Growing seedlings at home is not an easy task. Often natural daylight and sun rays plants do not have enough for full and normal growth, especially in winter period. The first task that needs to be solved is to take care of additional effective lighting.
What lamps are needed for seedlings?
You can illuminate areas, shelves or window sills on which plants are grown using different types lamps. An excellent solution is a phytolamp or phytolight. Infrared, fluorescent, sodium or LED lamps for seedlings are widely used. These devices, unlike conventional incandescent lamps, do not emit excessive heat and do not damage the stems of plants. They save energy by minimizing costs.
Phytolamps
Such devices have important advantage– create radiation that is as close to sunlight as possible. At the same time, they provide a certain duration of daylight hours. This guarantees the maintenance of normal seedling activity in the autumn-winter period. Phytolight emitted by phytolamps restores the natural process of photosynthesis, increases the amount of carbohydrates, oxygen and energy produced. This accelerates nutrition, growth, and supports the development and health of plants.
LED lamps
Unlike other phytolights, LED lamps for plants have minimal power consumption, providing high intensity artificial light. They can shine in the red and blue radiation spectra, which guarantees the rapid development of plants, do not produce a spectrum not used by seedlings, significantly activating the process of photosynthesis.
LED phytolamps for plants have the following advantages:
- Economical. Devices consume at least 8 times less electrical energy than standard seedling lamps.
- Durability, high efficiency. With heat dissipation, the lamps can function properly for 50 thousand hours.
- Possibility of installing LEDs of different spectrum and power. This guarantees the receipt of lighting that ensures the full and rapid development of seedlings at any time of the year.
- Possibility of changing the spectrum. To get blue, green, red or yellow light, which activates growth, nutrition and improves plant synthesis, you simply need to replace the diode in the device with a suitable one.
- Minimal heating. This allows you to install seedling lamps above the plants, eliminating the risk of burns to their leaves.
LED lighting devices have one drawback - high cost. But if you wish, you can make them yourself, significantly reducing the cost of purchasing a finished device. Given that self-creation lamps for seedlings need to take into account the level of natural light in the room, the expected intensity of use, the type of plants being grown and a number of other factors.
Luminescent
70% of gardeners prefer to use lighting devices of this type for growing seedlings. The lamps have a tubular shape, create both basic lighting and are used for supplementary lighting, providing diffused, uniform light over the entire surface of the seedling box or cassettes. The ultraviolet light emitted by the devices is absolutely safe for plants; it does not cause burns to the leaves and stems. Fluorescent lamps must be installed at a distance of 15 cm above the seedlings. In this case, their lighting will be absolutely safe.
Fluorescent lamps for plants have the following advantages:
- the entire spectrum of colors necessary for the full growth and normal development of plants;
- generation of a small amount of heat by radiation;
- A cost-effective device designed for different financial capabilities.
Sodium lamps for greenhouses
Lighting for seedlings at home using lamps of this type is no less high quality than lighting with similar devices. Lamps with sodium lamps can be installed on windows, placed above and below seedlings without the threat of leaf burns. The advantages of such devices:
- minimal energy consumption;
- development of the spectrum of rays necessary for the full development of seedlings;
- high radiation power;
- Creation warm climate in large and small rooms;
- availability of maintenance and repair;
- relatively low price;
- high power;
- ergonomic and practical design.
Buying sodium lamps for seedlings, study them in detail technical specifications. Pay special attention to the power of the device; it should not exceed 100W, otherwise the seedlings may burn. If the window sills in the house are up to 1.5 meters wide, then to create normal level Only one lamp is enough for artificial lighting.
Illumination of seedlings with energy-saving lamps
The advantage of LED lamps is that the user has the opportunity to choose the required spectrum. There are lamps with a “warm”, “daytime” and “cold” spectrum. The latter is used for additional illumination of plants during germination and vegetative growth. The warm spectrum is indispensable for the flowering phase. The daylight spectrum is applied throughout the entire plant cycle.
LED lamps as lighting for seedlings are placed taking into account the following criteria:
- if burn marks appear on the leaves, the lighting equipment must be raised, otherwise the seedlings will die;
- elongated stems and pale color of leaves indicate that the lighting device is located too far away, in which case it must be lowered;
- If the lamp is placed on the side, the seedlings may grow with a twisted stem, so it is best to place the lighting equipment above the plants.
DIY lighting for seedlings
If the budget for organizing lighting for seedlings is limited, it is quite possible to make the necessary lighting devices yourself; there are many accessible and inexpensive ways. The main thing is to follow all the instructions from the instructions and take into account the characteristics of the plants. The best option For home use– phytolamps. The materials required for their manufacture are inexpensive, and servicing the equipment does not require excessive time.
How to make a phytolamp
- drawing up a diagram (a drawing is developed taking into account all technical parameters, each diode must overlap each other, in this case the entire area under the lamp will be illuminated evenly);
- Preparation necessary materials(you will need an old lamp body, diodes - 20 white, 30 red, 10 simulating midday light, 20 blue, led drive);
- equipment assembly (using hot-melt adhesive, diodes are attached to an aluminum plate, a circuit breaker is installed, the device is connected to the network).
