Hey everyone! I'm feeling proud but a bit nervous about my gardening plan this year. Last year didn't go so well as I planted my store-bought seedlings way too late—let's just say a trip to Lowes turned into a scramble. But surprisingly, my crop turned out okay! This year, I want to get it right from the start.
I've set up some seed trays with clip lights, but my enthusiasm took a hit after reading some online critiques about those $20 lights not being effective. So, I spent my day upgrading my setup. We're in an apartment and moving soon, so it's got to be portable.
My main concerns are: 1) Am I going to be able to figure out how to adjust my light levels in time to save my plants if necessary? 2) Should I be using heating pads for my seed trays? Thanks in advance for any tips!
2 Answers
I think you're on the right track! You're right to worry about light levels—better to err on having too much light than too little. Even with LED lights, they won’t cook your plants like old-school grow lights can. My Barrina lights are set about 8 inches away from seedlings and it’s worked wonders!
As for heating pads, they’re usually helpful for seeds that can’t handle cold temperatures. If you're not sure whether to use them, just check the ideal germination temp for your seeds—if they prefer cooler soil, skip the heat mat!
To answer your first question: yes, you'll be able to adjust your lights as needed! Start them about 2-3 inches above your seedlings. If you notice them stretching (getting leggy), that’s a sign they need more light. On the other hand, if you see purple spots or curling leaves, it could mean they're getting too much light. Just keep an eye on them and fine-tune as you go.
Regarding heat mats, they're great for warmth-loving seeds like peppers and tomatoes, but not all plants benefit from them. Cold weather crops like lettuce may struggle if kept too warm. So, only use them if your seeds need that extra warmth for germination! Good luck with your setup!
Yeah, definitely keep raising and lowering those lights as needed. It sounds like you’ve got a good plan! And for the heat mats, just remember—only use them for the plants that actually need that extra heat.
Thanks for the reassurance! I’m using Barrina lights too, so it’s great to hear they’ve been successful for you. I’ll keep those tips about the heating pads in mind!