facebook group.

    • @CustomGardenSolutions
      @CustomGardenSolutions 5 лет назад +2

      Luke for plant starts I found a 6500k,. 1600 lumens LED, 48 inch T8 for under $30 for a 4 pack.
      Great for plant starts. I got them at Lowe's if you can believe that.😎😎😎😎

    • @jamesmarshall5794
      @jamesmarshall5794 5 лет назад

      @@CustomGardenSolutions How large would you want your plants to get under one of those lights before you would transfer them outside?

  • @rbo350
    @rbo350 Год назад

    I keep fish and gravitate towards aquarium lights, they are trying to grow plants in water and usually show the wattage and Kelvin and sometimes the PAR, they can come with a timer dimmer

  • @user-uu1vl5cj3t
    @user-uu1vl5cj3t 3 года назад +1

    I so appreciate your channel. Simple, easy and to the point. Thank you.

  • @terricutlip7951
    @terricutlip7951 5 лет назад +42

    I have busted lots of fluorescent tubes, usually with a mop handle.

  • @D.A.Hanks14
    @D.A.Hanks14 3 года назад +3

    After spending several days watching videos and trying to sort through reviews, I came to the conclusion that it was better to build what I needed myself. I have three 6,000K 10,000 LUM LED headlight bulbs. The 200 watt transformer runs $43, and I found three 10"x10"x3" stainless mixing bowls for twenty bucks to act as the reflectors. I figure that two of those units on a three foot bar mounted five feet off the floor should be sufficient for peppers and potatoes in a 3x4 space. Your thoughts on this? Suggestions welcome, regarding distance from the plants et al.

  • @kristineward4313
    @kristineward4313 4 года назад

    Thank you for breaking this down so simply.

  • @Jess2b_fit
    @Jess2b_fit 5 дней назад

    Luke clearly got straight A’s in all of his grade school science and math classes 😂👏

  • @tracyk3567
    @tracyk3567 4 года назад +14

    You need an egress basement window so if there’s ever a fire while you’re downstairs your plants can get out.

    • @castro1223
      @castro1223 3 года назад +1

      You saw the whole basement? He might have a door not in frame.

  • @DigitalSteel
    @DigitalSteel 5 лет назад +3

    I have noticed that the color spectrum of 6500k LED lights has significantly more blue than regular T5. It seems that going with a 4000k LED has a much better looking distribution of color. I believe this is because all white LED lights are actually pure blue with a phosphor coating that shortens the wavelengths. From what I have seen, a 6500k LED spectrum is likely to be too skewed towards blue.

  • @jennablorezone8Band9A
    @jennablorezone8Band9A Год назад

    Thank you for keeping it simple and to the point. I'm a newbie and setting up my mini greenhouse this week.

  • @catladycatlady7359
    @catladycatlady7359 5 лет назад

    I use 4 bulb shop lights, alternating bulbs with grow light and daylight balanced. My plants seem to prefer the mix as opposed to any one color spectrum. We have them chain mounted on a wire rack and can raise and lower the lights as the plants need.

  • @btpuppy2
    @btpuppy2 4 года назад +30

    Those are not compact fluorescents - CF’s are the twisted bulbs, you have regular fluorescent bulbs, T5 are the smaller diameter kind

    • @arabellaeinsmann3836
      @arabellaeinsmann3836 4 года назад

      Legendas Monarquicas light intensity and color

    • @dominicaluffi7298
      @dominicaluffi7298 4 года назад

      @Legendas Monarquicas just tempurature. Lumens will determine how far away from the pland you can place your light every 1000 lumens is a few more inches. Watts will tell you price per hour of run time. Lower watts less money in the long run. But yes the only difference with standard lights is kelvin. If you are trying to grow indoor professionally those are completely different lights. And very expensive.

    • @g00gullSUX
      @g00gullSUX 3 года назад

      @Legendas Monarquicas The light spectrum of grow lights is tuned for vegetation or flowering. Standard lighting fixtures work ok for vegetation.

