growing under lights in the open

hey guys I have had 2 liights for some time now and am struggling trying to get any ideas for using the spare light. I have a nice little corner of the house which I can put a garden (vegtables) but dont really want it enlcosed for ventilation and suspision purpouses. Is it possible/viable to use a 250watt MH on a few herbs and some sprouting tomatoes and chillies/peppers without reflecting the light? if so will I have to move the light closer to the plants for maximum light exposure, or will the general 1 - 2 foot (30 - 60cms) rule be sufficient. I would like to continuasly use it if all turns out so not to keen on doing it if im wasting my time. Thanks in advance for any hints tips comments and questions.

Cheers kwaka

i think it would work if you could somehow cut off the area and reflect the light. doesnt seem like you want to do that but itll always work better. ive been thinking about something like this for a while but im thinking more for the house im going to build rather than the apartment im living in. ide say try it. itll definately work for getting the plants to maturity but may not be good enough for flowering of the tomatoes/pappers. herbal plants like basil/chive/rosemary etc will work fine but the "fruiting" plants will prolly need a little more.

It will work fine, your just not going to get as much coverage area. You would greatly benefit from a cheap reflector.

thanks guys for the replies. i will be going ahead with it. its just basicly going to bring the plants inside