Rather than using the ratchets, you could just use 2/0 straight link chain and s-hooks. with an s-hook at each end, you would only need to lift the light and attach the s-hook to another link, and it would allow you to go much higher than the ratchets. Looking forward to following this, I was just starting to plan out a seed starting setup similar to this only I was planning on using lumber. I may now consider that baking rack. Thanks for your vids!
Hey, Jim! Thanks for this video. I used it to order our indoor seeding station using the links provided. Total cost was just as you indicated: about $600. The LED lights from Grower’s House have been discontinued per their customer service, even though they’re still visible on their website…heads up. I enjoy your channel & thanks again.
Awesome tutorials video!!!!!! Well explained!! I have nothing but good thing to say! i am so glad you didn't just stand in front of your finished product and tell us what we should do, but you showed us how you did it. Thank you!!!
Yeah! Got my shelving system up and now I’ve got to watch your video (again) to determine the lighting system to buy:) 🤗 so glad your on RUclips to walk us ‘newbies’ thru the steps! Keep them coming for us!
This is exactly what I was looking for. I have grow lights but I want a setup just like what you have so thank you. I can’t wait to see how the led light does in comparison.
I just got the same setup. One other tip is to attach the ratchet system one shelf above since there is so much rope and that will allow you to raise the lights all the way to the top of the shelf!
Nice video! I wish you spoke more about the spacing between the shelves though, as that's the only part I'm being held up on is how much space to separate my shelves.
I've been trying to find a solution to my 2 grow light operation on a table. Let's just say it's getting in the way of life. I watch your videos on growing things in the yard and never thought about looking up grow lights on your show. I like your willingness to share knowledge and you make it easy to understand. The price went up a bit on amazon but I'm going to be buying it anyway. TY
Seed starting season is here!!! I’m super exited about this project and look forward to the comparison between the LED vs T5. This will be my second season starting seeds and need all the help/tips I can get. Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Great information. I've just been buying plants to place in my garden, now retired I have the time to do this, and you have made it look uncomplicated. I'm interested to see your results with the different lights. Thanks!
I like the ratchet straps. I did somethjng similar for years, but using chain and s hooks, and the old school, but cheaper, florescent tube lights. I bought seeds this year for the first time in ages so need to see what still works and what I need to replace. Have to do mine in the garage due to my cats so also hoping my heat mats still work. Probablynot, though, it has been quite a few years.,
Thanks--I love hearing about this--it seems a very practical/economical way to build a light table. I hope to do something similar but on a smaller scale in order to start some flowering annuals early.
Thank you so much for the demo. I wanted a DIY solution that can be taken down and put away when not in use and this seems perfect. Those shelves are easy to get from Home Depot and now I just need a better light system. :) This year I plan to do tomatoes, hot peppers, zinnias, sweet peas, and a few others from seed. Can I request a video for some time this year? I would love tips for dry shade tolerant perennials and shrubs that thrive in this situation, rather than just tolerate and survive. I would love some things that can multiply over time and aren't too aggressive or invasive because the native forests are so close by. Huge, open stand of loblolly pines with some sweet gum and tulip trees, so perfect open woodland area, but not much likes to thrive in this situation because of the pine needles, other than aggressive stuff like English ivy, poison ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and vinca major, which are all pretty undesirable LOL Have you ever tried to grow any of the native rhododendrons and azaleas? I am super interested in cultivating R. maximum (Rosebay) and R. catawbiense (Catawba) on my property. I really appreciate having a RUclipsr who is gardening in the same conditions as I am - hot humid summer, milder wet winter, heavy clay, nasty mosquitoes. I live right in Garner city limits, gardening on .33 acres, so same zone as you. Originally from rural Craven County near New Bern, NC with nice topsoil, so I've had to learn to love the heavy clay of the piedmont. It's all good, I've had to learn more about horticulture in the process!
I have never rooted Rhododendron, because they just don't perform well in nurseries in my part of North Carolina. I have always rooted native Azaleas and I have some in my yard. There is nothing better than that fragrance. I did one video last summer with some shade perennials and I will continue doing videos on it, because my backyard is a tough shady wet place that I am constantly working on. Thanks for watching.
Hi Jim: Could you show a pic of how you ended up hanging your lights for maximum clearance? I have the same setup as you, and were wondering how you got the most clearance from each hanging light / shelf to allow for plants to grow, grow, grow.