  • @DTR89
    @DTR89 4 года назад +33

    2:42
    I used to use compact flourescents.
    I still do, but I used to too.

  • @Engwadur
    @Engwadur 3 года назад

    Thank you for putting this into a language I can understand. Some videos on grow lights are far too complicated to grasp for a newbie.

  • @offgridsweden
    @offgridsweden 5 лет назад +3

    Great video man. Bought some LED that I'm building some growlights of. They are really purple in the color. I got some that draws 100 watt and man are those bright. Used one single LED last year with success. Have an awesome weekend, Andreas from Off Grid Sweden 🇸🇪

  • @beware_the_moose
    @beware_the_moose 5 лет назад +12

    Also luke I don't want to nitpick but this is important: the amount of light your plants receive is inverse square of distance, not directly proportional but inverse square. Distance is insanely important. The inverse square law doesn't mess about.

    • @jenm1
      @jenm1 4 года назад

      How would you measure this? With wattage?

    • @jenm1
      @jenm1 4 года назад +1

      nvm. i understand :)

  • @DrCorvid
    @DrCorvid 4 года назад +3

    I have a 4 foot, 4 tube fluorescent panel that I overpowered by using 2 digital ballasts to replace the 1 old one. Regular 4 foot cool white tubes are bright enough for seedlings if they are overdriven like that, and it's a regularly used, safe and legal approach.
    I can't sprout some things in the house at 18-19C so on top of the panel light I'm sprouting more seeds in flats.
    When I needed an extra seed mat I coiled up a long LED rope light and laid a piece of plywood on it, then used the thermometer to see if I needed a tray spacer under the trays.

  • @FracturedFairyTales1
    @FracturedFairyTales1 5 лет назад

    I've been using plant florescent for years with a grow stand may out of wood and shoplight fixtures. Works great, but always looking for details to do it better. I appreciate the detail and the pace in the video so I can figure out what in the heck I am doing. This will help me hone this years indoor seed starts and better layout my plant trays to not stress the plants to get spindley,

    • @Beligh-Tech
      @Beligh-Tech 3 года назад

      hi, may i know have you adopted LED grow light now? may i have your contact for more communication about it?

  • @annie-k5213
    @annie-k5213 5 лет назад +1

    Thank you, thank you, and thank you for doing this video!

  • @CustomGardenSolutions
    @CustomGardenSolutions 5 лет назад +30

    Luke great episode about lighting. For people looking to just do plant starts I found a 6500K, 1600 lumens, 14 watt, LED, 48 inch T8 that will work on a standard shop light fixture. Great blue daylight for starting plants from seed. I picked up a four pack at Lowe's for under $30.

    • @JD-tc2zz
      @JD-tc2zz 5 лет назад +3

      Custom Garden Solutions (or anyone else)- could you provide a link by chance? I can't find that one and would love to purchase a low cost option! thank you!

    • @MarcusAbundis
      @MarcusAbundis 4 года назад

      It also shows two comparables Phillips and Osram on the right side of the page.

  • @SVMSICE
    @SVMSICE 5 лет назад +5

    I find a multi bulb t5 with half the bulbs being over 6000 k and the other half around 3000 k will do exceptionally well for growing and flowering plants.

    • @bishbosh7728
      @bishbosh7728 5 лет назад

      Just recently switched 4 of my bulbs with the agroled isunlight 41 watt t5 alittle pricey but going to replace all soon so much better. At my local grow shop $23 for the grow bulbs 27 for bloom and 29 for bloom plus UV.

    • @SVMSICE
      @SVMSICE 5 лет назад

      bish bosh You will have to keep us updated on how they do. I’ve never heard of them, but I just looked them up. They didn’t have a very good review on the Amazon site but it seemed like most of the bad reviews were about the condition people received them in. Keep us up to date about how they are working for you.

  • @debbierhode6291
    @debbierhode6291 4 года назад

    Plus you are HILARIOUS! I dont grow "other things" either and nor would I shell out that many clams for a grow light!