DIY LED lamp
This type equipment that organizes effective lighting for seedlings at home is manufactured in the following way:
- The necessary consumables are pre-prepared:
- old energy-saving light bulb;
- a piece of one-sided fiberglass;
- a set of radio components;
- LEDs – red, white and blue;
- capacitor, resistance.
- The scheme is being prepared:
- You need to cut a circle with a diameter of 30 mm from PCB or foil;
- draw paths on it using nail polish;
- make a copper solvent and place the board there to clean the traces;
- Drill small holes in the board and solder all the parts.
- Assembling the lamp:
- you need to disassemble the old lamp and remove all the insides, with the exception of the wires that come from the base;
- Solder the manufactured circuit to the wires coming from the base.
Video: which light is best for seedlings
Seedlings are most often planted in winter, and as you know, at this time of year, daylight hours are quite short. Therefore, in order for plants to receive required quantity light, additional lighting is used. To organize such lighting, LED bulbs are most often used, which, on the one hand, emit bright light, and on the other hand, do not require large costs for power supply. About the features proper organization LED backlight We will learn about seedlings with our own hands further.
Seedling lighting - necessity or excess
Lack of proper lighting negatively affects plant growth. Since in this case, photosynthesis slows down, plants become sick and their lethargy increases. Regular standard white light contains elements that help improve photosynthesis.
By installing modern lighting, it is possible to create artificial lighting that has a positive effect on the well-being of plants. Sunlight, of course, has the most complete spectrum of all substances necessary for plants. However, artificial lighting also has a positive effect on cell division and improving the general condition of seedlings.
With the help of blue and violet light, plant growth is improved, thus the cells become stronger. With the help of red color it is possible to stimulate the flowering of seedlings. For reflection and development of leaf blades, yellow and green type colors are required.
If we compare artificial lighting with natural lighting, the latter is certainly more advantageous and beneficial for plants. In order to bring the performance of artificial light closer to natural light, it is necessary to additionally install special reflectors. They are capable of reflecting and scattering light. The diffused version of light is better captured by seedlings. According to manufacturers of LED lighting for greenhouses, each light spectrum is responsible for a certain level of seedling development, namely:
- blue color - improves seedling growth;
- red - has a beneficial effect on flowering;
- pink - responsible for both growth and flowering.
Therefore, installing lighting for a greenhouse is mandatory, especially in winter time year. Otherwise, the quality of the grown plants is significantly reduced.
Tape seedlings - types of lighting fixtures for greenhouses
The optimal lighting level for plants should be eight thousand lux. The lamps provide a lighting level of six thousand. In order to equip lighting in a greenhouse, the following types of lighting devices are used:
1. Phyto lighting lamps - most often used to illuminate plants. They are compact in size, environmental safety, economical energy consumption, long term operation. In addition, such lamps provide diffused light that does not heat the plants. Among the disadvantages we note - radiation pink color negatively affecting a person’s well-being. Therefore, such lamps require the use of mirror reflectors.
2. Lamps filled with mercury - have the largest cross-section. They highlight white, which is not particularly needed by plants, so it is not recommended to install such lighting in a greenhouse.
3. Metal halide lamps - different efficient work and economical electricity consumption. However, such devices contain a small amount blue.
4. Domestic sodium lamps - require the mandatory installation of mirror reflectors and are used only in combination with other lighting devices. They are distinguished by their high cost, which does not justify the effectiveness of their use.
5. Conventional lamps - are low efficient, different low content red light, dried plants and indoor air.
6. LED lamps are also characterized by high efficiency, ease of adjustment and configuration. In addition, such lighting devices are quite long-lasting.
7. LED strips - they are easy to use and emit the light necessary for seedlings. There are a large number of LEDs that, through combination, allow you to create individual lighting to achieve the desired efficiency and light spectrum.
Illumination of seedlings with LED strips video:
Among the main advantages of using LED strips, we note:
- diodes make it possible to obtain light waves of different lengths and colors, thus improving general condition plants;
- the amount of energy for the operation of LED strips is 9 times less than for other lighting devices;
- has a long service life, LED bulbs practically do not need to be replaced;
- the presence of low voltage makes LEDs resistant to moisture and fireproof;
- In addition, such lamps are characterized by the absence of flicker and provide uniform light;
- such lamps are not capable of emitting ultraviolet or infrared radiation, and therefore do not have a negative effect on plants;
- These light bulbs are also environmentally friendly for human health and plants.
How to calculate an LED strip for illuminating seedlings
The ease of use of LED backlighting is explained primarily by the fact that the bulbs are installed in a place convenient for you. To ensure that the entire area is illuminated evenly, it is recommended to lay the tapes in two rows. Please note that each LED is distinguished by the presence of a certain cone of illumination; this point must also be taken into account.
There are several LED backlight combinations. In order for seedlings to grow high quality, it is necessary to use each of these options at certain stages:
- in the process of picking, it is recommended to use blue and red LEDs, while the ratio of the first to the second is 2:1, thus, it will be possible to achieve stimulation of the growth of the root system, and a slowdown in the growth of stems, as a result, the seedlings grow not upward, but to the sides, different a lot of leaves;
- after picking, the light intensity decreases, so the plants are left alone for two or three days.
