I don't have specifics on this, and plan on doing the same this winter.... But, I know that a desk lamp is Not the same as a grow light. The plants need a different wavelength of light to flourish... I'm going to be setting up a "nursery" in my office area in the house over the next few months and will be looking at the best setup I can ( for the money ) and try to keep everyone growing through the winter.

I'll be watching the forum here to see what people say to this post... It should be interesting to see...

I'm headed to "True Value" and the local hydroponics store right now actually, to look for some seed trays.... Got seeds to plant that have been waiting...

~Bob

hello. it is true that for the first winter it is best to try and keep seedling going. In the greenhouse mine did fine without lights. Divine will go dormant. I posted a link to a decent site about grow lights. Fluorescent is by far the most practical and best option for most home growers.

Remember lumens is the amount of light available to the plant to use for photosynthesis and watts is the amount of power the lights use. generally they go hand in hand but not always.

mike

Here is a link that might be useful: grow lights

Hi there!!!

I use T-5 lights during the winter here in Virginia. Bought at the hydroponics store.

Some are put await to be dormant, some are kept growing all winter.

Hope this helps!

Laura

Metal Halide is excellent for growth!
HPS excellent for bloom!
If you have the money, I'd break down & buy a BAD AS_ led. They provide the broadest light spectrum, tons of lumes, & are cheaper on power!

Also, use a heat mat to keep the roots around 80 degrees.

There's a possibility that a desk lamp & heating pad might keep them alive, but don't expect much growth, & no flowers for any mature plants.

Awesome side note - your plants will have less problems with disease if they don't go dormant!

Good luck!

Peace & happy growing,
Jason

Thank you everyone for your words and advice!
Based on what you've all said I have found some products that I thought would do well for my seedling this winter. Feel free to let me know if they would work well for it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hydrofarm-LKIT60-Dayspot-60-Watt-/221116177235?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0amp;hash=item337b8d1b53

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hydrofarm-10-x20-Seedling-Heat-Mat-17watts-Boxed-/231028417937?pt=Planters_Pots&hash=item35ca5de591

I was going to highly suggest a heat mat, too. I use many of the same one in your link. However, I only paid around $22. for them. You might want to check Amazon. ;-) Even locally I can find them for around $30.

One thing you might want to keep in mind - if you think that your growing under lights interest will expand, (wouldn't be surprised if it did!) you might just want to bite the bullet and buy something like a Hydrofarm multi-light T5 system.

I've wasted a lot of money by being too frugal and, then, not being happy with the results from my purchases. I always shop around to find a good/best price. (Don't forget to take shipping costs into consideration. I've seen good products quite reasonably priced. Then I looked at the shipping cost and realized that's how they make their money.)

This post was edited by monet_g on Thu, Aug 8, 13 at 9:47