PM & JAG, we are perhaps not as far apart as you seem to think... maybe you should re-read my post? If you get beyond the "leggy" part, you will find that I was referring to the effect of _temperature_ in combination with long days... and yes, with fluorescent lighting, which is widely used (including by me). It is the only feasible means by which I can light enough shelf space to start 400-500 seedlings. Granted, "floros" are not ideal... but not everyone can afford high-intensity lighting. At the scale on which I garden, it's cost-prohibitive. We are also in agreement that long light periods can - and should - be used for starting plants later than the recommended dates, because of the increased growth rate. I did say (if you re-read) that increased growth was a problem "...Unless you plan for this...". For those reading this who are accustomed to starting their plants on a particular date, they need to know that with long light periods, those dates might require some adjustment... or they could end up with plants larger than they planned for. I say this from experience, having made that mistake when I was still a newbe to seed starting. If your plants are too large for the lights & it's still too early to transplant, that could be a problem. Forewarned is forearmed. The recommendations I gave for cooler temps & air movement will contribute to stockier growth, and are accepted greenhouse practice. Perhaps for purposes of this discussion, the questions should be: - the definition of "ample light" - the optimal size for transplants

Remember, all of these plants evolved to grow under "natural" conditions, aka the day/night cycle. During the day, the plant makes food for itself via photosynthesis. It puts most of it's effort into this during the day. During the night, when it can't make food, it uses it and works on growth and restoring nutrient supplies through the roots. While 24/7 light means it makes as much food for itself as possible, the plant is also programmed to focus on that as much as possible when it has light available, which means it won't grow as much. Plus, there is a limit to how much food the plant needs, which means that any extra time in the light is essentially wasted anyway. By giving the plants a night cycle, you give them time to rest and put all that energy they stored during the day to good use. Raising plants is sort of like raising kids. If you shelter them and pamper them too much, they'll never grow up to be well adjusted adults. I killed my first batch of bhuts by over-pampering them, actually. Had a small number of seeds I wanted to be sure nothing would happen to them that by the time they saw what the real world was like they just shriveled up and died (guess I should have spent more than a week hardening them off, but I digress). Yeah, like people, give your plants a good 8 hours of sleep at night and they'll be much happier.

So very sorry to hear that your dear mom never saw the completion of your kitchen here on this earth but know that she is happily smiling down on you from heaven. I agree with Bee, your mom will wink at you from time to time. I lost my dearest friend, my mother, nine years ago. I miss her dearly but she still sends me a wink from time to time. Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous. I love your home, it is so very charming. I lam so fond of a one story home especially as I get older. Our main home is two stories and more steps than I care for. Our other home is a one story that I love. Unfortunately hubby has to have garages and has two huge garages at our country home and there is no room for additional garage space in our other house. I will definitely return to this post over and over again for inspiration. I can't imagine a lovelier addition. Best of luck to you and your DH!!!

Sunlight is better for most plants vs. standard fluorescent. "Grow lights", either fluorescent or LED, have more of the needed red wave length, which is lacking in standard fluorescent.