tips & tricks
Also, remember that high intensity discharge (HID) lights
put out heat as well as light, so they can’t be placed super
close to your plants. Optimally, they should be placed
anywhere from 12 to 48 inches away, depending upon the
wattage. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the other hand
produce very little heat and can be placed closer to the
garden’s canopy. When using compact fluorescent lights
(CFL) or fluorescent fixtures, you can place them close to
the top of your plants; within an inch or two. It is also worth
noting that while LED lights cost more to purchase initially,
they use about half the energy of fluorescents and can last
three times longer than CFLs.
No matter which type of lighting you decide to use,
consider incorporating a pulley system to raise and lower
your grow lights. It will make working your garden easier on
you and safer for your plants.
“No matter which type of lighting you
decide to use, consider incorporating a
pulley system to raise and lower your grow
lights. It will make working your garden
easier on you and safer for your plants.”
A Safe Space
Speaking of safety, realize you are going to be watering your
plants with some regularity and any time you have water
and electricity operating near one another, you can’t be too
careful. As a general precaution, all things wet should be
kept below waist level and all things electrical should be
operating above waist level. Also, all electrical cords should
be up off the ground in the event of a water spill. To lessen
the chance of an accident even more, be sure to use new or
undamaged electrical and extension cords of the proper size
to operate the system. Spending a few extra dollars on them
is well worth the investment.
102
grow cycle
Plant Placement
Remember that plants grow and need some elbow room
as they do. Those little seedlings that look so cute huddled
together on day one could be fighting one another for more
light and room to grow within weeks. Close is okay but
cramped is not.
When done properly, growing indoors can be a unique and
rewarding adventure… “in-tents” even (all puns intended),
especially come harvest time.