Using Grow Lights for a Basic Herb Garden

Many people find that their biggest challenge to have a successful indoor garden is their location. If you live in an area – or a building, for that matter, that doesn’t receive an abundant amount of light, you may feel it is impossible to garden indoors successfully. Never fear, where there is a will, there is a way!

For growing herbs indoors, it seems that fluorescent lighting is probably the best bet. There are other types of lighting systems that include; high-intensity discharge and incandescent lighting. However, if you live in a small area and plan on a garden that is not too large, you will want to use grow lights that do not take up too much room but also do an excellent job in giving the seedlings a good start. One of the advantages of using fluorescent grow lights is that they release less heat making it a safer method. One important piece of information, initially, it is best to place your seedlings in a warm place.  Most people choose to start their herb garden in a room that is usually warm.  A laundry room is a good room to use.  If you don’t have a laundry room, use the room of the house that receives the most sun.  Even if you don’t receive direct sunlight in that particular room, if the sun beats down on a certain part of your house or apartment, that room should be the warmest room in your living spaced. When the seeds sprout you gradually increase the amount of light they get. This method works best; at least it has in my experience.

Fluorescent lighting is ideal for small gardening projects. The light given off from fluorescent bulbs can be as much as three times the intensity of incandescent lighting. It may take some trial and error on your part, to determine how to use grow lights to their best advantage.  As with anything, having a good plan before you purchase them and exploring all the possibilities they offer is the best idea.

To find the appropriate grow lights for herb garden seedlings, you need to know that a successful basic herb garden, or any gardening project for that matter, should receive anywhere from around 1500 to 3000 lumens per square feet. If you start your garden indoors, you won’t have the advantage of the naturally high lumens put out directly by the sun.

Once you know how to use grow lights, the rest of the process is easy and lots of fun. Knowing the herbs you want to grow, planting the seeds, and preparing for an abundant supply of fresh herbs throughout the year is definitely rewarding.