In the world of indoor gardening, few lights are as versatile or popular as fluorescent lighting. For many gardeners, there are few lights that can be more reliably grown under artificial light than a fluorescent lamp. It is recommended to read and understand the manufacturer’s technical data sheets carefully, as not all lights will work well with growing microgreens. Indoor growing is particularly sensitive to temperature, so it should never be done near an open flame or any other source of direct light. Some lamps may even damage the plant by emitting excess UV light.
Because microgreens are an exotic plant, they tend to require extra care. They do best in cool, dark and shady areas, away from direct sunlight. The plant should never be exposed to direct sunlight, even for short periods of time. Too much sun can cause damage, and microgreens, being a tropical plant, do not do well in heavy frost. To protect the micro green roots from frost, it should be kept in a refrigerator during the winter.
Microgreens are a low-maintenance plant. In order to keep them looking their best, they need regular light. They don’t like very intense light, however, so it is necessary to apply higher intensities, up to 10 hours, but only after the top layer has begun to die back. Fertilizing with HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting should also be done after the top layer has died back. With proper care, these bulbs will reward you with a spectacular flowering display.
Proper lighting for growing microgreens is often overlooked by novice gardeners. This oversight can easily be made up by following a few simple steps. The most important factor is selecting the right fluorescent lamp, or bulb, for your microgreen. You can find these at any gardening store.
It is best to use a high wattage bulb for growing microgreens, because they will provide the most amount of light needed for a successful flowering. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, you can purchase a pre-wired fixture, which allows you to simply connect them individually to a timer. Lighting timers are available from most gardening supply stores. Timers can be set for a specific period of time, day or night, to ensure that your microgreens get the proper amount of light.
Another option for a beginner’s lighting system is to purchase some low-wattage fluorescent lights, that are available in many different styles. These types are designed for small growing spaces, so they won’t draw too much electricity. These are also excellent options for using with timers, since they provide an automatic on/off switching characteristic.
There are many other options available in the growing world. Grow light companies such as GrowGlow and Hanging Gardens offer a wide range of options for different growing spaces. One popular choice is their Parrot Zapper, which emits a bug zapping laser that destroying mosquitoes and other harmful bugs that may be attracted to your microgreens. Other options for lighting are LED lighting, and even water based lighting systems like KettleHangers. With the proper lighting, any plant can thrive even in the darkest of conditions.
Fluorescent light for microgreens is a good way to provide moisture for your plants, without over-watering. By using artificial lighting, you will keep microgreens healthy and give them a bright, healthy look. Whether you are starting seeds indoors or growing annuals out of doors, these unique growing systems are a great way to save money and maximize the growing process. You can find the right system to suit your needs, whatever they may be.