Grow Light Setup
Sunshine for plants in winter. Cheap.
Why grow lights
- Indoor plants thrive in winter.
- Start vegetables 6-8 weeks before garden.
- Save on starts ($3 each x dozens = saves $50-100).
- Seasonal Affective Disorder — also helps you.
- Keep tropical houseplants happy.
- Year-round salads.
Best grow lights
- Soltech Aspect — beautiful pendant. $200-400.
- Mars Hydro TS-600 — full spectrum. $80.
- Spider Farmer SF-1000 — high quality. $150.
- GE Grow Bulbs — $20 each. Replace any bulb.
- Barrina LED strip lights — $40 for 4. For shelves.
- LED is best — cheap to run, no heat issues.
Setup tips
- Distance from plant: 12-24 inches typical.
- 14-16 hours/day with timer.
- Outlet timer ($10) — automatic on/off.
- Reflective surface behind (mylar or white wall).
- Watch leaves — pale = need more light.
- Brown spots = too close.
Senior-easy stations
- Closet shelf with grow lights.
- Bathroom counter with vanity grow bulb.
- Kitchen countertop herb grow.
- Spare bedroom grow shelf ($150 setup).
- Garage with Mylar walls (winter starts).
- No yard needed — indoor only.
Easy first plants
- Lettuce — 30 days seed to harvest.
- Herbs — basil, mint, parsley.
- Microgreens — fast + nutritious.
- Tomato seedlings (transplant outdoor in spring).
- Pepper seedlings.
- Pothos houseplant — practically indestructible.
Light therapy bonus
Bright grow lights also help YOU. Studies show light therapy treats Seasonal Affective Disorder. 30 min/day at therapy lamp ($60-150 — separate purpose) OR sit near grow lights — mood boost. Free side benefit of plant lighting.