  • @CactusCaffeine
    @CactusCaffeine 4 года назад +1

    Just the video I need! Thank you so much for sharing. 😃🌵☕️

  • @PinkChucky15
    @PinkChucky15 5 лет назад +33

    “Leggier than Stretch Armstrong” 😂 😂

  • @tovisbratsburg88
    @tovisbratsburg88 5 лет назад +6

    Might want to look up the Inverse-square law with regards to a light source and distance. Interesting stuff.

    • @6884
      @6884 4 года назад

      f i n a l l y someone!!!

    • @MichaelBrown-kk6ck
      @MichaelBrown-kk6ck 4 года назад

      Inverse-square law works for point sources, but does it work for the more complex case of non-point sources like these long tubes?

  • @thinerj1
    @thinerj1 Год назад

    A lot of people love the mother lights. Its a led light bar that can be replaced after it burns out and under 250 for them. Idk thats still a lot to try them.

  • @dezidoll8233
    @dezidoll8233 5 лет назад

    I always learn something new from you Luke🙏🏼💜

  • @babylongate
    @babylongate 5 лет назад +5

    MIgardener is the best.

  • @astarothgr
    @astarothgr 4 года назад +3

    Unless I'm going crazy, the lumen output is directly proportional to the *square of the distance* from the target. Assuming you have a light at a distance of 1m and at that point you have a measurement of 1000lumen, if you put the light at a distance of 2 meters, then the light reaching your plants should only be a quarter of that, i.e. 250 lumen. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

    • @henrikolsen5
      @henrikolsen5 2 года назад

      I also noticed the "you can have it 30 times further away" when comparing 30K to 1K lumens. That's definitely not the case.

    • @victoryak86
      @victoryak86 2 года назад

      Correct. Inverse square law.

  • @lucascritchfield9923
    @lucascritchfield9923 2 месяца назад

    Thank you! Once again you had a video on exactly the info i needed. I've learned probably 75% of my gardening knowledge from MIgardener

  • @bigflatsominxy9038
    @bigflatsominxy9038 2 года назад

    I was browsing Amazon to purchase some lights for just a couple trays and thought what would MI Gardner buy? So, here I am.

  • @dianethompson897
    @dianethompson897 3 года назад +3

    How do you convert the LED watts to lumens? Seems like most of the LED grow lights on Amazon show watts only.

  • @Benstyping
    @Benstyping 5 лет назад +11

    make a series where you start everything from scratch, but not from the perspective of a beginner but a pro.

  • @dennisshields7246
    @dennisshields7246 5 лет назад

    I am glad you explained that. Thanks

  • @ivywzhr6336
    @ivywzhr6336 4 года назад +1

    You got real passionate there towards the end. I felt the intensity. lol. Thank you for the awesome info!!

  • @kellywyland9350
    @kellywyland9350 5 лет назад +5

    i love your sweater it looks like wolves and hawks

  • @MegaWellGal
    @MegaWellGal 4 года назад +5

    Hey Luke! Do you have a reference for how many lumens per feet away from your plants? Much appreciated!

    • @cmdoggy24
      @cmdoggy24 4 года назад

      Megan Lusardi There are so many factors to your question. Depends on what you are growing, what stage the plant is at, what type of light you are using, etc. The general rule is to throw as much light as you can at your plants but there is a cost/benefit ratio that you will run into. Lights should be like 6 inches from the canopy unless you have a light that generates a lot of heat that could burn the plant.

  • @parker1ray
    @parker1ray 3 месяца назад

    Did you just say $700.00 a piece? That is nuts! I just purchased 4' 100 watt 5500 lumen equivalent day light LED lights at Walmart for $14.00 dollars a piece. I have the lights on chains and put the lights around 10" from the lights and raise them as the plants grow to keep them from getting leggy!

  • @michj7185
    @michj7185 4 года назад

    Great info! Now I feel that I can use my new grow light correctly.

