I'm starting my seeds indoors in a 3x3x3 tent and am confused about the lighting. I've got about 25 seedlings, but my tomatoes are super skinny and growing too tall to support themselves. The peppers are tiny—only about half an inch tall after two months! I'm using a clip-on light that only has 20 watts and I'm running it 12 hours on, 12 off. Is this enough wattage? Also, is it too late for me to start a few more pepper seeds here in Northern California? Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
Those clip-on lights aren't the best for seedlings. I recommend switching to something more powerful. Personally, I use these lights: [link]. I’ve heard you should aim for about 20-40 watts per square foot; do you follow that rule too? They really help in getting those seedlings to grow strong and sturdy.
Wattage isn’t the only thing to consider. I use 20-watt tubes, but I keep them really close to the seedlings—just an inch or two above. It seems like distance can really impact how well the plants grow. Where are your lights positioned? If they're too far away, that could be why your plants aren't thriving.