Indoor gardening - Using Artificial Lighting
During the short days of winter, the Northern gardener can help to bring spring a little closer by using artificial lights. Many gardeners turn their basements into a tropical oasis with plant life that is induced to grow by being under artificial light. Some people prefer to have their light-garden where they can enjoy it in their living area, and for these people there are many attractive ready-made, wood or metal light units.
For the person who is handy with a saw and a hammer, the cost of constructing a three shelf light can be as little as $50 to $100 for lumber and light fixtures. Although much has been written promoting the use of special light bulbs for proper balance of different light waves, many growers have found a combination of these with cool or warm light bulbs will produce the number of flowers they want.
The gardener, with lights set up where they will receive some natural light, can even use all cool white bulbs which are very inexpensive. However for those just starting to grow plants under lights, I recommend using the lights which come with the units before investing in the more expensive plant growth bulbs.
Light intensity and the amount of light needed will depend on the plants you are growing. Most foliage plants we grow do fine with light from two 40watt fluorescent bulbs. For ferns or begonias, this amount of light is adequate. The plants can be as much as 24 inches from the light source. Begonias being grown for flowers ( such as those with fibrous roots) however, can be placed closer to the lights .
Many lists are available from gardening centers that will give you the light source required for plants that do well in low, intermediate, or bright lights.
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