For independent organization To illuminate seedlings with LED lamps with your own hands, you should first of all calculate the required number of strips. To do this, you need to determine where to install the backlight. The resulting measurements of these places are multiplied by two, since it is recommended to install the tapes in two rows. It is recommended, in relation to the type of plants in the greenhouse, to create in advance a drawing for installing lamps of certain colors. Most often, lamps of white, red and blue colors. The lighting arrangement should be such that any of these colors can be turned on at any time.
A lamp can be used as a lamp body industrial type, inner filling which is previously deleted. To fix the LEDs on such a lamp, hot melt adhesive is used. It is possible to fix them on a previously purchased plate made of aluminum.
- a power supply that supplies direct current;
- recooler power supply unit;
- a cooler that provides cooling for the lamp can be used from a computer;
- LED matrices of different colors;
- cables;
- glue on epoxy based and thermal adhesive composition.
Instructions for making LED lamps for illuminating seedlings:
1. The end sections of the wires are cleaned and lubricated with a special solution.
2. LED matrices connected by plus and minus are fixed on them.
3. Wires connected to power blocks are installed on the extreme parts of the LEDs.
4. Epoxy-based glue is used to fix the LEDs on the aluminum plate.
5. The aluminum strip should be installed in such a way as to reflect light.
6. Check the functionality of the lamp.
It is not difficult to build a backlight, but it must still be suitable for the seedlings. Observe the plants carefully; if you see that their stems are stretching upward, it means they are not receiving the proper amount of light. If the leaves occupy a vertical position and close together, it is better to turn off the backlight to certain time. Please note that the amount of light for each plant variety is selected individually; some varieties require a twelve-hour light regime, while for others fifteen hours is not enough.
LED strips for illuminating seedlings
If you need lighting for a small number of seedlings, then there are two options for organizing lighting:
- artificial;
- natural.
Natural lighting is quite easy to organize. It is enough to install the seedlings on the window, preferably on the sunny side. To improve the reflection of daylight, it is necessary to build simple design.
Take a cardboard box, remove two walls from it, this design The inside must be covered with foil. The structure is installed behind the seedlings; when sunlight hits the box, it is reflected onto the seedlings. Thus, the plants are illuminated from both sides.
Although this method is economical, it differs high efficiency work. Please note that in cloudy weather, the foil must be removed, as it will reflect the shadow. IN in this case, a lamp is required.
We offer an option for organizing an LED lamp for illuminating seedlings. Before starting work, you must complete the following steps:
- organize the space, make room for installing a lamp and for planting seedlings;
- install the fasteners on which the lamp will be installed;
- install a wire to connect the future lamp.
First of all, in the process of organizing lighting, you need to choose the right LED lamps. LED lighting allows you to create ideal conditions for plant growth. They combine two colors - red and blue, which stimulate the growth and development of plants. Among the main advantages of these lamps are availability and affordable cost. In addition, LED lamps are characterized by low energy consumption, they are easy to install and do not require periodic replacement.
In the process of working on a lamp for seedlings made of LEDs, you will need the following:
- LED strips - red and blue;
- thermal patch or thermal-based adhesive;
- base for fixing light bulbs, it must be made of aluminum;
- power supply unit that supplies voltage to the LEDs;
- wire for connecting to the electrical network.
In order to ensure comfortable conditions For plants to grow, you should first turn on the red lamp twice, then the blue lamp once. Soldering is used to connect the LEDs to each other. The wire must be connected to a switch or plug.
Use bolts, rivets or tape to secure the tape to an aluminum surface. Next, all the elements are connected to each other into a single structure. We recommend building a shelving structure to mount the lighting on. In this way, it will be possible to save space for seedlings. The rack can be constructed from either wooden beam, and from steel corners. Please note that before starting to work with wood, it is necessary to treat it with an antiseptic composition. The dimensions of the rack must fully correspond to the dimensions of the boxes for seedlings.
Please note that each plant option needs an individual amount of light. For example, tomato seedlings need about sixteen hours of light, while peppers need nine hours.
Depending on the type of lamp, lighting can be tubular, phyto-panel, floodlight, or single in the form of a lamp.
When choosing phytolamps, pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. High-quality manufacturers will indicate in the instructions the time and interval for installing lamps in relation to plants.
DIY LED lighting for seedlings video:
The health of seedlings directly depends on daylight hours. Lack of light threatens weak development and withering of seedlings. Conventional light sources cannot affect the growth of seedlings. Special illumination lamps have a beneficial effect on the process of cell division and elongation in seedlings.
Sunlight affects important chemical processes. In plants, under its influence, the process of photosynthesis occurs, the transformation carbon dioxide into oxygen and water. Without sunlight or with insufficient light for long periods of time green mass will be deprived of vital nutrients. The result is stunted development and faded foliage. The stem stretches very much and becomes brittle, and the leaves do not develop. Therefore, illumination of seedlings is an important component of its cultivation.
