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Plants have the unique ability to make their own food using a process known as photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide from the air and water from the ground into food sugar. Therefore, when a plant is in the correct soil environment, its ability to produce food for its growth depends on the intensity, color and duration of the daily light the plant receives. Recent advances in light technology have made it easier than ever for gardeners to enjoy the benefits of indoor gardening using horticulture lights.
Artificial lights can be used to supplement or provide the sole source of light for indoor plants. This allows the home gardener to increase his growing season by starting seedlings indoors before the frost leaves the ground or gardening indoors year round. Selecting the right type of horticulture light will ensure the success of your indoor garden.
If your plants are receiving some, but not enough, natural light, choose incandescent fixtures to supplement the light source. Incandescent bulbs send out more heat than light; therefore, you cannot place these lights close enough to a plant to act as its primary light source. The plant will burn if it is placed too close to an incandescent fixture. However, from a distance, they may add extra light and additional heat to plants that thrive in warm temperatures. If your plants will be receiving all of their light from an artificial source, consider fluorescent light fixtures. Fluorescent bulbs are the most energy efficient source and are the coolest burning. They can be placed within a couple inches of your indoor garden. They are perfect for growing a cool weather crop such as leaf lettuce, spinach or herbs year round.
Don’t forget; plants need darkness to grow well or trigger flowering. Turn off your horticulture lights for 10-12 hrs. a day. Plants that are not receiving any natural light may be lighted at any time, but if you are using artificial light to supplement the light of indoor plants, synchronize the time that the artificial light is on with the time of day the plant is receiving natural light. Otherwise, simply water and fertilize indoor gardens the same way you would if they were growing in natural light.
When the outdoor growing season is over, hard-core gardeners miss working with their fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Horticulture lights can extend your growing season by providing an indoor equivalent to natural light. Choose your plants carefully, compliment them with the proper horticulture lighting, and the growing season never has to end!
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about Gardening Equipment and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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