The Right kind of light bulb

[bobbinweave]

Okay, I've got 4 little girls started. Until the weather warms up consistently, I can't move the outside. Right now I've got them under 7, 100 watt Compact fluorescent bulbs - the kind from the hardware store - 18 hours on, 6 off. Been close to a week. I'm not seeing much of any growth progress though. They're not dying, but not prospering much either. Are these bulbs okay for grow lights? I know they're not the best option, but all I have ATM. Thanks in advance.

Ziffy

 

[DesertGrow89]

Okay, I've got 4 little girls started. Until the weather warms up consistently, I can't move the outside. Right now I've got them under 7, 100 watt Compact fluorescent bulbs - the kind from the hardware store - 18 hours on, 6 off. Been close to a week. I'm not seeing much of any growth progress though. They're not dying, but not prospering much either. Are these bulbs okay for grow lights? I know they're not the best option, but all I have ATM. Thanks in advance.

Ziffy

7 100 watt bulbs is overkill for young plants do you have any photos? Try 4 bulbs, 100w per plant is a good rule of thumb. How far away are you keeping them from the plants?

 

[bobbinweave]

No pictures yet, but they are just starting their second set of leaves. Most of the bulbs are relatively far away, meaning 6 - 8 inches. Only 1 is under 6"

 

[DesertGrow89]

No pictures yet, but they are just starting their second set of leaves. Most of the bulbs are relatively far away, meaning 6 - 8 inches. Only 1 is under 6"

Also reduce the height above the plants to four inches. What medium are your plants growing in? Are you waiting for the first few inches of soil to dry out before watering?

 

[bobbinweave]

I can't get them all to within four inches, which is why I have 7 bulbs. They are currently in those little expandable peat pellet things. I'm going to to put the whole pellet in slightly larger peat pots with potting soil as the pellets themselves dry out too quickly. I'm going out of town for a few days this week, and I think the chance of them drying out completely is too great while I'm gone. Those pellets don't hold moisture very well