Excellent! Great shelf, looks like it can start quite a few seedlings. If you're starting seeds indoors in February,does that mean you'll transplant in March or April?
Do you recommend seeding heat pads? Also, what about surrounding the rack with reflective material or at least material to block the light from leaking out into the room.
Good to finally meet you Wednesday at the nursery. Best of luck in your new endeavors. Btw could you tell me again if possible the name of the grower in Georgia who I could buy pachysandra and dwarf mondo from. Thanks
I am planning to install a small LED grow light under the cabinet in my kitchen. Then I'll place some cafeteria trays on the counter below it with my propagation (succulents and violets). I don't have room for a big rack system like yours.
The metro shelves are pretty easy to assemble. But an alternative are the Origami racks which are a bit pricier but much easier to setup and take down if you are seeking a temporary situation.
"cheaper ways to build out of lumber." 3 years after this video was posted... the year is 2022... trees are extremely rare, which has caused lumber prices to skyrocket ... if only you knew Jim, if only you knew ;)
I'm so confused! lol First I bought red and blue lights but later found out they only have 1500 Kelvins and 1200 lumen per light and every video I've watched said it must be at least 5000 kelvins and at least 2,000 lumens.. Also, each led contains a spectrum from 380nm to 780nm. So, I purchased T8 LED lights that is 2300 lumen, 6000 kelvins White. Then I watched a RUclips video that said, white LEDs are not good for growing seedlings. Both are packed up and ready to be sent back because I am just lost. I don't want to quit before I even get started, so I figured that I'd humbly ask for help... are either of these suitable to grow seedlings and maintain them until I can put them in the ground? I'll mostly be growing for a cut flower garden but would also like to try my hand with a few veggies, if I do well, I'll grow more next year. Also, if you think one will work, how close to the seedlings would I put them to start? Thanks!
We looked for a 4 to 5 shelving unit that came with lights in Englabd but could not find what we needed. I guess one has to buy the shelving unit on its own then buy the lights on their own. Great Vlog.
Does anyone know where to buy a grow light shelf that delivers to England. We have tried everything and REALLY don’t want to make one ourselves. Thanksszzzz
One more question....the LED panel...I know that specific one is no longer available, but did it have to be hard wired in? 67 year old woman here with limited skills setting up a seed starting unit....lol
I am not really finishing the plants inside. Just trying to get a jump start and to keep them from stretching. Also those light are a little distracting in my dining room😂
What lights would u buy now? I just happen to have this same size shelf that I bought years ago never set it up… now I can use it for this … lol!!! Perfect!!! 💚🤍🪴🌳🌺🌸🌿🪴🍀
This could be done with just one light fixture and one shelf. You don't have to start with anything this big. Thanks for watching.
did you like the LED lights?
Looking for your video on which worked better, LED vs. T5 florescent grow lights.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This video was perfect timing. I was just trying to figure out how to set up grow lights. New gardener here.
Thank you. Good luck with everything.
Rather than using the ratchets, you could just use 2/0 straight link chain and s-hooks. with an s-hook at each end, you would only need to lift the light and attach the s-hook to another link, and it would allow you to go much higher than the ratchets.
Looking forward to following this, I was just starting to plan out a seed starting setup similar to this only I was planning on using lumber. I may now consider that baking rack.
Thanks for your vids!
This works super well Jim, I did it for the first time last season with great success. Very informative video, thanks.
Hey, Jim! Thanks for this video. I used it to order our indoor seeding station using the links provided. Total cost was just as you indicated: about $600. The LED lights from Grower’s House have been discontinued per their customer service, even though they’re still visible on their website…heads up. I enjoy your channel & thanks again.
Awesome tutorials video!!!!!! Well explained!! I have nothing but good thing to say! i am so glad you didn't just stand in front of your finished product and tell us what we should do, but you showed us how you did it. Thank you!!!
Subscribed. I love how casual you are.
Yeah! Got my shelving system up and now I’ve got to watch your video (again) to determine the lighting system to buy:) 🤗 so glad your on RUclips to walk us ‘newbies’ thru the steps! Keep them coming for us!
I have the first seed planting video going up tomorrow. Thanks for watching
This is exactly what I was looking for. I have grow lights but I want a setup just like what you have so thank you. I can’t wait to see how the led light does in comparison.
