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What a difference good lights make

Posted by luvahydrangea Albany NY 5 (threehoffmans@nycap.rr.com) on
Sun, Mar 13, 11 at 15:02

These are both Verbena Bonariensis. Both were sown on the same day, both under the same conditions to germinate (heating mat during the day, off at night, under metal halide lamps.) Once they germinated, these were moved under fluorescent grow lights because I needed room for others. Just the 4' full spectrum bulbs you buy at the big box stores, nothing special.
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These I kept under the metal halide lamp and they are so much bigger!
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So I guess it really makes a difference, I think I need to trade those shop lamps for something better. I don't think I can afford another metal halide lamp, not so much because of the initial cost, but the strain its putting on my electric bill. Anyway, just wanted to share.


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RE: What a difference good lights make

I can agree there is a big difference between a florescent lamp(of any quality) and a metal halide. I reliable foot candle meter to measure the amount of light ANYWHERE, can be bought for $25 and stop all the guessing about the amount of light on your plants. Considering how lavishly gardeners spend money on plants and lights that don't do the job. I went through two sets of lamps before biting the bullet and buying the HID. A bulb last me about two years and costs $16 to replace. Al


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