  • @WireMan-rg1kc
    @WireMan-rg1kc 5 лет назад +4

    Good video. You kept saying "compact" fluorescent. I knew what you meant but they are just fluorescent lamps. Compact fluorescents are screw in type with a ballast built into the base.

    • @RG_sssSMOKING
      @RG_sssSMOKING 4 года назад

      Yep, you be right on Mr WireMan4160.
      Retired electrician of 40+ years. Every time he said Compact Fluorescent I was saying wwwwwhat?
      I've got a couple of old drop in 4 tube T12 troffers . I'm going to change out the ballast to T8 and put in four 6500K lamps. That should give me about 12,000 lumens per troffers.

  • @justinmartinez5485
    @justinmartinez5485 5 лет назад +5

    Unrelated but where can I get that sweater your wearing? Very cool!

  • @stephaniebuzzella1
    @stephaniebuzzella1 2 года назад

    I grow tropical plants and I'm very worried that this winter is going to shock them ( especially my big anthurium ) I'm planning on buying a few lights & humidity for strategic areas. This video helps quite a bit. Thank you!

  • @dacebruz2626
    @dacebruz2626 3 года назад +1

    1. LED is best but cost a lot $
    2. Compact fluorescent T5 are cheap and gets the job done. His are from FERRY MORSE 45$.
    3. The light needs to be 6500k ( k is for kelvin)
    4. The more lumens the further you can put it from your plants.

  • @donna9384
    @donna9384 5 лет назад +4

    Luke, before I bought my grow lights I watched youtube videos on growing marajuana lol.
    I figured if it would grow that it would grow a great tomato plant.
    I watched grow videos and light reviews for months.
    Then bought a 65 dollar 300w led.
    It works amazing for my seed starts and I could grow a tomato plant to fruit if I wanted.
    My seedling room.is very purple lol.
    I'm sure if anyone seed the light our the window they would think I was growing other things but im not.
    Just a crazy tomato grower here lol.
    But I do love this light.
    Hugs

  • @rieriec.36
    @rieriec.36 5 лет назад +11

    I got the ferry Morse at Walmart for $5 I KID YOU NOT ..HERE IN OHIO

  • @cajungardener6044
    @cajungardener6044 5 лет назад

    Good good info! Great explanations, thanks Luke

  • @blinkspacestudio8892
    @blinkspacestudio8892 3 года назад

    Purchased a 4 headed LED grow light that can be charged with Solar power banks. Il see how they get on in the spring while the sun becomes more effective. They were not expensive but are very portable and they don't use any electricity from the mains so I am good with that.

  • @ElizabethM824
    @ElizabethM824 5 лет назад +4

    You didn't say how many lumens we need to use if we do use shop lights. 6500K but how many lumens? That would have been helpful. A lot of new gardeners (like me) need to start with something less expensive.

    • @donethos
      @donethos 4 года назад

      The lumens required is variable and depends on what you are growing.

  • @annlyon.2040
    @annlyon.2040 4 года назад +148

    Now I'm more confused than ever.

    • @RandyFelts2121
      @RandyFelts2121 4 года назад +5

      me too

    • @MiNi-nn9su
      @MiNi-nn9su 4 года назад +3

      🤣🤣🤣

    • @Idiappam1
      @Idiappam1 4 года назад +38

      He should learn how to get to the point. Long winded talk talk talk. Huh.

    • @abuxxx3607
      @abuxxx3607 3 года назад +3

      You should take a large grow light called 🌞.

    • @annlyon.2040
      @annlyon.2040 3 года назад

      @@abuxxx3607 ok !😁😁

  • @markwalker9107
    @markwalker9107 5 лет назад

    Yes growing in winter is good for me.

  • @anthonysinclair5721
    @anthonysinclair5721 4 года назад +1

    You might want to clarify that the fluorescents you are speaking about are fluorescent tubes. Compact fluorescents are the curly ones that generally replace the normal 40-60-100w light bulbs. jes sayin' 😎