skip to main content

Growing under Lights

Newbie having trouble with growlights

17 years ago

ok, Dont really know anything about gardening but eager to start. I bought some nice growlights and started some seeds in those little plastic seed starter kits and those are coming along nicely. However, I also had some bulbs I wanted to start indoors before transplanting and nothing is happening. I have the growlights running 24/7 so I thought maybe (because they are in the basement) that there wasnt enough heat to help them get started. I tried enclosing them in some clear rubbermaid tubs under the lights to create a litte humidity (terrarium style is what I was aiming for). It seemed to help just a little, I am getting a couple of single skinny stalks starting to peek out, but for the majority nothing is working? I dont know what to do to turn these skinny stalks into nicely growing plants. And for the others...Is it too late? Have I killed these bulbs before they even had a chance? Or are there any suggestions? Please help. I have a 25x25 area in the backyard I want to prep and would like to have something nice to transplant there once it is ready.

Thanks

Michelle

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

watergal
17 years ago
What kind of bulbs are you growing?
femmefeline1
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi Watergal

I have some Oriental Lillies, some Day Lillies, Gladiolus, Astilbe, Crinum, Dutch Irises, Montbretia, Erectum Trillum, and Hostas. Hostas are the only ones actually thriving. The Astilbe, Erectum, and the Dutch Iris are the ones with skinny thread like little growths. Are these the beginnings of lush plants, because if they are, they are sure foolin' me.
Related Discussions
Newbie with unmolding troubles
Q
Comments (10)
Yes, too much water in the mix will cause slumping. First, add just enough water to moisten the mix, and when that has been evenly distributed, add more water, a small amount at a time. It's funny how fast it can change from too dry to too wet! The closer you get to the ideal, reduce the amount of water you're adding -- I've had to add it literally by the spoonful at a time to get the mix I wanted. Yes, doing it in layers is possible, and for some things, the only way (like spheres). The best way is to do the bottom section, and let it sit just until it's set (approx. and hour or so), then add your next layer and repeat. If you let it go too long (to the point where the concrete looks a bit dryish), spritz it with some water and let it soak in, then add your next layer. If you have to let the previous layer set longer (yes, I guess you have to stop to take the kid to the ER!), soak it good with water and drain, then apply the next layer while it's still wet. If the concrete is fastening around the edge of the mold, when the mix has set fairly well, to the point you can pick it up and turn it over, scrape the edge with a putty knife. At that point, it should be fairly easy to remove. And it usually gives a good clean finish, too. Sue
...See More
newbie..in big trouble
Q
Comments (12)
Welcome from this NE Mississippi daylily lover, grower and now breeder. I also grow about 50 different TB Iris and I love the Iris because they bloom first and then the daylilies start opening as the last of the Iris bloom for me. You can enjoy both of them. Now, I'm not as addicted to my Iris as I am my daylilies, not by a long shot! I'm still small compared to most here but I'm as addicted as anyone else is. They are all right. Just one pretty Dl and then maybe a few more and then about 25 more and then 100 and then you get a second mortage so you can buy about 500 more! You will love every minute of it. So, have fun and just think of all the gorgeous blooms you will have next year. Oh, by the way, the Lily Auction is the most wonderful place on the Web, except for this forum. May God bless you each any everyone with his Grace, Mona
...See More
Sunlight and Avoiding a Growlight
Q
Comments (2)
Hello Spyder, I would use reflectors in order to maximalise the amount of light on the plants. These can be build with aluminum foil glued on cardboard, another option is to use mirrors. In my humble opinion, you do not need direct sunlight, you should have intensive enough daylight in Florida. Ciao, Michel
...See More
Anyone here use grow-lights to start seeds in winter?
Q
Comments (9)
I took over an upstairs bedroom to start seeds indoors. I bought a couple mini-greenhouse assemblies and hang lights from short chains. I can fit 15 trays under the lights. I used 4' shop lights with cool bulbs. I have read that it might be better to use one cool and one warm but I've found the seedlings do just fine with what I have. I leave the lights on 24 x 7. The lights should be about 2" above the seedlings in the tray. For the most part I use the basic cellpack trays that hold 8 6-packs. Keep the lids on the trays until the seedlings sprout. I started using a potting soil from my local hardware store. But then I found smaller bags from Ocean State Big Lots for much less money and the seedlings did just as well. I hadn't even paid attention to if it had fertilizer included in the mix. I did use a liquid root stimulater root fertilizer on the perennials I started. I also did some repotting of mainly perennials into yogurt cups and 3" pots this year. I started perennial seeds in Feb and Mar and planted them out in early May for the most part. I moved one of my greenhouses outside for the hardening off process while other seeds were still inside under the lights. The green seedling trays in this picture were $1 from Christmas Tree Shops and worked great when I only wanted a small amount of a particular plant. I started the seeds over a couple different timeframes. I started the perennials first and got them off to a good start and then started a lot of annuals in early-April. I did a lot of wintersowing this winter as well. I have the space to start indoors and I found the seedlings were much larger than those I WS'd and many are blooming already. It does take much more work though (and $$ for electricity).
...See More
femmefeline1
Original Author
17 years ago
By the way, I have just been scanning over some of the other posts and come across things like halogens and lumens, watts and CFLs, foot candles, and lux. I have no idea what any of that is. I thought I'd just by some lights, put plants under 'em and the rest would take care of itself. I think maybe I am in over my head here.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
17 years ago
Post a picture of your setup. It will be easier to say what you may need.