I just got the same setup. One other tip is to attach the ratchet system one shelf above since there is so much rope and that will allow you to raise the lights all the way to the top of the shelf!
Good idea. Thanks
That's thinking out 'o the boxaroonie!
Nice video! I wish you spoke more about the spacing between the shelves though, as that's the only part I'm being held up on is how much space to separate my shelves.
He said 17 notches between each shelf
You have No Idea how much I needed this video. I owe ya buddy. 😉
I've been trying to find a solution to my 2 grow light operation on a table. Let's just say it's getting in the way of life. I watch your videos on growing things in the yard and never thought about looking up grow lights on your show.
I like your willingness to share knowledge and you make it easy to understand.
The price went up a bit on amazon but I'm going to be buying it anyway. TY
...am interested to follow the test of LED vs. T5 florescent grow lights.
Same!
Costco has 4 foot LED lights at about $30
This was an awesome, hugely informative video! It helped me get a grasp on what seemed like a kind of far out idea, thank you!
Seed starting season is here!!! I’m super exited about this project and look forward to the comparison between the LED vs T5. This will be my second season starting seeds and need all the help/tips I can get. Thanks in advance for your assistance!
I so want to do this!:) Thanks for the demo! Looking forward to the next steps!
Awesome. Like I say, you can buy the rack and just one light to start.. Thanks for watching.
Great video. I can’t wait to see it in action and watch everything grow.🌵👀
Great information. I've just been buying plants to place in my garden, now retired I have the time to do this, and you have made it look uncomplicated. I'm interested to see your results with the different lights. Thanks!
Give it a try. Thanks for watching.
I like the ratchet straps. I did somethjng similar for years, but using chain and s hooks, and the old school, but cheaper, florescent tube lights. I bought seeds this year for the first time in ages so need to see what still works and what I need to replace. Have to do mine in the garage due to my cats so also hoping my heat mats still work. Probablynot, though, it has been quite a few years.,
Thank you for the video. Very useful.
What is the temperature in the room where the shelve is kept?
Thanks--I love hearing about this--it seems a very practical/economical way to build a light table. I hope to do something similar but on a smaller scale in order to start some flowering annuals early.
Thank you so much for the demo. I wanted a DIY solution that can be taken down and put away when not in use and this seems perfect. Those shelves are easy to get from Home Depot and now I just need a better light system. :) This year I plan to do tomatoes, hot peppers, zinnias, sweet peas, and a few others from seed.
Can I request a video for some time this year? I would love tips for dry shade tolerant perennials and shrubs that thrive in this situation, rather than just tolerate and survive. I would love some things that can multiply over time and aren't too aggressive or invasive because the native forests are so close by. Huge, open stand of loblolly pines with some sweet gum and tulip trees, so perfect open woodland area, but not much likes to thrive in this situation because of the pine needles, other than aggressive stuff like English ivy, poison ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and vinca major, which are all pretty undesirable LOL
Have you ever tried to grow any of the native rhododendrons and azaleas? I am super interested in cultivating R. maximum (Rosebay) and R. catawbiense (Catawba) on my property.
I really appreciate having a RUclipsr who is gardening in the same conditions as I am - hot humid summer, milder wet winter, heavy clay, nasty mosquitoes. I live right in Garner city limits, gardening on .33 acres, so same zone as you. Originally from rural Craven County near New Bern, NC with nice topsoil, so I've had to learn to love the heavy clay of the piedmont. It's all good, I've had to learn more about horticulture in the process!
I have never rooted Rhododendron, because they just don't perform well in nurseries in my part of North Carolina. I have always rooted native Azaleas and I have some in my yard. There is nothing better than that fragrance.
I did one video last summer with some shade perennials and I will continue doing videos on it, because my backyard is a tough shady wet place that I am constantly working on. Thanks for watching.
An excellent video, Thank You! Did you order the 78" or 82" tall rack?
This is super super helpful! Thank you!
Great video! I just found this and am very grateful for the information. How did the LED panel do versus the T5?
The t5 is definitely better than that particular LED panel
That's a great idea. I need one of these, plus my cat likes to knock things over. lol
That is a cats job. Thanks for watching
thanks Jim very nice set up could you tell me the difference between the white vs the purple grow light, l love you videos, take care
Great info on how to seed starting shelf. Did you find another LED that you liked? Florescent vs LED, which one outperformed?
I use that shelves unit in my garage for storage. I never even considered starting my seeds there.
