Can I use a standard fluorescent house lamp as a grow light?

Question

I'm trying to start some peppers and tomatoes indoors, but i don't think they're getting enough light.

Answer 1

The best kind of indoor light for growing plants is a full spectrum bulb. You can still start seedlings indoors under fluorescents, but you need to have the light as CLOSE to the plants as possible. Having the light on a chain or otherwise positioned so you can raise it as the plants grow (keeping it within an inch of the tops of the plants) will help.

If your seedlings are getting leggy and spindly, then there is not enough light. Move it closer and add a full spectrum bulb if possible. Also, run your fingers across your seedlings every once in a while to make them stronger. This simulates the job the wind would be doing if the seedlings could grow outdoors.

The good thing about tomatoes is, even if your seedlings get spindly, plant them very deep so their long straight stalk is beneath the soil. Tomatoes will grow roots along any stem that is under the earth.

I am growing my tomato and pepper seedlings under less than ideal lighting conditions, but they came out fine last year. They were just a bit slower to thrive and fruit. I still had more tomatoes than I knew what to do with in the fall.

For more tomato tips, check out this link from "You Bet Your Garden"

Answer 2

Don't remember where I got this but it works and has for 4 years: buy two shop lights in each unit put a 40 watt cool light and a 40 watt warm light also known as (cool) blue light and (warm) red light. that will be four bulbs total. You have to hang them like 5-6 inches above the seed beds at first then raise the lights or lower the plants a little at a time till it is time to transplant outdoors. This light has to stay fairly close to the plant but it does work.Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Tomatoe and peppers, sure! Anyway I would think that a standard fluorescent light should be good enough. Just look up the timing schedule, the light is important but its also important as how much they get and when

Answer 4

The ones that are sold as gro-lites have a color spectrum made to match what plants need for photosynthesis. Regular fluorescents do not.

Answer 5

u need a lot of watts. so u could use lots of fluorescent bulbs. u really need a grow light as it has the correct spectrum but a bunch of flur. will do in a pinch.

Answer 6

not so much... light spectrum too limited for "tomatoes"

Answer 7

It certainly won't work very well.