What kind of lamp to highlight the seedlings on the window. Lighting for seedlings and flowers. Basic rules for a good lighting system

Participant

The fifth season I grow seedlings under the lamps. Proper seedling It turns out in the apartment only if you light it up. The fight against pulling seedlings with cold is like bonsai (plant oppression). If as a hardening effect, then it is possible before landing for several days (which is optional). The main thing from which seedlings are pulled out is the lack of lighting. In the phase of cotyledon leaves, it is possible to highlight for 3 days without a break, when the first true leaves appear within 12-16 hours a day. It is possible completely on arts. light (in the corner of the room, even in the basement). The el.timer is programmed (to the socket). Lamps as close as possible to the sprouts. What is bright for us is dark for a tomato. Each sprout in a separate glass is not less than 045L. Under the lamps 60x60 (usual ceiling lamps under the "Amstrong") at first about 30 cups. More space is needed later. If you have to artificially grow more lamps to the end (and the electricity bill).

Spring is time great work. And not just for people. In the most favorable period allotted by nature, they also work. They germinate through the "shell" of the seed, break through the ground, throw out the first pair of leaves. And they grow, they grow tirelessly.

The main condition for active development for all vegetation without exception is a sufficient amount of sunlight, which directly affects the level of photosynthesis.

And since all gardeners and flower growers are in a hurry to plant crops and start growing seedlings in the winter months, the lack of natural sunlight is compensated by a seedling lamp.

Let there be light, or Physics is omnipresent

Habitual for visual perception of a person and necessary for the life of all things, ordinary daylight, which is commonly called white, has a wide

If you turn to physics and decompose the beam into components, then you can admire the waves of different colors and different lengths and still not see anything unfamiliar. Everything, as in the famous counting rhyme: "Every hunter wants to know ..."

All the colors that make up the rainbow are always proportionally present in sunlight, and most of them are very necessary for plants to develop and grow properly.

In the gloomy winter months, when it is too short and cannot provide the amount of sun they need, caring owners buy or build their own lamps to illuminate seedlings. Turned it on - and the day continues in the mini-garden.

Offset towards red and blue. biological necessity

Although vegetation needs light, not all spectral regions are perceived equally by it. After a lot of research, biologists have come to the conclusion that most representatives of garden flora need the blue and red colors of the spectrum the most.

Red light has a positive effect on seed germination. When the young stem just rises from the ground, it is in a bent position (almost like a baby in the womb). And in order for a young plant to “understand” that it is already above, and not underground, and straighten up, red lighting is needed, which can start the process of photosynthesis and growth.

The blue region of the spectrum is responsible for cell division, the emergence of new strong shoots.

to yellow and green colors plants practically do not react - they reflect useless elements of the spectrum from the surface of the leaves.

When installing a lamp to illuminate seedlings, it is necessary to take into account the spectral preferences of vegetation and choose those in which the spectral shift is observed in favor of red and blue.

Indoor greenhouse needs a light bulb

Despite the small size of most modern apartments an enthusiastic gardener will always find a place to grow seedlings of his favorite crops. As a rule, this honorable role is assigned to the window sill.

But even when the window sill is full of light on short winter days (it's time for germination), even being at the window, the plants do not receive the amount of sun that would provide them active growth and development.

The lack of light has a very negative effect on the condition of the shoots: they are weak, lethargic, exhausted, unnaturally long and always strive to bend down.

To avoid such a dull spectacle, it is necessary to provide the plants with a source of artificial light immediately after planting them in the ground.

seedling lamp in singular copes with its function only if the illuminated area is small. And if the greenhouse does not occupy the windowsill, but the whole room? Then there should be a lot of lighting. Although gardeners and flower growers complain that LED lamps for seedlings are a very expensive necessity, another the best option to provide themselves with high-quality "tops and roots" have not yet been invented.

Seedling lamps: cheap and useless

The natural desire of everyone who grows seedlings for themselves is to save money. Therefore, kulibins for their own greenhouses come up with a variety of ways to ensure a minimum of costs (energy in the first place) during the growing period.

A do-it-yourself seedling lamp is the first of all known options. It is done elementarily: you need to screw any light bulb into the cartridge, even an ordinary one with a tungsten filament, highlight the seedlings and wait for the results.

But such haste in decisions and actions, alas, will not give positive results.

