I have a small collection of potted plants and herbs in my apartment. Since they don't get alot of light because they are indoors what is the best type of lightbulb to use to provide them with light? Is it expensive? Any other recommendations for a novice gardner trying to keep plants and herbs healthy without using pesticides or artificial fertilizers?
2006-06-29 01:57:03 · 5 answers · asked by lmiamijan 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
You need lighting that provides both the blue and far red spectrums; the blue for foliage and the far red for flowering. The dedicated "gro tubes" do a good, if pricy, job of providing it. OR, you can use warm white tubes and an incandescent bulb at 1/3 the wattage of the tubes, and this will do equally well for cheap.
Do not buy a "gro" incandescent bulb which is nothing more than a regular bulb with a blue tint to the glass. Contrary to what they say, you no not end up with blue, but with green, which is inert as far as plants go.
As far as healthy, check plants frequently for infestations. Treat immediately. A good general product is insecticidal soap. Quarantine any new plants you bring inside to see if they are carrying any bugs with them. For fertilizers, read the labels, look for something organic.
2006-06-29 03:20:21 · answer #1 · answered by dderat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most plants want 8-12 hours of light that's bright enough for you to read by.
If you want to keep plants healthy, first step is to never ever overwater. Try to keep water off the leaves, as well. Any plant in a container, if kept potted long enough will likely develop a whitish crust on top if the soil, this is mineral deposits. You can avoid this by using distilled water or rainwater. Fertilize according to label directions, no more often, no less often. And check leaves and stems regularly for pests. The best cure is prevention!
2006-07-05 17:02:31 · answer #2 · answered by Drea L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just talked to a lady who owns a nursery. She said that light is light and it doesn't really matter. Just make sure they get about 12 hours of it during the day.
Hope this helps.
2006-07-04 04:30:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your nursery or most lighting stores carry "grow lights". They are closest to daylight. Usually flourscent tubes.
2006-06-29 02:01:43 · answer #4 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they do have grow lights for your plants. Check your local nursery for details.
2006-06-29 02:01:36 · answer #5 · answered by Jip Jip 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