Hi Jim: Could you show a pic of how you ended up hanging your lights for maximum clearance? I have the same setup as you, and were wondering how you got the most clearance from each hanging light / shelf to allow for plants to grow, grow, grow.
Thanks for your videos -great info clear and to th epoint ....can you tell me which are better the t5 or led ?
Excellent! Great shelf, looks like it can start quite a few seedlings. If you're starting seeds indoors in February,does that mean you'll transplant in March or April?
Do you recommend seeding heat pads? Also, what about surrounding the rack with reflective material or at least material to block the light from leaking out into the room.
Good to finally meet you Wednesday at the nursery. Best of luck in your new endeavors. Btw could you tell me again if possible the name of the grower in Georgia who I could buy pachysandra and dwarf mondo from. Thanks
Good to meet you as well. Classic Graoundcovers
I am planning to install a small LED grow light under the cabinet in my kitchen. Then I'll place some cafeteria trays on the counter below it with my propagation (succulents and violets). I don't have room for a big rack system like yours.
Also I see those metro or metro-style shelves on Craigslist all the time for dirt cheap. One could save there!
The metro shelves are pretty easy to assemble. But an alternative are the Origami racks which are a bit pricier but much easier to setup and take down if you are seeking a temporary situation.
Good luck with it. I'm sure it will work great.
"cheaper ways to build out of lumber." 3 years after this video was posted... the year is 2022... trees are extremely rare, which has caused lumber prices to skyrocket ... if only you knew Jim, if only you knew ;)
I'm so confused! lol First I bought red and blue lights but later found out they only have 1500 Kelvins and 1200 lumen per light and every video I've watched said it must be at least 5000 kelvins and at least 2,000 lumens.. Also, each led contains a spectrum from 380nm to 780nm. So, I purchased T8 LED lights that is 2300 lumen, 6000 kelvins White. Then I watched a RUclips video that said, white LEDs are not good for growing seedlings. Both are packed up and ready to be sent back because I am just lost. I don't want to quit before I even get started, so I figured that I'd humbly ask for help... are either of these suitable to grow seedlings and maintain them until I can put them in the ground? I'll mostly be growing for a cut flower garden but would also like to try my hand with a few veggies, if I do well, I'll grow more next year. Also, if you think one will work, how close to the seedlings would I put them to start? Thanks!
Is there an update? How did the LED panels work compared to the T5 lights? Have you started the microgreens?
Thanks man!
How did the flat panel compare to the Fluorescent one?
Was there ever a followup video comparing the results between lights?
We looked for a 4 to 5 shelving unit that came with lights in Englabd but could not find what we needed. I guess one has to buy the shelving unit on its own then buy the lights on their own. Great Vlog.
How close to the seedlings would you place the T5's you have in your setup?
Do you have a video that shows how the LED lights performed?
Does anyone know where to buy a grow light shelf that delivers to England. We have tried everything and REALLY don’t want to make one ourselves. Thanksszzzz
You can adjust the height of each shelf level individually with those shelves?
@Vin Soriano
Yes. The shelves on these are adjustable so you can make the shelves further apart or closer together depending on the height you need.
@horttube has there been any sagging with that LED? It doesn’t look all that rigid?
No, not at all. It weighs nothing.
HortTube with Jim Putnam thanks for letting me know. Going to be copying your system via your links and love the channel.
One more question....the LED panel...I know that specific one is no longer available, but did it have to be hard wired in? 67 year old woman here with limited skills setting up a seed starting unit....lol
No, it has a plug on it. Any 48" led panel would be fine
How do you prevent the top tray from dripping down onto the other light after watering?
This is my only question/ critique
👍👍😍😍
Distance between shelves? Looks like about 24 inches
Yes, and I can adjust them
how to set up timer ?
Why not use the red/blue LEDs
I am not really finishing the plants inside. Just trying to get a jump start and to keep them from stretching. Also those light are a little distracting in my dining room😂
What lights would u buy now? I just happen to have this same size shelf that I bought years ago never set it up… now I can use it for this … lol!!! Perfect!!! 💚🤍🪴🌳🌺🌸🌿🪴🍀
Go through the ratings on Amazon and buy a 48" wide light. I actually don't like the LED lights I got, but they are better now
The rack is $110 today, the last day of CPAC in Orlando. We're waiting for President Crusader to speak.
President Crusader rocked the house!