In order to properly illuminate seedlings, it is necessary to understand the laws of biology, which were discussed a little higher, and to figure out which of the colors of the spectrum the plant needs for vegetation.

A seedling lamp can't just be bought in the chandelier and light department. It is entrusted with a function more important than just shining, it must influence the growth processes.

Phytolamps: varieties, characteristics

With all the richness of choice, only three types of phytolamps are recognized as the most optimal in providing strong seedlings, which means a high yield.

The most popular and sought-after lamps for growing seedlings:

• Luminescent. Attractive in terms of price, but consume too much electricity.
• the average price segment, the percentage of energy consumption they have is lower than in fluorescent ones, but inconvenient bulkiness and the risk of explosion from moisture are limiting factors when choosing.
• for seedlings. The price of the light bulb itself is quite high, but subsequently they bring huge savings, because they are durable (their power is enough for 6-12 years of continuous operation) and not energy-intensive (they absorb electricity three times less than fluorescent ones), they contain the colors "favorite" by plants radiation - blue and red.

When do plants need extra light?

Not only the spectral color is important for the active development of plants, but also the intensity and duration of illumination. On gloomy days, lamps for lighting seedlings are not recommended to be turned off completely.

But you should not be too zealous, amplifying daylight with lamps. On a fairly bright day, the seedling lamp is used as a kind of tester: it must be turned on to determine the need for illumination. If, when turned on, the illumination has improved significantly, additional lighting should be continued. And if the light in the greenhouse did not increase and the difference before and after turning on the lamp remained unnoticed, there is no need to highlight it, it will only result in energy costs.

Distance between seed and light source

Everything is simple here: the greater the power of the lamp for additional illumination of seedlings, the farther it should be from the plants.

You can, of course, measure distance with a ruler. But not necessary. There is another way that allows the gardener, figuratively speaking, to visit the place of the plant.

You just need to put your hand under the light at the place where it is planned to place the pot with the sprout. If there is a feeling of warmth, the lamp must be moved away or raised. With a close location of the light source, the plant will feel uncomfortable.

If the phytolamp seems too expensive

Or it doesn’t even seem like it, but the way it is: special lamps designed to illuminate sprouts are really expensive, and not every average gardener can afford this luxury - to take care of young seedlings in accordance with all the rules.

Sometimes, succumbing to instability financial condition, the rules have to be broken and in search of an answer to the question: “What lamps for seedlings can be used instead of special ones?” - find whole line alternative options.

One of them is the use of the most common, non-phyto, wide spectrum LEDs. For plants, they are optimal, since they have the red and blue areas necessary for vegetation, and for humans, too, since they are affordable.

Making a budget lamp for flowers and seedlings

There is no such gardener who would not like to bother with various devices to improve the vegetative functions of his beloved vegetation.

The arrangement of an artificial sun is one of the essential conditions growth. Therefore, true lovers of the garden and vegetable garden devote maximum time and attention to this issue.

The most primitive do-it-yourself seedling lamp is created within five minutes. You just need to screw the LED light bulb into a regular socket. But this method is for lazy people. And the one who was "born a gardener" cannot be lazy, so he works on creating a lighting system a little longer and more seriously - for two whole hours.

For work you will need:

• 4 corners 20x20;
• flexible from 120 pcs. lamps with a power of 20 W / m.

The assembly scheme will require only sticking a tape with lamps on the corners. Budget - about 700 rubles.

Plants will be grateful

In principle, under conventional LEDs, all vegetation feels great: it develops quickly and actively, it throws out the notorious first two leaves on time.

Whites are great for growing seedlings of flowers and peppers, because they have a sufficient percentage of blue spectral color. And for tomatoes, it is better to choose lamps with red lighting. At a certain stage in the development of one of blue color becomes insufficient for them.

LEDs are becoming an excellent outlet for those who run greenhouses. In the autumn-winter low-sunshine period, thanks to a crumb-light bulb, you can collect a fairly decent crop of vegetables and please yourself with a riot of spring flowers.

Plants also need additional lighting. winter garden. Despite the fact that they are usually placed on verandas and in the most bright rooms.

Seedlings of flowers, vegetables, other horticultural and ornamental crops need not only enhanced nutrition, watering, but also a sufficient amount of light. Since in our climate it is necessary to start growing already in February-March - when the daylight hours are still not long enough, additional lighting for seedlings is definitely needed.

Consider the issue of arranging artificial lighting for seedlings, find out which lamps are best to use, how to make the backlight yourself.

