Lighting
Light for Hydroponic Plants
Plants need enough light to photosynthesize. Indoors, the light source sets how much a plant can grow, so light is often the limiting factor.
Choosing a Light
- Sunlight: a bright window may suit leafy greens and herbs, but many plants need more light than a window gives.
- LED grow lights: efficient and common for indoor setups. Choose a light sized for the area you are lighting.
- Fluorescent lights: suit seedlings and leafy greens.
Placement and Timing
Follow the manufacturer for mounting height and coverage. Plants that are too far from the light grow leggy and weak; plants that are too close can be damaged by heat. Use a timer to give a consistent day length, and check the crop guide for how many hours of light it needs.
Next: Plants to Grow.
