Which grow light set up will you use for indoor seed starting in 2025? -CaliKim & CameraGuy New Year's Sale: 20% off Smart Pots, Garden Kits & Seed Collections w/ code "2025", 10% off all book/seed bundles with code “NEWYEAR”. New: The 10-Minute Gardener/Spring Garden Seed /Book Bundle.
What a great review! This year I am "graduating" to a set up with a shelving unit and lights attached to the underside of each set of shelves. I've learned a couple of things. First, there are lights that are labelled as "grow" lights that are often multiple bulbs with some of them red which are of a wavelength that is reported to make plants grow better. These lights are often quite expensive. The alternative is to buy regular LED light/bulbs for these fixtures that you can choose to be >4500 units Kelvin, but preferably 5000 U Kelvin daylight LED bulbs which mimic bright sunlight, with >1500 lumens intensity. I actually put the 5000 U Kelvin daylight bulbs in my bathroom fixtures so putting on makeup is easier. The regular LED bulbs with the characteristics noted above do not have have the special rows of red bulbs, so are MUCH less expensive and are reportedly just as good as true "grow lights" for seedlings.
I have 2 large wire racks now - and lights for each shelf. I seed start a few hundred plants each spring for myself and family. Then do extra back-up starts throughout the summer - and keep rounds of herbs and microgreens going in the winter. But this has been 7+ years in the making? Started out with 1 shelf-like space and 2 lights - then added each year as my confidence grew.
I have a rack just like the one that you have that I’ve been using for several years. It came out on my old BBQ place. It works great. I laughed when I saw yours because mine is identical. Even the same color
As always, a lot of good tips for gardeners new and old. I have a real hodge podge of lights I use to grow with, I found out that some higher wattage lights can burn the tender seedlings, so you have to be a little careful. I went to using ratchet hangers for my lights, my arthritic hands made it difficult to raise and lower the lights, not that expensive and a real game changer for me. Here is a link to my set up last April if interested. th-cam.com/video/usYvKhU91YY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CbqyRNiYNspXeMJK Costco usually has a sale for the wire rack shelf units for under $100, very well made and awesome wheels. Received my CalKim seeds the other day, excited to get them growing, YAY! Have a great day! Stay Well !!!!
Which grow light set up will you use for indoor seed starting in 2025? -CaliKim & CameraGuy New Year's Sale: 20% off Smart Pots, Garden Kits & Seed Collections w/ code "2025", 10% off all book/seed bundles with code “NEWYEAR”. New: The 10-Minute Gardener/Spring Garden Seed /Book Bundle.
So inventive with the sand jugs holding the stakes😊
What a great review! This year I am "graduating" to a set up with a shelving unit and lights attached to the underside of each set of shelves. I've learned a couple of things. First, there are lights that are labelled as "grow" lights that are often multiple bulbs with some of them red which are of a wavelength that is reported to make plants grow better. These lights are often quite expensive. The alternative is to buy regular LED light/bulbs for these fixtures that you can choose to be >4500 units Kelvin, but preferably 5000 U Kelvin daylight LED bulbs which mimic bright sunlight, with >1500 lumens intensity. I actually put the 5000 U Kelvin daylight bulbs in my bathroom fixtures so putting on makeup is easier. The regular LED bulbs with the characteristics noted above do not have have the special rows of red bulbs, so are MUCH less expensive and are reportedly just as good as true "grow lights" for seedlings.
Thanks Kim, this was very helpful 🙂
You're welcome! So glad you found it helpful, Jamey. Are you going to grow inside, do you think? CK
I have 2 large wire racks now - and lights for each shelf. I seed start a few hundred plants each spring for myself and family. Then do extra back-up starts throughout the summer - and keep rounds of herbs and microgreens going in the winter. But this has been 7+ years in the making? Started out with 1 shelf-like space and 2 lights - then added each year as my confidence grew.
Wow - you've built up a really impressive system, congrats! IMPRESSIVE. CK
Currently using two clamp lights with cfl bulbs. 100 watts a piece. Plus using a Led Tonic Z5 light. With timer. Thanks for the tips
Sounds like you've got a great set-up going! Kim
My favorite is the grow lights on the shelving unit. I can put cardboard or curtains around it to keep my tabby cat from munching my seedlings. 😊
That is a great idea! You are so clever ! Kim
@CaliKim29 you guys ok with all the fires? You safe?
I use the basic clamp lights with heat mats & the proper light bulbs! 💡oh, in the grow boxes!
I have a rack just like the one that you have that I’ve been using for several years. It came out on my old BBQ place. It works great. I laughed when I saw yours because mine is identical. Even the same color
It's a great rack and I love how versatile it is! CK
Hi kim what vegetables love the very cold weather
Good information dear thanks for sharing ❤❤❤happy gardening 😊please stay connected
Happy Gardening to you too, and thank you for watching! CaliKim
I lost all of my seedlings hoping for the light from the deck door. I'm borrowing a spot in the living room for the grow light.
As always, a lot of good tips for gardeners new and old.
I have a real hodge podge of lights I use to grow with, I found out that some higher wattage lights can burn the tender seedlings, so you have to be a little careful.
I went to using ratchet hangers for my lights, my arthritic hands made it difficult to raise and lower the lights, not that expensive and a real game changer for me.
Here is a link to my set up last April if interested. th-cam.com/video/usYvKhU91YY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CbqyRNiYNspXeMJK
Costco usually has a sale for the wire rack shelf units for under $100, very well made and awesome wheels.
Received my CalKim seeds the other day, excited to get them growing, YAY!
Have a great day! Stay Well !!!!