Experienced growers are well aware of the importance of additional lighting for young plants. And they see the results of favorable light exposure every year, harvesting. Since natural daylight is still short at the end of winter and early spring, additional lighting must be used. However, it is important to know what effect certain light spectra have on plants.

So, the red and blue shades of the spectrum help to activate metabolic processes in plant tissues, accelerate the production of useful chlorophyll, and stimulate photosynthesis.

For seedlings, green and yellow shades spectrum - they accelerate the growth of plants. The ultraviolet shade is also important - it acts as a natural bactericidal protection of seedlings from harmful microorganisms.

Orange shades of light rays bring the beginning of the fruiting period closer. Most often, lamps of the orange spectrum are therefore not used for seedlings, but for the speedy ripening of vegetables in greenhouses in winter.

For the first time, supplementary lighting for seedlings was used by our compatriot Andrei Famintsin in 1868. Now, few gardeners and gardeners present their work without this important aspect.

After all, if you do not provide seedlings with a sufficient amount of light, the following negative consequences are likely:

• slow plant growth;
• violation of the processes of photosynthesis, metabolism;
• weak immunity, diseases.

Well, as a result of all this - a weak harvest

If the processes of photosynthesis are inhibited, this will negatively affect both appearance plants, and on the development of its root system. With a lack of light, weak, twisted, "rachitic" plants are obtained, twisted and lethargic. What kind of harvest can there be, think for yourself.

The most optimal level of illumination for seedlings is considered to be 8 thousand lux. Lamps of artificial origin can provide illumination of 6,000 lux, which is quite enough, given that there will also be natural light.

What kind of light is needed?

In order for seedlings to grow actively and fully develop at home, not to get sick, it is necessary to take into account the requirements for artificial lighting. We will discuss these requirements in more detail below.

The first step is to understand that additional lighting is just a way to add light, and not heat or a device for drying air.

It is important to choose lamps with soft beams - plants will not like the lighting at point-blank range, too intense and directional.

It is also necessary to take into account the distance at which the lamp will be located - the lamps should not be close to the plants, but should not be located at a considerable distance from them. To check if the lamps are at a sufficient distance, place your palm between the lamp and the seedlings, as close to the plants as possible - the hand should feel a pleasant, slight warmth.

Provide the ability to change the distance, as well as the very location of the lamps, their orientation. For this, preference should be given to light sources with the possibility of regulation.

Before picking seedlings, try to provide the latter with blue shades of the spectrum, as well as ultraviolet, so that the plants grow well, grow stronger and do not get sick. Well, after picking, it is important to pay attention to metabolic processes, so adjust the lamps to the red shades of the spectrum.

Illumination methods and types of lamps

At home, you can highlight seedlings in two ways:

• naturally on the windowsill;
• artificial lamps.

But since, even if the containers are located on the south side of the apartment, they still will not have enough natural light, they have to use artificial lighting. Next, we will consider in detail the types of lamps that can be used to create additional lighting.

Incandescent lamps

Many inexperienced farmers believe that you can place a few ordinary "Ilyich's bulbs" above the seedlings, and everything will be fine. However, above we considered all the spectral shades necessary for the normal development of young plants - and so, incandescent lamps cannot provide the required spectrum in full. They just don't have the spectrum.

But ordinary lamps “eat” electricity in a huge amount, besides, they emit much more than light, they don’t emit as much energy. desired seedlings heat. Thus, as a result of using incandescent lamps, seedlings often get burns on tender leaves and dehydration instead of growth and active development. And sometimes it just dries up.

Now almost all professional gardeners have come to the consensus that to achieve successful harvests using incandescent lamps to illuminate seedlings is impossible.

Fluorescent

An excellent option, a wonderful source of ultraviolet rays, so important for the formation of normal plant immunity.

Thanks to fluorescent lighting, seedlings grow very quickly, and their foliage acquires a beautiful intense green hue. Pathogenic microbes under the intense influence of ultraviolet quickly die, so that the plants do not get sick. In addition, this lamp illuminates without heating the air around, so the seedlings do not dry out and do not get burned.

Note that in the luminescent spectrum there are many violet, blue and blue rays - so useful for the development of the root system of plants.

In addition, on sale you can find lamps with a different spectrum:

• warm for the flowering period;
• cold for intensive growth;
• daytime universal.