dcarch
yayachilly
17 years ago
I am also a newbie, but have been having great success with my grow lights. Although people have been having problems with them, as indicated in the walmart light post, I purchased my grow lights at Walmart and have had no problems. Purchase a 48" flourescent light fixture for about $7. Then two plant/aquarium lights (48") for $5 each. I bought a folding "card" table for about $25, but any table will do. Be sure to start your seeds or bulbs (peat pots work great as they go right in the ground) on a plastic tray, wrap plastic wrap over top and secure with scotch tape. Set these trays on top of the fridge (nice and warm). Check often to see if seedlings have started to sprout. Transfer sprouted pots to an empty tray and place under grow light set up. As seedlings grow larger, adjust light farther away...I know you are probably past all this, and just need help with the light situation, but I thought I had it down to a system pretty good! Anyhow, very important to get (plant /aquarium) lights!
shrubs_n_bulbs
17 years ago
Anyhow, very important to get (plant /aquarium) lights!

Apparently not since my plants grow fine under regular fluorescents.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Uncover Your Junk's Hidden Decorating Potential — Scads of DIY Ideas

By Samantha Schoech

Release your typewriter's inner planter or a drum set's coffee table. These creative ideas will have you seeing the possibilities

FARM YOUR YARD 4 Farm-Fresh Chicken Coops in Urban Backyards

By Becky Harris

These Atlanta henhouses are worth crowing about for their charming, practical designs

REMODELING GUIDES Have a Design Dilemma? Talk Amongst Yourselves

Solve challenges by getting feedback from Houzz’s community of design lovers and professionals. Here’s how

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: Men of Steel With a Passion for Repurposing

By Robert Burns

These Portland homeowners use metal, found objects and DIY know-how to create a home with an artist’s aesthetic

DECORATING GUIDES Budget Decorating: How to Decorate Smart and Slow

By Laura Gaskill

To make the most of your decorating dollar, forgo the disposable stuff, think vintage and free first and give yourself a splurge

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating 101: Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of decorating alone and bringing in skilled help

HOUSEPLANTS 8 Essentials for Healthy Indoor Plants

Houseplants add so much to our homes — and can thrive when grown in the right conditions. Keep these tips in mind

LIFE The Top 5 Ways to Save Water at Home

Get on the fast track to preserving a valuable resource and saving money too with these smart, effective strategies

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

SMALL HOMES Tiny Houzz Tour: Living the Good Life Their Way

By Deirdre Avenell

This owner-built home in Australia may be on the small side, but it provides the perfect space for the family’s big dreams to come true

Sponsored

Manifesto, Inc.

9 Reviews

Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 2x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Agrobrite bulb FLC27D 27W 5400K 120V 60Hz: suitable 4 seed starting?

0

Anyone use heat mats for cuttings?

9