Effect of light on plants
Sunlight consists of rays of different wavelengths. Each type has a special effect on seedlings and indoor flowers. Phytolamps are created to artificially extend daylight hours for plants.
Each color in the illumination of seedlings has certain effects on plants, which have different effects on their development:
- Big role in chemical processes plays the red and orange spectrum. Thanks to them, photosynthesis occurs. In addition, red light stimulates seed germination and flowering of potted plants. Under their influence, the sprout straightens and begins to grow upward.
Red light
- The blue-violet spectrum accelerates the development period. The rays suppress the growth of the stem itself, thereby preventing it from stretching. At the same time, blue color triggers the process of cell division. Due to this, the stem becomes thicker. If we are talking about natural nature, in the zone short day The blue spectrum activates flowering. This is very important for a developing plant, since artificial light, for all its positive qualities, cannot fully replace sunlight, and seedlings tend to stretch. Another feature of the influence of blue color on growing seedlings is the reaction of phototropism, in which growth plant cells on the side of the blue light it slows down and causes the shoot to bend in its direction.
purple light
- Green and yellow rays practically do not participate in the development of the plant; they are reflected from the plants and are not absorbed by the foliage.
DIY lighting lamps
To save money on professional equipment, you can make your own LED lamp for seedlings. The easiest way is to use LED strip. Thanks to its flexibility and conductive tracks, the material will follow any contours. To work you will need:
- 2 m LED strip red spectrum and 30 cm blue;
- PVC sheet, size 20 by 20;
- connector for power supply;
- power unit.
20 cm long segments are cut from the LED base. The order on the sheet is: three red, one blue, two red, one blue, two red, one blue and three red stripes. The base for the phytolamp is secured with heat-resistant glue; during installation, be sure to observe polarity. At the final stage, a connector is attached to the structure. A homemade device is hung above a shelf with plants and connected to a power supply. On racks for seedlings, such a tape can be attached to the reinforcing ribs of the shelf from above.
LED strip
It will be even easier to create a structure from two wooden blocks and a pair of fluorescent lamps. Such lighting must be made on stands of at least 30 cm; it is better to make stands with the ability to move the sources to different heights. Although they do not have a heating effect, as plants grow, it may be necessary to position the lights higher. 
Energy saving
When making homemade lamps, it is possible to use energy-saving incandescent lamps. With minimal power consumption, they have high light output, and the spectrum is close to natural. The device practically does not heat up. The service life is several years. During this time, you can leave it on for 12 hours every day. There are cold, warm and daylight sources of light. They can be alternated as the seedlings grow.
Backlight lamps
When choosing illumination methods using lamps, pay attention to the power of the luminous flux, the possible color spectrum and the stability of operation throughout the entire operation.
Give preference to mirror lamps with a reflector; their light characteristics remain unchanged throughout their service life.
Modern lamps for illuminating seedlings will provide your plants with additional lighting with the required spectrum. Each of them has its own advantages, but you also need to be aware of the disadvantages.
Fluorescent lamps LB and LBT (daylight)
There are many companies involved in the manufacture and sale of lamps. Thanks to spraying on the surface, the spectrum is gently scattered, allowing seedlings to grow and develop. Fluorescent devices are suitable for lighting large premises. The elongated tubes fit into the window opening. They can be hung on hooks to adjust the distance from the source to the plant.
Fluorescent lamps
Advantages
The most inexpensive and common type of backlight. During operation, the lamps do not heat up and have a long service life.
Flaws
The source has no less shortcomings. There is mercury inside the tube, which makes it chemically hazardous. The light spectrum contains a low proportion of red light. During operation, structural elements fade, and the spectrum length decreases. On large areas it is impossible to do without an additional ballast.
Believe me, once you grow a flower, it is impossible to stop. This process is slow and quite complicated, but that doesn’t make it...
Phytoluminescent (phytolamps)
The unit of measurement of luminous flux is called lumen. The value indicates how much light can be received from the device. Illumination is measured in lux. 8 thousand lux are considered optimal for germination. Lamp power is measured in watts.
When choosing a lighting device, you need to calculate the surface area on which the containers with plants will stand. This figure is multiplied by the illumination, 8 thousand lux. The resulting product is the minimum number of lumens required to illuminate the surface.
Advantages
Economy and efficiency. They are compact, durable and safe use. The Enrich mirror lamp emits light that is least irritating to the human eye, Fitosvet-D does not cause overheating of plants, the Paulmann phytolamp does not cause overheating and has an unlimited service life.
Phytoluminescent lamp Enrich
Flaws
The radiation is a lilac-pink color, which is unnatural and can cause headaches. There is a limitation to their use in a residential area without a reflector.
Sodium
There are high and low pressure. They differ from each other in the number of lumens. It is sodium lamps that have a spectrum similar to sunlight. It is best to use sodium sources during the later stages of plant growth.
Reflux sodium lamps are available in several varieties, which differ in power and emission spectrum.
— DNaZ is capable of amplifying the light flux using a mirror reflector and selectively directing it.
Sodium lamp "Reflax" DNAZ
— DNaT – arc without a mirror reflector.
