Start all seeds at the same time?

15 years ago

Hey all, I'm back.

My question is, well a couple actually. Would a 2 tube fixture either T12 or T8 ( those are the thinner tubes,, yes. ) Be sufficient for seed starting or would it be best to go 4 tube wide? As some plants start ( ie different types of plants ) to grow faster than others would it hurt the slower ones raising the light as the faster ones grow?

just trying to save cost.. In my 4ft space in an old aquarium stand. I was thinking of going two 2ft light fixtures, so I could raise one side up as needed for faster growing plants and keep the other side low for slower growing plants or a new batch of seedlings. just curious what you all thought Or one 4ft fixture 2 or 4 tube( cheapest route ) be sufficient?

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Comments (4)

jessicavanderhoff
15 years ago
I'd go with 4 tubes wide if you can. It's not like the plants will die if you go 2 tubes wide, they'll just be a little less stocky. You get the most bang for your buck if the lights are just a couple of inches above the top of the plants, so I think your idea of having one setup for each batch of seedlings is a good one. I am having just the same mental debate that you are. I did start them all at once, and am thinking they'll grow at about the same rate. If you're growing anything that takes a super long time to germinate, like some herb seeds, or if you're using old seeds, you might want to start those first. If you're using new seeds and growing tomatoes and peppers and stuff, it should all come out about the same.

Happy Gardening :-)
Jess
gettingreenthumb
15 years ago
the more light the marrier I say, keep them in a windowsil the sun through a window can be the best and the lower amount of light from the bulb can be used for the rest of the time. The 4 tube will get better angles on the plants to promote straiter growth. Unfortunatly sometimes you can't do that so I would agree to get the 4 tube light. Look up local growing charts at farmers associations to see when to start your seeds to ensure you don't freeze them either too early or late, nothing is worse than having your peppers only get so big because they started too late. Offsetting a garden is good to constantly rotate the sprouts according to their planting time. This will keep the lights at the same height just use stand to hold the pots higher to the light even with the taller older plants. Stair steps styles are popular when space is limited.
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homemommy
15 years ago
What are you planting them in? Would it be possible to individually "lift" some of the smaller seedlings up closer to the light? I have one fixture right now growing two different trays, at different heights. I separated the faster growing taller seedlings, from the slower growing ones. The tray with smaller seedlings, is propped up with a book ;-) Perhaps you can try a similar approach.

As for 2 lights or 4, that is an individual decision. Of course, more light is always better. But from all I have heard, one 2 light fixture is enough to get most seedlings started and ready for planting 6-10 weeks later.
rawb
Original Author
15 years ago
Hey everyone, thanks for the replies. Think I am going with two tube 2ft'rs, in a foil inclosed area. Hopefully that will be enough light bouncing around to keep them/some from getting leggy. But I plan on sticking around, so I plan on posting pics and what not on the progress. Just so folks can learn from my mistakes or from what worked right!

Later.
Rob

Start all seeds at the same time?

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jessicavanderhoff

gettingreenthumb

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Start all seeds at the same time?

Comments (4)

jessicavanderhoff

gettingreenthumb

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rawbOriginal Author

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