How can I give my plants light?

Question

I want to try growing some plants from seeds in small pots, but I live in an apartment and don't get much light. Is it OK to just stick them under a 60 watt light bulb for a few hours a day, or will that do more harm than good?

Answer 1

It is very difficult to grow plants indoor under artificial light. Only a very few are able to grow in very low light. There are usually only specialized species that originally grow under thick jungle canopies. I have grown vegetables indoors started from seeds. 90 percent of them need a lot of sunlight and the bulbs need to be the right light spectrum. Meaning more expensive plant bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are best option since they are cooler and use less wattage. They should be on a timer and come on at least 10 hours a day (for vegetables) So depending on what type of plants you want to grow it can be very expensive (raising your electric bill). Also, its a good idea to use an automatic timer because they more or less need the same amount of light each day. So these are among the many factors you need to consider. It can be time consuming and expensive and you really need to research the type of plant you want to grow knowing the right amount of sunlight they require and how much watering they will need is a huge factor too. So my advice is to read up on them and become as knowledgeable as the local professional  nursery growers about the plant you want to grow. Otherwise you may be wasting your time and efforts....... so...... its good to know before you grow.

Answer 2

Look for plants that require very little sun that way you only have to leave them out for a little while.  You got a window?  Set little sun plants at the window.

I heard light bulbs with some UV works ok.

Answer 3

Plants are very sensitive to the light cycle.  Plan on giving light on the same cycle as the sun.  You should get some diffuse light in the darkest apartments so just add light to make up the day.  Be sure to watch the heat from the bulb and the moisture. Also select plants that need less light.  Usually it will say "does well in shade".