Advantages
They consume little energy, while the light output remains high. The service life, unlike other phytolamps, is very long. The ability to create a light flux that has a beneficial effect on photosynthesis.
Flaws
One of the disadvantages is the high heating of the elements; you will have to install a control device. After switching on, the source warms up for several minutes. The spectrum of sodium devices attracts insect pests.
LED
Lamps of the latest generation with a lot of advantages. The main one is significant savings electricity (3 times less than fluorescent). You can combine multiple sources with different spectrum, in order to strengthen or weaken the flow of rays at a certain moment. LEDs do not contain harmful substances, therefore absolutely safe for humans. The lamps do not heat up during operation.
LED lamps
The LEDs used in these lamps distribute a bright and even stream of light. And most importantly, they are able to provide plants with their favorite color radiation - red and blue, which are so necessary for successful photosynthesis throughout the growing season.
Advantages
Miniature. On a small surface it will be possible to place several dozen such lamps or combine several flat lamps with LEDs into one design. Connected to a single power source, they are able to provide plants with even, bright light around the clock, without expending a large amount of energy.
Flaws
The big disadvantage is the high price. Due to the directional action, you will have to buy more lamps than originally planned.
Every owner dreams of seeing his garden well-groomed not only during the blooming season. When the sunny day shortens and the heat...
Lighting nuances
Light position and distance
The distance from the plant to the lamps should not be less than fifteen centimeters. The faster the sprout stretches, the higher the lamp should be raised. The illumination of seedlings is located horizontally. If you need to highlight climbing plant, That artificial source installed vertically. Its incorrect location will ruin the seedlings.
When buying a lamp, keep in mind that its lifting height should not be limited and be at least 35 centimeters.
Time needed
The time for additional illumination depends on the weather and the length of the day. Indoor flowers usually require fourteen hours of light. Seedlings need an average of 12 hours. The lamps are turned on in the morning and turned off in the evening. In the first days after germination, seedlings are illuminated around the clock, but illumination should not be used at night, as this will disrupt the biorhythm of the plants. On an industrial scale, the use of lighting for growing flower seedlings It is also used 24 hours a day.
Without reflectors, most of the spectrum will be wasted. Such a reflector is designed to hold the rays above the plantings, and it can be made from a mirror or foil, mounted on the window frame with an inclination that allows you to direct the flow of light towards the plants. The reflection of sunlight can also be successfully used for this.
Mistakes in using conventional lamps
Some believe that you can extend the day of seedlings using ordinary incandescent lamps. In fact, this light source is a miniature heater: it actively produces heat. Only 4% of radiation is used for luminous flux. The incandescent spectrum does not meet the needs of plants.
If you place a light source close to the seedlings, it will burn the foliage. Simple incandescent lamps cause damage to the family budget due to the power consumption. High temperature may cause a fire during operation. 
A lamp for illuminating flower seedlings must perform more than simple lighting functions; it must influence the growth processes with the help of its color radiation.
Participant
This is my fifth season growing seedlings under lamps. The right seedlings It works in an apartment only if you add additional lighting. The fight against cold stretching of seedlings is like bonsai (suppression of the plant). If it is a hardening effect, then it can be done several days before planting (which is not necessary). The main thing that causes seedlings to grow is the lack of lighting. In the cotyledon leaf phase, lighting can be done for 3 days without interruption, when the first true leaves appear within 12-16 hours a day. You can completely use art. light (in the corner of the room, even in the basement). The electric timer is programmed (in the socket). Lamps are as close to the sprouts as possible. What is bright for us is dark for a tomato. Each sprout in a separate glass is at least 045L. Under the 60x60 lamps (ordinary ceiling lamps under "Amstrong"), at first there are about 30 cups. Later, more space is required. If you grow artificially until the end, you will have to have more lamps (and an electricity bill).
Guest
All the windows in my house are north-facing, I placed 4 seedlings under Flora lamps, 36w each, the other part per window, those that are elongated under the lamp are weak, but on the window they are strong and have begun to gain color. I’m shocked, it’s snowing outside, but they decided to bloom, they’re about a month old. I wanted to push them into the greenhouse in May, but now I removed them from the window under the lamp and lowered the temperature to slow down the growth. Do you think it won't hurt them?
Registration: 03/14/09 Messages: 13 Thanks: 13
Participant
Registration: 03/14/09 Messages: 13 Thanks: 13 Address: Belarus, Vitebsk region.
Before I advise you, I need to ask you a couple of clarifying questions, wait for an answer... time. They say “in spring the day feeds the year.” Maybe someone else will write something. I will just briefly share my “experience” of using artificial light when growing seedlings. Something will answer your questions and “maybe someone else will say thank you.”
The topic is one of the important ones. Almost all men and women, summer residents, do this in the apartment, do this regularly... this is described in book language - they make a race in the development and growth of plants. 50-65 days. This can be done well or as usual.
Good means illumination with fluorescent lamps. Power is 300-400 watts per 1 sq.m. and even then, an acceptable level of light is provided only at a distance of no more than 20-30 centimeters! It is advisable to be as close as possible and so as not to burn 2-7 cm up to upper leaves! This is IMPORTANT!
