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Western PA

I am thinking about getting a grow light or two this winter/ early spring. Do I need to get any special brand
bulb ?
Are their brands that do not perform as well as others ?
I am asking because I saw one at Walmart that seemed extremly cheap in price compared to some others at other stores of the same size(24").
What do I need to watch out for ?
Thanks, Lee

10/11/2009 5:39:49 PM

Connecticut

iuse a strip light with the cool white lamps.

10/11/2009 7:49:37 PM

Upstate S.C.

Same here roger, white..They cost less and provide everything the plant needs.

10/12/2009 5:09:52 AM

Rhode Island

grow lights are good to help the new seedling while inside your house and/or outside once the little plant goes in the ground ( on cloudy days especially no need if its sunny )
extremepumpkinstore.com has a great grow light that i would reccommend.

best though ? if you have electricity out at the patch ? is to purchase small 8 to 12 ft inground heating cables.
place them 6 inches below the soils surface around where the base of the young plant will be.
make the first circle of cable about the circumference of the top of a five gallon pail.

new plants in cool spring soil do not grow well at all.
if you live in the southern states and your springs are warm? you dont need heating cables.

10/12/2009 4:15:41 PM

Franklin, Tennessee

I use a cheap 4-foot fluorescent shop light from Walmart, fitted with GE "Plant & Aquarium" tubes. I have only grown tomatoes and other random vegetables and herbs under them but they seem to work well.

10/15/2009 11:46:36 PM