Lighting For Indoor Gardening

Artificial lighting for indoor gardening allows plant lovers to pursue their interests year round. A wide variety of products allow cutting edge science and horticulture to work hand in hand and give plant life the proper illumination for healthy growth. By using the science of photonics for indoor gardening, hobbyist can see houseplants, fruits or vegetables grow and flourish no matter what the weather looks like outside. Some of the different types of artificial lighting available for garden enthusiasts are spot incandescent grow bulbs, standard florescent bulbs, high output florescent lights, metal halide lamps, high pressure sodium lamps, and high intensity discharge lighting. Each of these sources of artificial light brings with them a variety of strengths and weaknesses. The choice for which light source will work best depends on the individual needs of a particular hobbyist and the type of indoor garden attempted.

Spot incandescent grow bulbs are perhaps the most versatile type of lighting for indoor gardening. Whether a plant lover is trying to help outdoor plant survive the winter or grow vegetables year round, these lights are a simple and versatile solution. The bulbs can be used in standard or clamp on style fixtures and are ideal for small projects such as individual plants or herb gardens. One benefit of clamp on fixtures is that they can be positioned in an optimum spot and direct the light straight on the plant. Relatively inexpensive, these bulbs can be used for a variety of plants. More delicate vegetation such as orchids or tropical plants could benefit from special incandescent grow bulbs that supply a balance red, far red and blue wavelengths in the light spectrum. While more costly that standard grow bulbs, these lamps help more fragile plant life thrive.

Florescent grow lights are a slightly more sophisticated source of photonics for indoor gardening. Standard florescent lights provide a good source of additional light for plants that are positioned to receive at least some natural sunlight. One benefit of florescent bulbs is that they do not burn as hot as other types of grow lights and therefore do not tend to dry out plants as quickly. High output florescent lights provide twice the amount of light as standard florescent bulbs. Whether an indoor gardener is trying to propagate cuttings, start seeds and seedlings, or grow bedding plants, a high output florescent bulb is a solid source of lighting for indoor gardening. Since these bulbs are long and tube like, they are especially suited for vertical spaces. Special fixtures for florescent grow lights can be purchased. These fixtures are often constructed of reflective material that increases the efficiency of the bulbs.

High intensity discharge lamps represent several different types of high output light sources that do an excellent job of providing lighting for indoor gardening. Metal Halide lamps imitate natural sunlight and encourage plant growth. Also used in street lighting and for industrial use, these bulbs provide a great deal of light from a small source. To operate safely, these bulbs require special conditions and cannot be used in ordinary fixtures. In the same family as metal halide lamps are high pressure sodium lamps. While metal halide lamps operate in the blue-yellow wavelengths, high pressure sodium lamps deliver light energy from the red-orange end of the spectrum. These bulbs work well to promote vegetable or fruit production along with the formation of flowers. While these bulbs and fixtures are more costly, they can burn for a much longer period of time than standard or florescent grow bulbs and can last for years. All of these high intensity discharge lights provide cutting edge photonics for indoor gardening. The main difference between high intensity discharge bulbs and more standard lighting systems is that the light is produced by a current that passes through a metal vapor rather than a filament.

The use of photonics for indoor gardening would not be possible without the variety of special fixtures available. Light stands and shelves equipped with fixtures help indoor gardeners make good use of small spaces. Table top features are good for seed starting and small flowering plants. Some plant lights operate on a timer and simulate outdoor conditions by imitating the sun and the seasons. These timers are also energy efficient in that they make the best use of the artificial light that the fixtures provide. Accessories used with these systems include circulation fans and blowers, automatic timers, light fixtures that are moved automatically to mimic the sun, and grow light reflectors and ballasts. Without a good source of light, plants will not be nourished and grow and will not survive. The Bible frequently uses the concept of light as a symbol for God's message to the world; "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." (John 1:4)

Another helpful resource in the area of photonics for indoor gardening is the use of reflective material. The use of reflective mylar around the sides of an indoor garden allows light to be reflected back onto the plants, making the most of all available light. Reflective hoods used in conjunction with artifilial light sources increases illumination and benefits plants. These hoods come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to help disperse light evenly. The process of photosynthesis is not possible without adequate lighting, and without the ability to turn light into nourishment, plants will die. One of the greatest challenges presented to the indoor gardener is making sure that all plants receive enough light. The use of artificial lighting for indoor gardening makes year round gardening possible.