You can imagine how “dark” it is for seedlings just on a window in cloudy weather, on northern windows. When objectively measuring the illumination in a room with instruments, we will find that it does not at all coincide with how the human eye perceives it. When you move 0.5-1 m away from the window, the light level drops by half; curtains, trees, the house opposite, and unwashed windows also worsen the life of the seedlings significantly. The light from the window is “one-sided” than in a greenhouse with a transparent ceiling and walls, even there on cloudy days. initial stage growth is illuminated.About the lamps. (from the literature) it is believed that plants absorb the entire spectrum of daytime sunlight with the exception of the far red region. The maximum absorption in the blue violet is 430 Nm chlorophyll A and 450 Nm chlorophyll B, another maximum in the red part is 660 Nm chlorophyll A and 650 Nm chlorophyll B (for those interested), the minimum absorption of green rays. Graph - two hills between them, a depression (green rays) behind the hill, a depression to zero (far red light). Here are special lamps for aquariums and plants such as flora and others that must be “tailored” to the need for chlorophyll. Maybe the companies that make lamps have “conjured” the phosphor, I suspect that this is more of a marketing ploy. You need lamps for plants, here we have them, buy them, “a little” more expensive.
IMPORTANT. Conventional fluorescent lamps create the necessary light. I tried to determine which ones are better with a cool shade or with a warm one, honestly I didn’t notice the difference. DRL cold light was previously successfully used in greenhouses, but now sodium light is pinkish with high efficiency; pinkness is a feature of the glow of sodium salts.Keep in mind that when additional lighting is applied, the seedlings develop correctly compared to their peers at an accelerated rate. Almost all of mine planted after March 10 bloom after April 15-20! At the end of April early ripening varieties even fruits. This is normal. If the flowers and fruits bother you because the plant is weakening, tear it off. It's easier that way. It is necessary to feed with each watering or every other time. It is better to strongly dilute the fertilizer and water frequently than several times with a loading dose. Spray with brasinosteroids such as Epin. Several times before planting in the greenhouse. Harden only if you want - a few days before the greenhouse. I think this is not necessary to do when growing. It’s better to try to provide everything you need from a young age (like children) than to torment them with cold (how to do this in an apartment).
It is usually planted when the threat of severe night frosts has passed (they can be in the flesh until June 8), tomatoes tolerate frosts normally, unlike peppers (they are damaged already at -0.5 degrees). (from the literature) tomatoes may have survived after a severe frost, but they sharply lose their yield in the future compared to their peers that were not subjected to this test. Usually the summer resident cuts through when it’s time. On average after May 10-15. (in the greenhouse). Proper tomato seedlings should be 30 cm high at the time of planting, have 7-8 maybe 9 true leaves and buds on the first flower cluster. Usually after the 7th, and then flowers in 1-2 (from the variety) tiers. In peppers, it is advisable to remove the first flower (on the branch) in order to save strength for future development. You may even have to remove it (since development is faster with additional lighting). Good luck!
Guest
[Good means illumination with fluorescent lamps. Power 300-400 W per 1 sq.m.
Oleg, I just can’t find what kind of illumination in lux or lumens the fluorescent lamps provide. I read on one of the forums that there are LED lamps with 90lm.W, how about fluorescent lamps, do they all have the same 1W?
If the same, then how much? Plants require 500 to 3000 lux.
Registration: 03/14/09 Messages: 13 Thanks: 13
Participant
Registration: 03/14/09 Messages: 13 Thanks: 13 Address: Belarus, Vitebsk region.
In the suites. Lumens are written on the lamp packaging. For example: 18 Watt-1200lm; 36W-2850lm; 58W-4000lm. Lumen is a unit of luminous flux expressed in solid angle. Illumination can be measured with a photo exposure meter; I did this out of curiosity a couple of years ago. For example, my photo exposure meter Sverdlovsk4, the instructions have a table on how to determine the illumination and convert it to lux when measuring the luminous flux from a light source. The window is closed with a matte filter and directed at the light source, measuring quite accurately. Rather than looking for numbers online, it’s better to play around with the measurements yourself. It greatly depends, significantly, on the distance and on the light source; you write that plants require from 500-3000 lux. You can see the difference is big. For tomatoes, at the initial stage of seedling growth, for example, 8000-10,000 lux is needed! Even 5000 is generally the minimum. 500 may be acceptable for a shade-tolerant fern. I don’t remember the exact numbers now (you can insert batteries and measure). I remember that it is so, on close range from lamps up to 8 cm as light from the sky from the north (not from the direction of the sun) in clear sunny weather.
Guest
Today, along with spam, this “LED phytolamp for illuminating plants MT5070” arrived. They are produced by Master Whale. Googled it. But we always came across only luminescent Osrams. Has anyone bought/used LED ones? Still, there will be big savings if the light bulb works around the clock.
Registration: 04/26/09 Messages: 601 Thanks: 746
Builder-finisher
Registration: 04/26/09 Messages: 601 Thanks: 746 Address: Tver
Messages 13 and 20 cover the topic as conveniently as possible.
