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The Importance of Proper Hydroponic Lights

Organic gardening is considered to produce the healthiest and best tasting fruits and vegetables, so many people have begun to grow their produce in a gardening method called hydroponic. Lights play a very important part in these gardens, which are grown indoors away from natural light sources.

Any plants require basic elements for optimal growth; nutrients, moisture, temperature and light. When developing a hydroponic garden, all of these considerations must be provided to achieve the desired results. It is relatively easy to supply nutritional elements, proper humidity and the proper temperature for growing plants, but it can be a bit more challenging to replicate the sun’s functions.  This is because light is not a simple matter. Its composition is actually a complicated spectrum of “temperatures” of colors that range from red to violet. A rainbow is evidence of this fact.  The primary color palette of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet reflect the temperature of light as it is affected by water particulates in the air. Plant life, in particular, are sensitive to these color temperatures, and receive the most benefit from red and blue temperatures of light.

Due to this fact, hydroponic lights are generally used in combinations of these two colors. A system that uses each type, or one that switches between the two, will feed the plants through chloroplast. Blue light encourages leaf and flower production, while red light promotes growth in terms of height and fullness.

As important as it is for plants to receive light, it is equally important that they receive periods of darkness. Although just about any plant can grow in continuous light conditions, they will perform best with the combination of light and dark. Flowering and seeding are two plant functions that are affected by the amount of darkness they endure during their growth cycle. When setting up an indoor garden that includes hydroponic lights, this fact must be taken into consideration.

Choosing a light system for your hydroponic garden will depend on the size of the garden and the type of plants. High density discharge (HID) lights, which include metal halide and high pressure sodium lamps; fluorescent lights; incandescent lights and LED lights are the most utilized types of illumination for hydroponic gardening.

Growing plants in a hydroponic setting will allow healthy and delicious fruits and vegetables to be grown throughout the year in your own home. Providing the right conditions, include light, will result in your own great crop and harvest of organic produce.

Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System
List Price: $72.25
Sale Price: $53.52
You save: $18.73 (26%)
 

Description

The 4 ft wide Jump Start T5 Grow Light System is ideal for seedlings, cuttings, flowers and house plants. The super efficient T5 lights help you grow faster by providing 15-20% more lumens than traditional grow lights...

Features

  • Light system for starting seeds, propagating cuttings, and growing indoor flowers and houseplants
  • Feather-touch height-adjustment mechanism raises or lowers fixture easily; energy efficient
  • Premium-quality UL/CSA-listed fluorescent fixture with wide reflector provides maximum coverage
  • T5 high output grow light fixture and bulb. 6' grounded cord with on/off switch
  • Measures approximately 50 by 18-1/2 by 30 inches; full 1-year warranty