The disadvantages of fluorescent lamps include minimal amount red waves in the spectrum. And as we have already found out, red light is very important for the full development of plants. In addition, fluorescent lamps are not powerful enough, so they do not provide active influence and acceleration of seedling growth. For high-quality lighting of seedlings, they will need several, which is uneconomical.

When choosing, look at the abbreviation on the package: LB and LBT lamps are suitable for seedlings, but such as LDC and LD are not. The last two categories of lamps can inhibit the vital activity of seedlings, so they are not used.

Lighting with fluorescent bulbs is undesirable when growing citrus seedlings, as well as cucumbers and tomatoes.

sodium

These are the brightest lamps of all used to create artificial lighting. Note that the spectral parameters of sodium lamps optimally meet all the needs of plants.

Lamps make it possible to independently form exactly the spectrum that plants need most of all in a given period. In addition, the light emitted by sodium lamps is pleasant to the human eye and does not irritate it at all.

Important: be careful when buying such lamps: they are divided into two categories - low pressure and high pressure. It is the last category that you need to choose to create highlights.

Sometimes sodium lamps are equipped with a mirror reflector, which helps to spread the rays over a large area, which is good for plants and saves you money.

Cons - sodium lamps heat up quite a lot, besides, they are not the safest in everyday life. After all, heavy substances such as mercury and sodium salts are used for their production. In addition, plants should be more carefully illuminated with them: you can not turn on the sodium lamp if voltage drops occur in the network.

If the external air temperature drops, sodium lamps will work less efficiently - given fact also needs to be kept in mind. To illuminate seedlings, the power of the lamp must exceed 100 watts.

LED

These types of lamps are gaining more and more popularity in recent years. Thanks to LED lamps, you can significantly save on electricity, get all the most necessary spectral colors for the full growth and development of seedlings - including red and blue colors at the same time.

In addition, LED lamps can be located at the closest distance from plants, even close to the leaves: they do not radiate heat at all. As a result of using such a backlight, the air does not dry out, and the plants do not receive excess heat.

LED lamps can achieve acceleration of photosynthesis processes, which leads to more active and rapid development of plants. Cons LED backlight not detected.

Halogen

Not the best option: halogen lamps are quite bright and heat up little, but over time, their light output decreases significantly. However, as a source of red spectrum rays, halogen lamps are very well suited - most often they are used in this capacity.

induction

These lamps are economical, have a high degree of light output. Bispectral luminaires with red and blue light are best suited for plants. Induction lamps do not flicker, thanks to which the light is distributed very evenly. Minus - heat up.

Phytolamps

These devices are intended exclusively for agricultural work, therefore they are sold in specialized gardening stores. The devices are quite complex, besides they have a considerable cost. When buying them, it is important to consider many factors: specifications phytolamps, service life, degree of heating, dimensions, lighting area, etc.

Since phytolamps are designed specifically for this specific purpose, it is very convenient to highlight seedlings with them. They consume little electricity, they do not need additional cooling. Several properly selected phytolamps completely replace the lighting of the greenhouse.

Phytolamps are created on the basis of fluorescent lamps, however, their spectrum is changed in a specific way - it is pink-violet, it provides a large number of the most important red and blue rays. Due to the specific, unnatural spectrum for human eyes, it is undesirable to use phytolamps in a residential area.

However, if there is no way to grow seedlings other than at home on the windowsill, use reflectors. In this case, the light emitted by the phytolamp will not spread around the room. As a reflector, you can use a piece of white cardboard, as well as foil.

Cons - sometimes phytolamps provoke headache in highly sensitive people. And, of course, their cost does not always justify the purchase.

How to do?

In order for artificial lighting to fully meet the needs of the plant owner, it is best to make it yourself. Learn how to make your own LED lighting.

The first step is to prepare necessary tools and consumables:

• the lamp itself with a cartridge;
• power cord;
• beacon made of galvanized steel with stiffeners and perforation;
• nuts, bolts;
• pliers or pliers.

1. Bend the lighthouse with pliers into a rectangular frame according to the size of your windowsill.
2. In the middle of the frame, install a support stand of two parts - the lower vertical bars and the upper U-shaped.
3. Fix the structure with bolts and nuts.
4. To make the fastening more rigid, and the frame does not fall apart during operation, fix the structure on both sides.
5. Attach the lamp socket (or several sockets) to the top of the resulting frame with bolts.