Regarding LEDs - they have the wrong spectrum and do not provide enough light; at the current moment in the development of electrical engineering - they are not suitable.
For seedlings at home, OSRAM FLORA is definitely the best - but you need not just one of them - but two or three for each box, this is optimal.
Energy-saving lamps (with regular cartridge) red and blue spectrum depending on the growth stage and plant type. But these lamps must be of quite high wattage and there must be several of them.
In large industrial greenhouses, lamps of the DNAT or DNAZ type are already used at any stage of growth - here the height and type of reflector are adjusted.
Lamps with reflector (as for suspended ceilings with a mirror reflector) - although intended for plants, they are used very rarely - because give a strong heat flux and should be installed as high as possible, but at the same time the luminous flux is significantly lost as the illumination spot increases.In general, when growing seedlings, you can use the simplest fluorescent lamps. It may not be the optimal spectrum, but it is very low price. In general, daylight hours provide sufficient illumination for seedlings and it is not worth extending it much at all - seedlings grow well as is, the main thing is to provide back lighting - i.e. The lamp is located above and slightly behind the window and shines all day long. The main thing here is that the seedlings do not stretch too far upward. Well, of course, if the windows face south, there is no need for lighting.
I have been growing tomatoes and cucumbers on the balcony for many years, as well as seedlings of tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbage different varieties for planting in the ground. But in my city apartment the balcony faces south and is glazed. Illumination from ordinary long (36 watt - 120 cm in length) fluorescent lamps is located above and behind the plants - the seedlings become stunted and the stems are strong. Tomatoes and cucumbers go to greenhouses, and partly to open ground(previously under film) - depending on the summer, the yield is comparable.
griznik said:
So, after all, how to choose the right lighting for a greenhouse - with fluorescent lamps?? Tell me please!But the greenhouse will not work with fluorescent ones. You will need to place hundreds of lamps, hundreds of chokes and a bunch of wires. They will completely block your natural light, and maintaining all this is extremely inconvenient. Luminescent only for seedlings, in the apartment.
And in the greenhouse - only gas-discharge ones. The most accessible and effective are sodium high pressure DNAT, DRIZ (with internal mirror reflector). Power of at least 400 watts.
Good means illumination with fluorescent lamps. Power is 300-400 watts per 1 sq.m. and even then, an acceptable level of light is provided only at a distance of no more than 20-30 centimeters!
Registration: 12/20/09 Messages: 122 Thanks: 59
I read about sodium lamps and realized that I was not ready to install them in my apartment. I saw this message and decided to check how many fluorescent lamps I need for square meter for highlighting seedlings in the apartment. There are already a couple of 120 cm lamps.
Their power is 36 W. By division I found that 8 lamps need to be installed for 83 cm of width at this length. It turns out that the lamps should be placed at a distance of 10 cm from each other?
Registration: 03/31/09 Messages: 264 Thanks: 409
Yes, they are installed quite often. But a lot depends on the light that the seedlings receive from the window. If the window is south, eastern, then you can slightly reduce the number of lamps. Not 8 pieces, but 6. In addition, it is advisable to install a reflector above them if it is not included in the lamp. But the reflector will block natural light. So a 250 watt sodium would be best. Modern HPS with electronic ballasts are reliable and have a very long service life. The price is just that... But I bought it once, and it will last for a long time, and in winter you can grow several pieces of pepper, for example, only in artificial light.
Registration: 12/20/09 Messages: 122 Thanks: 59
Yes, the fact is that lately there have been very cloudy winters and even southern windows do not provide much light. Again, the window sills are narrow, so it’s easier for me to place the seedlings on the table and install the lighting than to stick to the window.But it seemed to me from my first experience that even with a distance between lamps greater than 10 cm, the light from neighboring lamps blocks the space (I don’t know if I expressed myself clearly) and this frequency of lamp placement is excessive.
But it’s kind of scary to install sodium lamps in an apartment. What if it explodes? The voltage in our network fluctuates so much that ordinary incandescent lamps burn out in one go. And the costs, of course, are considerable.
Yes, and the pepper under DNAT will be “golden”
If it’s more convenient to sit on a table, then the light from the window can be ignored. About covering space - I admit, I didn’t really understand this phrase. What I meant was that the reflector would return some of the light from the lamps to the plants, but would interfere with the light from the window. So on the table this is not a problem.
As for “what if it explodes?” Electronic ballast is not afraid of power surges. How does your other equipment work with such jumps?
And what does cloudy winters have to do with it? Seedlings begin to be grown in the spring, when there is much more light. And under a lamp with sufficient lighting, seedlings grow much faster. My tomato is ready in 35 - 40 days. Peppers are about 45. However, I add a little vermicompost to the soil.As for the golden peppers, the lamp does not stand idle in winter. But of course, art requires sacrifice...
Illumination of seedlings is one of the most important issues, over which both novice gardeners and gardeners, as well as experienced business executives, puzzle every year. Additional light largely determines the success of the development of healthy and strong plants.
