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Growing under Lights

Turn on Lights Pre or Post Germination?

18 years ago

I'm looking for advice from those of you with experience growing seedlings under light. I just set up my 4 tier rack with fixtures and T-8 bulbs. My question is, when growing under this light set up do you let the seeds germinate under standard light (they will be in an east window) or should I turn on the lights during the germination process? If you recommend turning the lights on immediately are they positioned 1-2 inches above the trays? Thanks for any help that you can offer.

Take care, Pat

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Comments (2)

seafire1
18 years ago
I'm no expert but I was instructed to use light for at least 16 hours per day. I have my shop lights as close to the lid of the flat that they can get. They need to get the warmth from the light as well. Mine are 70 degrees and sprouting.

Pam
highjack
18 years ago
It depends on if the seeds need or do not need light to germinate. Most seeds are covered up with "dirt" so can germinate in the dark.

If you need the lights for warmth but they need dark to germinate, cover the lids with newspaper to shield them from the light.

Brooke
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