Lighting must be safe, so first of all, exclude any possibility of a lamp igniting, getting water on the backlight, and the possibility of a short circuit.

Use reflectors to diffuse the light and expand its area. This will result in a more economical use of electricity and will create non-directional light that is useful for seedlings.

Choose the optimal distance for the location of the fixtures. If LED lamps are used, the optimal distance will be 10-40 cm from the seedlings.

Do not forget about the advantages of using LED lamps as lighting:

• small size, compactness;
• saving electricity;
• full assimilation of the emitted spectrum by plants (99%);
• intense, bright light;
• long term services;
• safety and environmental friendliness;
• non-susceptibility to external factors - resistance to breaking, temperature changes, decrease-increase in air humidity.

seedling rack

If the seedlings are not located on the windowsill, but in a place devoid of natural light, it is best to make a special convenient rack for it in this case. This design is assembled and disassembled, takes up little space and is quite simple to do.

In this case, lamps can be placed above the shelves of the rack so that the plants receive sufficient lighting from all sides. It is best to build such a rack from wooden slats and shelves.

The stronger the light bulb is able to heat up, the higher above the seedlings it must be placed. Otherwise, burns and overdrying of the air cannot be avoided.

Keep in mind that you need to highlight seedlings in different periods with different intensities. For example, immediately after planting the seeds, you need to illuminate the containers for whole days with blue light, and after the emergence of seedlings, add red.

To different cultures it is necessary to show individual approach. Not all plants are equally thermophilic, some simply cannot stand excessive heat. Consider this fact when choosing lamps.

In addition, the need for daylight for seedlings of different crops is also different:

• tomatoes need 14-16 hours;
• pepper - 9-10 hours;
• cabbage - 16 hours;
• cucumbers - 13-15 hours.

Observe the reaction of plants to the backlight and zoom in, move away, turn the lamps in time, if necessary. Avoid burns from too close illumination or excessive elongation, thinness of stems from too distant. If you notice that the stems grow crooked, sideways, then the lamps must be placed on top so that the seedlings level out.

Immediately after planting the seeds, the distance from the lamp to the container can be 12-14 cm, but after germination and as they grow, move the lamps 20-25 cm away from the container.

So, the creation of additional lighting is a measure necessary for the full development of seedlings. As we found out, it is best to use LED or special phytolamps - these devices are practically devoid of drawbacks. And you can build a comfortable backlight with your own hands - there would be a desire.

The health of seedlings is directly dependent on daylight hours. Lack of light threatens with poor development and wilting of seedlings. Ordinary light sources cannot affect seedling growth. Special illumination lamps have a beneficial effect on the process of cell division and elongation in seedlings.

Sunlight influences important chemical processes. In plants, under its influence, the process of photosynthesis occurs, the conversion of carbon dioxide into oxygen and water. Without sun rays or if the lighting is not long enough, the green mass will lose vital nutrients. The result is a stagnation in development and faded foliage. The stem is very strongly stretched and becomes brittle, and the leaves do not develop. Therefore, illumination of seedlings is an important component of its cultivation.

The effect of light on plants

Sunlight is made up of rays of different wavelengths. Each type has a special effect on seedlings and indoor flowers. Phytolamps are designed to artificially extend daylight hours for plants.

Each color in the illumination of seedlings has certain effects on plants that affect their development in different ways:

• The red and orange spectrum plays an important role in chemical processes. Thanks to them, photosynthesis is carried out. In addition, red light stimulates seed germination and flowering. potted plants. Under their influence, the sprout straightens and begins its growth upwards.

Red light

• The blue-violet spectrum accelerates the period of development. The rays inhibit the growth of the stem itself, thereby preventing it from stretching. At the same time, blue color starts the process of cell division. Due to this, the stem becomes thicker. If we talk about natural nature, in the short day zone, the blue spectrum activates flowering. This is very important for developing plant, since artificial light, for all its positive qualities, cannot fully replace sunlight, and seedlings are prone to stretching. Another feature of the influence of blue color on growing seedlings is the phototropism reaction, in which the growth of plant cells from the side of blue light is slowed down and causes the shoot to bend in its direction.

purple light

• Green and yellow rays practically do not participate in the development of the plant, they are reflected from the plants and are not absorbed by the foliage.

