

Another advantage of fluorescent tubes? They are relatively thin and can fit well into small spaces. More details below: 1) Fluorescent Tubesįluorescent tubes come in a variety of intensities, more efficient and longer lasting than incandescent bulbs but not as intense as HPS lighting (discussed later). There are two main types of fluorescent bulbs: Fluorescent tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's). Fluorescent lights will commonly be used for growing vegetables and herbs indoors. Fluorescent Lights (CFL) Can fluorescent lights grow plants? We will discuss why incandescent light for urban farming will never be the best idea at the end of this post, but first.

Looking for more ways to grow and showcase your plants? Check out our stories on the best greenhouse kits, the best plant stands, and the best raised garden beds.The three main categories of grow lights are 1) Fluorescent lights 2) high-pressure sodium (HPS) sometimes referred to as HID (High intensity discharge) 3) light emitting diodes (LED) Incandescent lights (common light bulbs) can also be used. We only selected products with an average customer rating of 4 stars or more, and we read dozens of reviews to get a sense of how each product performs in real-life applications. We evaluated each product based on factors such as its size, installation requirements, energy use, and bulb life, prioritizing options that are easy to use for gardeners of all skill levels.

To find the best grow lights to suit different setups, we looked for top-rated products in a wide range of styles. Other factors to consider as you shop include the light’s ability to be dimmed, whether it has a built-in timer, and lifespan. For instance, low-light plants and seedlings only need a PPF of 100–200, while fruiting vegetables need a much higher PPF of 400–500. PPF is the number of photons that a light produces per second, and different PPF levels are better for different types of plants. However, you’ll want to look at each product’s light output, which is indicated by its PPF rating. Most LED grow lights have full-spectrum bulbs, which give off both cool and warm light to replicate natural sunlight. You’ll also want to consider the more technical aspects of grow lights as you shop. Just to name a few, there are stick-on LED grow light strips and LED grow lights with a clip to attach to a shelf or desk, as well as classic hanging grow lights for single plants or large indoor gardening setups. LED grow lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, so you’ll want to consider where you plan to use the light.
