Some seed varieties are very expensive , so low germination rates are simply not an option .”
For many indoor horticulturists , this will be 40-50W per square foot of garden space . During this stage of growth , the lighting technology is not as important as the amount of light the plants are receiving . However , consistent light intensity can make a big difference during the early vegetative stage . This is probably the biggest reason T5 fluorescents are so popular for this stage of growth . Due to their construction , T5 fluorescents can supply the necessary wattage per square foot in the most consistent manner . Plants placed directly under T5 fluorescent lighting fixtures will get even light distribution regardless of location . This equates to uniform growth . Uniform plant growth is crucial in the later stages of the plant ’ s life cycle because an even canopy allows for the most efficient use of artificial lighting . Creating uniform vegetative growth with T5 fluorescents is almost effortless , but what about other light technologies ? HIDs and some LEDs disperse light differently and , in the case of small plants , unevenly . The plants closer to the center of the bulb will receive much more light energy than plants farther away . This will cause the plants to grow at uneven rates . Some growers will remedy this by rotating the plants on a regular basis to ensure more even light distribution .
Light Duration for Early Vegetative Growth
Early vegetative growth will require an 18-24 hour light cycle . Again , the optimal photoperiod for this stage of growth is continuously up for debate . Many growers have success with a 24-hour light cycle and many growers have success with an 18-hour light cycle . My personal preference is an 18-hour light cycle . I believe that all biological creatures , including plants , benefit from rest . Providing my plants with a six-hour dark period each 24 hours is my way of giving them a break . To have a smooth transition into the vegetative and flowering stages , a foundation must first be built during the cloning / seedling and early vegetative stages . The lighting system used for these initial stages of the plant ’ s life should be heavily considered . Not only will choosing the correct lighting system be better for the plants , it will also make things easier for the grower . Professional growers still prefer the T5 fluorescent technology when it comes to the early stages of growth .
Regardless of which lighting technology a gardener uses , it really comes down to light distribution and consistency . Plants provided with uniform light energy during the early stages of growth will continue to grow evenly throughout the later stages of growth . Maximizing the performance of an indoor garden is all about maximizing the performance of the garden ’ s lighting system . It is also important to remember that uniform canopies equate to larger yields . In other words , when plants are grown at a consistent rate , it makes it much easier for the grower to maximize the efficiency of his or her growroom . One of the best ways to ensure the plants will grow consistently in the later stages of growth is to create a solid foundation from the very beginning .
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