Do-it-yourself lamps for illumination

To save money on professional equipment you can make your own led lamp for seedlings. The easiest way is to use LED strip. Thanks to its flexibility and conductive paths, the material will follow any contours. For work you will need:

• 2 m led strip red spectrum and 30 cm blue;
• PVC sheet, size 20 by 20;
• power supply connector;
• power unit.

Segments 20 cm long are cut from the LED base. The order on the sheet is: three red, one blue, two red, one blue, two red, one blue and three red stripes. The base for the phytolamp is fixed with heat-resistant glue; during installation, be sure to observe the polarity. At the final stage, a connector is attached to the structure. Homemade device hung over a shelf with plants and connected to a power supply. On seedling racks, such a tape can be attached to the reinforcing ribs of the shelf from above.

LED Strip Light

It will be even easier to create a structure from two wooden blocks and a pair of fluorescent lamps. Such lighting must be done on racks of at least 30 cm, it is better to make racks with the ability to move sources to different heights. Although they do not have a heating effect, as the plants grow, it may be necessary to place the lights higher.

energy saving

In the manufacture homemade lamps use of energy-saving incandescent lamps is possible. With minimal power consumption, they have high light output, and the spectrum is close to natural. The device practically does not heat up. The service life is several years. During this time, you can leave it on for 12 hours daily. There are cold, warm and daylight sources of light. They can be alternated as the seedlings grow.

Lamps for lighting

When choosing methods of illumination with the help of lamps, pay attention to the power of the luminous flux, the possible color spectrum and the stability of work throughout the entire operation.

Give preference to mirror lamps with a reflector, their light characteristics remain unchanged during their entire service life.

Modern grow lights provide your plants with additional light with the right spectrum. Each of them has its advantages, but you also need to know about the disadvantages.

Fluorescent lamps LB and LBT (daylight)

Many companies are engaged in the manufacture and sale of lamps. Thanks to spraying on the surface, the spectrum gently dissipates, providing seedlings with growth and development. Fluorescent devices are suitable for lighting large rooms. The elongated tubes fit into the window opening. They can be hung on hooks to adjust the distance from the source to the plant.

Fluorescent lamps

Advantages

The most inexpensive and common type of backlight. During operation, the lamps do not heat up and have a long service life.

Flaws

The disadvantages of the source are not less. Inside the tube is mercury, which makes it chemically hazardous. The light spectrum contains a low proportion of red light. During operation, the structural elements fade, the length of the spectrum decreases. On large areas, you can not do without an additional ballast.

Believe me, once having grown a flower, it is already impossible to stop. This process is not fast, rather complicated, but from this ...

Phytoluminescent (phytolamps)

The unit of measure for luminous flux is called lumen. The value indicates how much light can be received from the fixture. Illumination is measured in lux. 8 thousand lux are considered optimal for germination. Lamp power is measured in watts.

To picking up lighting fixture, it is necessary to calculate the surface area on which containers with plants will stand. This figure is multiplied by the illumination, 8 thousand lux. The resulting product is the minimum number of lumens required to illuminate the surface.

Advantages

Economy and efficiency. They are compact, durable and safe use. The Enrich mirror lamp emits light that is the least irritating to human eyes, Fitosvet-D does not cause overheating of plants, Paulmann's phytolamps do not cause overheating, and have an unlimited service life.

Enrich phytoluminescent lamp

Flaws

A purplish-pink light that is unnatural and may cause headaches. There is a limitation of their use in a residential area without a reflector.

sodium

There are high and low pressure. Between themselves, they differ in the number of lumens. It is sodium lamps that have a similar sunlight range. It is best to use sodium sources in the late stages of plant growth.

Sodium lamps "Reflux" are available in several varieties, which differ in power and emission spectrum.

- DNaZ is able to amplify the light flux and selectively direct it with the help of a mirror reflector.

Sodium lamp "Reflax" DNaZ

- HPS - arc without a mirror reflector.

Advantages

They consume little energy, while the light output remains high. Service life unlike other phytolamps is very high. The ability to create a light flux that has a beneficial effect on photosynthesis.

Flaws

Among the shortcomings, the high heating of the elements can be noted, it will be necessary to mount the control device. After switching on, the source warms up for several minutes. The spectrum of sodium devices attracts insect pests.

LED

Luminaires of the latest generation with a lot of advantages. The main one is significant energy savings (3 times less than fluorescent ones). You can combine several sources with different spectra in order to increase or decrease the beam flux at a certain moment. LEDs do not contain harmful substances and are therefore completely safe for humans. During operation, the lamps do not heat up.

