Shoplights work fine. Just rig up a stand that you can position the lights an inch above plants at all times after they germinate.

Over on the Growing from Seed forum here there are numerous FAQs covering all the basics on lights, potting mix, containers, watering, etc. Plus many posts with photos of the light set-ups folks have made, reflective surface materials, fans, etc.

Growing from Seed forum

Dave

I use shop lights on a 36 inch and 48 inch mini greenhouse stands. These fancy fandango grow light stands that costs hundreds are great since you can raise and lower the lights but it's costly and can be impractical since everything on one shelf would have to be the same height. My method I can raise or lower each tray on the same rack by use of shoe boxes, shipping boxes, magazines etc. 4 bulbs per shelf and 2 fixtures. Fixtures are $10 each and the bulbs I use are $10 each so each shelf ends up still being $60 but each light tube lasts 6 to 10 years . There is debate over whether gro lux or plant and aquarium bulbs are any better than the $3 regular tubes but I use them anyhow. You can fit 32 plants like petunias or crucifers into 1 standard tray of 32 small pots. If you are starting 32 tomatoes that's different. Also depending on what you are growing you could grow them in flats. I personally don't start anything in flats. I find it more tedious than starting stuff in 32 pot trays, 18 pot trays or 10 pot trays

Shop lights are exactly the right solution. Don't waste money on fancy grow-lux bulbs or fancy fixtures. Just use cheap cool/warm bulbs. If you were doing hydroponics, where the plants spent their whole life under bulbs, fancy fluorescent bulbs might be nice. BUT, be sure to keep the bulbs within a few inches of the plants. Seriously. This isn't about looking at the plants, it's about stuffing them full of light. Just prop up the fixture on some boxes or 2x4s. With one standard 48-inch two-bulb T12 fixture, I'm not sure if you'll have room for 32 4x4 inch pots. Maybe just 2 rows of 12. You could seed the plants that can get transplanted earlier first, and do the rest when those are done and out the door. Or use smaller pots.

Not sure where you are, but you'll want to keep everyone warm. I wouldn't bother with a heat pad underneath. I just throw a light tarp over the whole thing (lights and plants), and the fluorescent bulbs keep everything under it warm. 60 watts makes a nice mild heater. Regulate the temperature by throwing the tarp back a bit. You're shooting for 70-75F. In addition to the shop fixture, you'll want to invest in a cheap digital thermometer that will allow you to keep an eye on the temp. Might get a cheap dial timer that will turn the fixture on for 15-18 hours at a time.

That $10 for the fixture. $10 for two bulbs, $10 for the thermometer, and $10 for the timer. $40, and you're set for many years.

Wow, thanks all! Great information.

I prefer the 4 bulb T-8 shop lights that they sell at HD or Lowes myself. They are a little more expensive at about $45 for the fixture but they provide a better footprint than 2 - 2 bulb fixtures and they are much better quality. I haven't had any problems including ballasts with any of mine (I have 4) in the 4 years I have had them.

Since you have a long time before seed starting, think about collecting your containers. Individual yoghurt cups are great for little seedlings (I start my seeds in them). Recycled pots (and trays) from nurseries are always useful, as well as waxed OJ and creamer cartons for potting up.

Linda

Agree with you LoneJack the next time I have a ballast bite the dust I'm getting 4 bulb t 8s as they go bad for replacements. T12 may eventually be phased out. They've been slated to a few times already