I want to use this light to germinate peppers indoors. I'm wondering if it would warm the soil enough w/o setting it into my table top greenhouse?
873771
Two years ago I had great luck using this to warm the soil and it was enough to aid in germination. My pepper seeds sprouted about 5 days earlier than they did without the added warmth and were heartier. Last year I wanted to try to kick it up a bit more so I purchased a germination mat, but I did not purchase the associated thermostat - bad move! It burned up my seeds! Haven't decided whether I am going to purchase the thermostat or just go with the light this year - but I def will not be using the mat without the thermostat again! Have a great garden this year!
873772
they warmed up nicely when i used these Triangle Bulbs T30083-10 (10 pack) - F24T5/850/HO 24-Watt Straight T5 Fluorescent Tube Light Bulb, 10 Pack
873773
Sue - you don't need light to germinate peppers. My method is to plant seeds at the required depth (on package) in boxes or pots and water well- (I always water newly planted seeds from the bottom ) I put a heating pad on low between two cookie sheets, place the boxes in plastic bags on the sheets. When 50% of the seeds have sprouted, I remove the plastic, take the boxes off the heat and put them under lights (lights should be only 3"-4" above the plants) The Hydrofarm is equipped to raise the lights as the plants grow. Let me know if I can help further. Shirley
1684534
I think it would depend on how quickly you want your seeds to germinate. All seeds are different but 80 degree soil is generally optimum for tomatoes to seeds to sprout. Here in NC the temps are much lower than that, especially at night so this mat has been a great help. I do not recommend using this mat without a thermostat, it is not effective without that added control. Have fun!
164439
If your hood is open and not a tube you could do that BUT cooling the light allies you to keep light at a closer level to plants, more lumens equals less stretch and more growth, also add a carbon filter or it will reek
1990068
I think it would. I use it to grow my plants from seeds. It works well for me in providing stable light source and a bit of heat.
306970
My greenhouse is in constant sun which makes it get extremely hot. I would venture to guess, yes, it would be able to stand a grow light.
360107
I have the 2' model which I often use during the winter months, but I live in the California Bay Area; the temperature rarely gets to 35-40F. The heated mat is supposed to provide warmth (to help sprout seeds) to 20F above ambient. You may need to provide additional heat in your garage depending on how cold it gets outside.
2272865
I believe it would be. I used it to start bedding plants (tomatoes, basil, etc.) and grow them to the plant out stage and the light worked well for this.
2041221
I would say it would. I started plants from seeds March 4th and the tomato plants I have are over a foot tall. I suggest getting a pulley system to attach the light so you can raise the light as the plants grow. I kept the light just a few inches above them when they were smaller and then raised it about 8 inches above them as they got "older". Adjust pulley for light to go higher. After they are well established you can keep it 2-3 feet. 16 hours on/8 hours off. Hope that helps.
1524814
Well, the 4 lights give out twice as much light and enable you to grow plants on a deeper shelf. I really like this light, and last year my seedlings grew better under these lamps than under my 2 light lamps. I didn't find them to put out too much heat, but they do give some warmth, which is good. I made an L-shape growing area with 2 sets of shelves. I put up 2 four-feet lamps on several shelves, and this lamp on the shorter side.
1162199
I don't think it's strong enough for growing plants. I do have plants in my tank but I always end up replacing them after a while as they start wilting away after a while. That light would be inmy opinion only minimally adequate for plants, depending on the type of plants and their needs. Good luck with your growing plans, Benji!
2004178
Surprisingly,for a bulb this size it doesn't give off a lot of heat.I use it for all phases of grow from germination all the way to seedling stage with no burn.It's pretty close at all stages so no worries on your end.They love it and my peppers have never looked this good.Add a little easy listening music and your babies will love you for it. I'm buying a back up bulb just in case,so I don't have any interrupted grow time come February in my grow room. Good luck and happy gardening.
1057429
Yes, I have. All of the really hot peppers are not easy to germinate or to grow. I had to use sterile seed starter soil with no fertilizer additives. I also used a regular Rx heating pad to warm the soil and keep it warm. Soil should be kept just barely moist. It can take up to 3 weeks for the seeds to sprout then keep your eye on them. You'll get a beautiful plant. Another thing to be aware of is the hotter pepper plants do not like direct sunlight something I was not aware of initially. Some of the "Pepper" freak sites will give you very specific instructions on how to get going well...good luck, it's not easy but it's worth it.
2115517
You can use a combinations of things to grow veggies indoors, but I'm not really sure this light alone will do. I am not an expert gardener, but in the years that I been doing it, I can tell you that plants that rip veggies or fruits require a good amount of light. I think your better off with lettuce and other greens
634302
It should do fine. However, as you'll only get a little sun during the summer months, it would be a good idea to get some augment light, such as a small LED grow light. I keep mine indoors all the time -- it's not going to get too big -- and I have augmented light. Just don't let the temperatures get below 60 degrees as it is tropical.
622278
24 watts and 2000 lumens. I grew black pearl peppers from seed and this unit was terrifickeep the light about an inch from the top of the seedlings/plant. If it is too far away then the plants will get leggy.
1267249
I recommend it. I also sue 2 of these AcuRite 00613A1 Indoor Humidity Monitor one inside and one outside. The light may be just what you need to raise the temperature in your baby's greenhouse. in a warm room I almost cooked my seedlings as the temp went up to 93f before I caught it but an a cooler room (68f) it kept the temp about 11 degrees warmer than the ambient temp in the room
1057430
Yes, I have. All of the really hot peppers are not easy to germinate or to grow. I had to use sterile seed starter soil with no fertilizer additives. I also used a regular Rx heating pad to warm the soil and keep it warm. Soil should be kept just barely moist. It can take up to 3 weeks for the seeds to sprout then keep your eye on them. You'll get a beautiful plant. Another thing to be aware of is the hotter pepper plants do not like direct sunlight something I was not aware of initially. Some of the "Pepper" freak sites will give you very specific instructions on how to get going well...good luck, it's not easy but it's worth it. Yes, I have. All of the really hot peppers are not easy to germinate or to grow. I had to use sterile seed starter soil with no fertilizer additives. I also used a regular Rx heating pad to warm the soil and keep it warm. Soil should be kept just barely moist. It can take up to 3 weeks for the seeds to sprout then keep your eye on them. You'll get a beautiful plant. Another thing to be aware of is the hotter pepper plants do not like direct sunlight something I was not aware of initially. Some of the "Pepper" freak sites will give you very specific instructions on how to get going... » Read More Yes, I have. All of the really hot peppers are not easy to germinate or to grow. I had to use sterile seed starter soil with no fertilizer additives. I also used a regular Rx heating pad to warm the soil and keep it warm. Soil should be kept just barely moist. It can take up to 3 weeks for the seeds to sprout then keep your eye on them. You'll get a beautiful plant. Another thing to be aware of is the hotter pepper plants do not like direct sunlight something I was not aware of initially. Some of the "Pepper" freak sites will give you very specific instructions on how to get going well...good luck, it's not easy but it's worth it. « Show Less