LED bulbs

The LEDs used in these lamps distribute a bright and even beam of light. And most importantly, they are able to provide plants with their favorite color radiations - red and blue, which are so necessary for successful photosynthesis throughout the growing season.

Advantages

Miniature. On a small plane, it will be possible to place several dozens of such lamps or combine several flat lamps with LEDs into one design. Connected to a single power source, they are able to provide plants with even bright light around the clock, without spending a large number energy.

Flaws

The big disadvantage is the high price. Due to directional action, you will have to buy more lamps than originally planned.

Each owner dreams of seeing his garden well-groomed not only in the blooming season. When the sunny day is shortening, and the heat ...

Lighting nuances

Light position and distance

The distance from the plant to the lamps should not be less than fifteen centimeters. The faster the sprout is pulled out, the higher the lamp should be raised. Illumination of seedlings is located horizontally. If you need to highlight climbing plant, then the artificial source is installed vertically. Its incorrect location will ruin the seedlings.

When buying a lamp, keep in mind that the height of its rise should not be limited and be at least 35 centimeters.

Required time

The time for additional illumination depends on the weather and the length of the day. Potted flowers usually require fourteen hours of light. Seedlings need an average of 12 hours. The lights are on in the morning and off in the evening. Seedlings in the first days after germination are illuminated around the clock, but illumination cannot be used at night, this will disrupt the biorhythm of plants. Industrial scale, backlight application for cultivation flower seedling also used around the clock.

Without reflectors most of spectrum will be wasted. Such a reflector is designed to keep the rays above the plantings, and it can be made from a mirror or foil, mounted on a window frame with a slope that allows you to direct the flow of light towards the plants. To do this, you can successfully use the reflection of sunlight.

Mistakes in using conventional lamps

Some believe that you can extend the day of seedlings with the help of ordinary incandescent lamps. In fact, this light source is a miniature heater: it actively releases heat. The luminous flux takes only 4% of the radiation. The incandescent spectrum does not meet the needs of plants.

If you place a light source close to the seedlings, it will cause a burn on the foliage. Simple incandescent lamps hurt the family budget due to the power consumption. Heat may cause a fire during operation.

A lamp for illuminating seedlings of flowers should not perform simple lighting functions, it should influence growth processes with the help of its color radiation.

Making additional lighting for seedlings at home is not so difficult. But with the help of what lamps to build a backlight? This is a question that requires further thought. Let's figure out how to make a backlight with your own hands, and how, in fact, to highlight. Additional information - in the video and numerous photos.

Optimum choice of lighting fixtures

On cloudy days in February, when a thin, weak stalk of a small seedling desperately breaks into the light, we simply have to help it. You need to install an additional "sun". That is, place lighting devices above the seedlings so that the daylight hours for the “kids” increase, and they rise more actively.

Additional lighting for seedlings can be arranged using a fluorescent lamp

So, what can we offer young seedlings?

1. Incandescent lamps. This is not the best option, because they heat more than they shine. Such lighting will dry out the green parts of plants, and even consume a lot of electricity. The only plus is that the lamp itself is inexpensive.
2. Daylight lamps. The thermal radiation of fluorescent lamps is low, which means that they can be placed directly above the plants. Lamps are economical and have a long service life. The only negative is that they are low-power, so for high-quality illumination, you will need to use 2-3 lamps at the same time.
3. Mercury-fluorescent lamps. They have good light characteristics, they work for about 5 years. But if they are accidentally broken, then the mercury vapor contained there will damage not only greenery, but also people. Such lamps must be recycled after use.
4. Phytolamps. These are the same fluorescent lamps, only they emit color in a certain light range. It is believed that the plant is actively developing if the light falling on it consists of blue-violet and red-pink rays. The phytolamp gives just such a spectrum, but it is harmful to people, so it must be covered with special reflectors.
5. LED lamps and strips. Rapidly gaining popularity among vegetable growers. Their features are the red spectrum of illumination, long service life, low heating temperature and economy.

Additional lighting from a cardboard box

As long as you choose the best option, it will be useful to get acquainted with the simplest and economical way seedling illumination.

Tip: Before you "fence the garden", find out if your seedlings really need additional light. Aim a light fixture at half of the seedling box. If there is no difference between the illuminated and unlit part, then there is enough light. If the difference is significant, then the plants really need an additional lighting system.