The advantages of additional lighting are:
- extending daylight hours, which is especially important when early growing seedlings;
- additional light provides comprehensive illumination of plants, thereby preventing plants from stretching and becoming deformed;
- Providing plants with the necessary spectrum guarantees their gradual development to adult crops.
Practice confirms the need and importance of supplementary lighting of seedlings of all crops. The better way to highlight seedlings is a more complex and multifaceted question.
Plants that are regularly illuminated grow hardier, stronger, stronger and more resistant to pathogens of various infections, and the yield per plant also increases.
The peculiarity of the backlight is the maximum proximity of the lighting to the natural spectrum of sunlight.
The most important spectra in the beam are red light, responsible for plant growth and development, and blue light, which ensures proper cell development. Taking this into account, it is recommended to select light elements in these two spectra.
In this graph we see that in the red spectrum photomorphogenesis (fruit formation) is maximum! It’s also worth taking this into account when designing lamps for seedlings! Pay more attention to the red spectrum!
Basic methods of illuminating seedlings at home
Among the currently presented options for organizing lighting, the following methods are distinguished:
- lighting for seedlings on the windowsill without lamps;
- additional lighting for seedlings various types lamps
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which largely determine the scope of application of a particular lighting option.
Illumination without lamps
To organize lighting on the windowsill, a simple structure made of a cardboard box is often used. The top and side of the box are removed, leaving small sides. This entire structure is covered with foil and installed behind the plants. Sunlight, entering through the window, falls on the foil and is reflected on the plants, providing comprehensive illumination of the crop.
This method is accessible and economical, but at the same time quite effective. However, significant drawback does not allow the use of this technique for large plantings - in cloudy weather or on the north side of the house there is not enough light and the foil will not be able to compensate for the darkening. In such cases, it is impossible to do without lamps.
Lamps
Making lighting for seedlings with your own hands is not difficult. For this it is enough:
- organize space - free up, arrange tables in the room, build shelving;
- provide mounts for lamps - various hooks, homemade “ears”;
- pull the wire from a stationary electrical network or generator set.
The most important process in arranging lighting is the selection of suitable lamps. Gardeners use in their experiments:
- High pressure sodium lamps. They provide stable warm light, which has a beneficial effect on seedlings, but the lamps require additional equipment (power regulators) and also have excessive at a high price, which is incommensurate with the yield of the average gardener.
- Phytolamps. Great solution for illumination - the violet-pink spectrum of lamps is ideal for plants, but very harmful for humans, so it is recommended that such lamps be equipped with a special reflector.
- Sodium metal halide elements. Also quite affordable and effective way additional lighting of the premises, but still there is very little blue color in the spectrum, and therefore the plants have difficulty developing and hatching.
- Fluorescent lamps. These fluorescent lamps are good in many ways, but their light is still too cold and therefore poor in the red spectrum.
- Classic incandescent lamps. They are one of the most useless for additional lighting. Light bulbs are more suitable for heating a room rather than illuminating it.
- LED lamps. These types of lamps are among the most promising, affordable and have a whole series features that are worth discussing separately.
Advantages of LED lighting for seedlings
Illuminating seedlings with LED lamps gives the gardener and plants a number of undeniable advantages that are worth mentioning:
- when creating a lamp, you can combine the two most important spectra - blue and red - and create an ideal lamp for seedlings;
- LEDs are quite affordable, and their low cost quickly pays off;
- LED lamps consume minimum quantity electricity, but produce a sufficient amount of light - up to 6000 lux required for normal plant development;
- ease of installation and ease of operation have won the love of millions of gardeners.
LEDs are modern materials, which are actively used in everyday life and in production. It is quite effective to use LED lamps on racks for seedlings - they illuminate the area well and do not heat up the air.
To make an LED lamp you do not need to have special skills or special knowledge.
To create a tape LED lamp you will need:
- red and blue LEDs;
- thermal paste, it can be replaced with hot glue, but it is more expensive;
- base - a piece of aluminum, a profile from furniture, any available material up to an old ruler;
- driver or power supply - it ensures current stability and the required voltage;
- cord and plug.
They are connected to each other by soldering and output to the driver, which is respectively connected to the switch and plug. The tape is attached using bolts, double tape or rivets to the prepared surface. After this, it is assembled into a single circuit with a driver, cord, switch and plug.
Seedling rack with lighting
Building a rack will not take you much time, but it will allow you to significantly save on space for seedlings by placing containers with soil and seedlings in several tiers.
The design is extremely simple - shelves with hollow compartments for drawers. The length and width of the rack directly depends on the size of the seedling boxes. It is recommended to install no more than 3 rows in height. Each row is illuminated by its own lamp, attached to the bottom of the upper seedling box.
What better with lamps Each gardener decides for himself to highlight the seedlings. Some people prefer fluorescent lamps, while others consider LED bulbs to be the best. Conduct experiments and watch your pets, find a comfortable way for yourself to grow seedlings. After all, gardening is, first and foremost, fun!
Video: advantages of LED lamps for seedlings
In this video experienced gardener Valery Medvedev conducts an experiment with seedlings and proves that LED lamps for seedlings are the best choice!
Video: DIY assembly of a simple LED lamp
