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Growing Tomatoes

lighting seedlings in greenhouse

13 years ago

Have a new small greenhouse to grow my 200 or so tomato plants (most to give away. Started seeds inside just as always and moved them out April 2 to greenhouse. Unfortunately there has been little sunshine for a week and none is expected for another 2 weeks. I decided to put my lights over the plants even while in the greenhouse (which has been safely heated to 60 degrees consistently).

I used to buy spindley plants at the local nursery and I believe they will have the same type plants this year. I like to keep the plants short, stocky, and green and, without additional light I felt they may turn out like those which will be selling locally. Anyone put lights on their plants even in a greenhouse?

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Comments (8)

digdirt2
13 years ago
Yes, we do it routinely. 4' fluorescent fixtures on chains and raise and lower them as needed so they can be suspended directly above the plants. It makes a world of difference.

Dave
Bets
13 years ago
burleyman,

Add a fan for air movement and you increase the probability that the plants will have stocky stems.

Betsy
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barrie2m_(6a, central PA)
13 years ago
At this time of year there is usually adequate sunlight without supplementing. I would consider it a blessing if there were a few overcast days when moving plants from an environment of artificial light to direct sunlight of the greenhouses since there is always a hardening off process that is needed. Save yourself some bucks and remove both the lights and the shadecloth.
sandy0225
13 years ago
how many ppm of fertilizer and what kind are you using? What is the spacing of the plants, closer= taller, further= stockier. If you're not using fans, use them to keep good air circulation. If they're getting too tall, transplant them to larger containers and plant them in the bottom of the bigger container.
Make sure you're not running them too wet, lean to the side of slight wilt before watering. That will keep the height down too.
Heck, we grow ours under 30% shade. They turn out fine. It cuts the watering way down.
burleyman
Original Author
13 years ago
Growing under 30% shade? When we don't see the sun for a week, is that 100% shade? I have already transplanted from 72 cell to 48 cell containers and will move them up in another week. I use pro mix only without any additives and have always had success. I will continue to use the florescent lighting until I get a forecast of some sunshine.
gardengal19
13 years ago
I have a 16 x 25 ft. greenhouse and have always used fluorescent lights suspended by chains over the plants...usually to extend the daylight hours.

This year I haven't moved anything out to the greenhouse yet. Maybe this week-end when I do some transplanting and I will be using the lights - maybe all day long if this cloudy gloomy weather persists.
aloha10
13 years ago
Some years back, I read a study from some aggie school that stated that natural light, even on a cloudy day, is far brighter than that which a few banks of fluorescent shop lights would provide. I have proceeded with that as a fact and have had success with seed starting endeavors. Perhaps your shady greenhouse is brighter than you think. A photo light meter might help you reach a solution in your own mind if it continues to be an issue.
digdirt2
13 years ago
I agree. Not every GH is the same in terms of location, orientation to sun, exposure to sun, even construction materials. And all that can make a big difference in available light. Even structure shape, height and plant location within the structure makes a difference.

So if it helps in your particular GH as it does in mine and you are willing to foot the electricity bill then by all means use them.

Dave

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