1. First you need to measure the size of the container with seedlings.
2. Choose cardboard box so that it is slightly larger than your seedling box.
3. Cut off the top and sides of the box so that there are 1 cm high sides.
4. Line the bottom and sides with foil. Fasten it to the sides with a stapler, so that the foil is higher than the sides.
5. Put the box with seedlings in a box on the windowsill, closer to the light.
6. As a result, the seedlings will receive additional light reflected from the foil.

The method is good, but if you grow a lot of seedlings, then you cannot do without lamps.

How many "lux" does a seedling need?

Optimum for the development of seedlings of tomatoes, peppers and eggplant is light from 6 to 8 lux. And more light-loving exotic plants ask for 10 to 12 lux. For comparison: at the end of February, when the sun pleases us with light for a maximum of 8 hours a day, the illumination in sunny weather is 2 thousand lux. And on cloudy days - 500 lux.

In order to meet the needs of seedlings as much as possible, daylight hours should be about 15 hours in bright light. This means that the lamps should burn not just in the morning and evening, but throughout the day.

How to position the backlight

In order for the seedlings to grow normally and not burn out, the backlight must be placed in a special way:

1. The optimal location of lighting fixtures is at least 10 cm from the tops of plants. When the seedlings grow up, the lamps will need to be moved. We will consider 2 design options with the ability to change the distance from plants below.
2. For any backlight as additional option It is better to use ordinary foil. It is better to lay it on any surface on which containers with seedlings are located. The rays of lighting devices, in this case, will be reflected, and illuminate the seedlings from below.
3. For any type of additional lighting, you need to choose reflectors. They will increase the efficiency of the backlight and protect people from constant bright light.

Lighting installation options at home

Whatever lamp you choose, you need to think about how to install it. You can make the backlight with your own hands on the windowsill, on the table, on the shelving built by yourself. Some put the seedlings on the open shelves of the cabinet, and the lamp is attached above them.

Tip: If your seedlings are far from the window, then the lighting system should work around the clock!

Let's look at the option of creating a special holder for phyto or fluorescent lamps. It can be placed over a table or any other flat surface.

You will need:

• wooden bars measuring 2 by 4 cm, 1 m long;
• 12 short bars;
• two lamps;
• wire with a switch;
• 2 screws 6 cm each, and 2 screws 4 cm each.

Stages of work:

1. The lamp is fixed on a board 1 m long.
2. On both sides, legs are attached to this board from the sides. For this, 6 bars are used.
3. Similarly, you need to install a second lamp. This time, the configuration of the legs is slightly different, for greater stability, and for the ability to change the height of the structure.
4. Two spacers with lamps must be placed crosswise, one above the other. Place seedlings under them.

You can make such a thing in 3-4 hours. The advantage of this mechanism is durability, that you can change its height, as well as it is easy to transfer if necessary.

You will need:

• boards;
• metal corners;
• wood processing agent;
• bolts or screws.

Stages of work:

1. We determine the required length and width of the rack. It is convenient if it has three compartments.
2. We build open shelves.
3. Each compartment will be illuminated by a lamp attached to the bottom of the top compartment.

The convenience of such a rack is obvious. Shelves for seedlings are arranged one above the other, which saves space. You can put such a bookcase anywhere, not necessarily near the window. The design flaw is that it will not be possible to change the distance from the lamp to the plant.

We hang the lighting device with our own hands

Attention! How to understand at what distance it is better to hang a lighting fixture? Mark a hand under a surface flooded with lamp light. If you feel warm, then the light source needs to be moved.

Let's figure out how to hang any purchased lamp if it does not have its own mounting system. You will need:

• 2 threaded hooks;
• 2 chains;
• fluorescent, LED or phytolamp.

Stages of work:

1. Two dowels must be inserted into the special holes in the lamp.
2. Screw threaded hooks into them.
3. We hang two chains on the rings.
4. Now this suspended structure we can apply on any shelves, nightstands and windows. It is enough just to hang the chains on some ledge. By adjusting the length of the chain, you can raise the lamp higher as the seedlings grow.

Regardless of the type and method of illumination you choose, your seedlings will receive maximum amount Sveta. This means that they will develop perfectly even in the cold and cloudy months. So, you can enjoy an early harvest.

Additional lighting for seedlings - video

Illumination for seedlings - photo