“Is there a difference between grow lights and regular lights that you can mount under a cabinet? I started seeds with the latter and everything sprouted but isn’t growing.” Question from Jacqueline of Casa Grande, Arizona
Answer: Yes. There is a big difference between regular shop lights and grow lights. Grow light bulbs cover a fuller light spectrum closer to that of sunlight. Fuller-spectrum lights cover all or most light wavelengths, from infrared to near-ultraviolet, which plants need to gather energy. This is because plant chlorophyll gathers light at all visible wavelengths and beyond (view the chlorophyll wavelength chart by clicking here).
You can achieve a broader or fuller spectrum of light with fluorescent shop bulbs in several ways. The cheapest way is to use a balance of warm/red and cool/blue bulbs (bulb types are indicated on the packages). Together, a warm and cool bulb will cover much of the light spectrum, but not all. Some fluorescent bulbs are specially designed for plant growing and cover more of the spectrum–up to 94%.
In general, fluorescent bulbs are not very strong–meaning their light output is relatively low–so they must be placed just inches above plants for best light reception and growth. Otherwise, your plants might become leggy.
Happy gardening,
Jessie Keith
Black Gold Horticulturist
About JESSIE KEITH
Plants are the lens Jessie views the world through because they’re all-sustaining. (“They feed, clothe, house and heal us. They produce the air we breathe and even make us smell pretty.”) She’s a garden writer and photographer with degrees in both horticulture and plant biology from Purdue and Michigan State Universities. Her degrees were bolstered by internships at Longwood Gardens and the American Horticultural Society. She has since worked for many horticultural institutions and companies and now manages communications for Sun Gro Horticulture, the parent company of Black Gold. Her joy is sharing all things green and lovely with her two daughters.
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FAQs
Answer: Yes. There is a big difference between regular shop lights and grow lights. Grow light bulbs cover a fuller light spectrum closer to that of sunlight. Fuller-spectrum lights cover all or most light wavelengths, from infrared to near-ultraviolet, which plants need to gather energy.
Are grow lights the same as shop lights? ›
“The main difference between grow lights and shop lights is that grow lights usually emit just red and blue wavelength light, while shop lights also emit green wavelength light,” Gary Pilarchik, author of The Modern Homestead Garden: Growing Self-sufficiency in Any Size Backyard, said in a video interview.
Can you use a fluorescent shop light as a grow light? ›
A: Stick with ordinary fluorescent lights. They are readily available, reasonably priced, and work well for seedlings.
Is there a difference between grow lights and regular lights? ›
LED grow lights use a broader light spectrum than regular LED light to mimic natural sunlight. They include specific amounts of blue, white, green and red visible light as well as other non-visible spectrums such as infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV).
Can any light be used as a grow light? ›
A regular light bulb can help plants grow, but the results might not be as satisfactory as those provided by grow light bulbs. That's because grow light bulbs emit a full spectrum of light that plants need to grow and thrive, something which regular light bulbs fail to do.
Can I use regular LED shop lights for grow lights? ›
You can use regular LEDs but you'll get better results with LED grow lights.
Which LED lights can be used as grow lights? ›
The most common type of grow-light bulb is the T5 & T8 LED Tube Light. The bulb is most often found in (more or less) 6,500 Kelvin, which is the color temperature of the light we see at daylight. Traditionally, blue lights would be used to provide plants with this necessary wavelength.
Can a UV light be used as a grow light? ›
In conclusion, UV light, especially UVB light, can be highly beneficial for plants. It can increase growth, yield, and quality. It will also help to improve resistance to pests and disease. However, it's important to use UVB light safely and appropriately to avoid damaging plants.
What is the alternative to grow lights? ›
CFL lights provide an effective and economical alternative to traditional grow lighting systems for plant cultivation. Benefits of using these bulbs include reduced energy consumption, greater efficiency in light production, and lower operating costs over time.
Do grow lights make your electric bill high? ›
Do grow lights use a lot of electricity? Grow lights don't use as much electricity as you may think. If you have a smaller grow, you don't need to set aside hundreds of dollars each month to run your grow lights.
So, as a general rule of thumb, if you're looking to promote vegetative growth, pick lights ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 Kelvin.
What are the most efficient grow lights? ›
The Bottom Line
The best grow light overall is the LEOTER Grow Light for Indoor Plants. Despite the low price, it comes with many different options including three time intervals, three spectral modes, and 10 light levels, and the four gooseneck arms can be easily adjusted.
Do cheap LED grow lamps work? ›
LED grow lights are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and provide an ideal light spectrum for all types of plants. Plus, they have a low heat output, so you won't need to worry about burning your plants if you place the light too close.
Are LED strip lights the same as grow lights? ›
Considering their downside, Regular LED strips aren't taken into consideration as the sole grow light due to the lack of a tailored light spectrum, lower intensity, and limited adjustability, which may cause growers to move on with compromised and stunted growth.
What lights should I put in my shop? ›
Durable: LED lights are made using strong polycarbonate material. Because shop lights typically reside near tabletops and workbenches, they are vulnerable to damage by tools and machinery. Their sturdy nature makes them the perfect lighting choice in your shop.
