A sufficient amount of light is required for growing seedlings, in conditions of natural deficiency artificial lightning should be used. To get healthy seedlings at any time of the year, learn what equipment is best to choose, what time to include lighting and the installation of lamps to illuminate the seedlings with your own hands. Only competent illumination is safe and effective for seedlings, and errors in calculations often lead to the death of immature crops.
Sprouts under artificial lighting
Why you need to highlight the seedlings
The happy owner of southern windows and balconies has less to worry about artificial light for growing seedlings. The rest should be considered in advance how, where and by what devices it is better to illuminate the developing plants.
It is clear what kind of light is needed for seedlings - the closest to natural. The sun's rays provide plants with the vital energy necessary for photosynthesis. The leaves absorb light and photochemical reactions take place in them, as a result of which organic substances are synthesized from mineral substances.
Homemade fixture
In the conditions of a short day of the cold period of the year, additional lighting of seedlings is simply obligatory. Otherwise, good planting material will not work. The lack of light is depressing, the shoots become weak and frail, they can be strongly drawn out in an attempt to get at least some more sunlight.
If you use additional lighting, the seedlings begin to noticeably stronger and form new leaves, its color becomes more saturated.
The sun sends light to the Earth, consisting of photons (segments of electromagnetic waves of different lengths). The visible white beam can be decomposed into photons of different colors (electromagnetic spectrum), differing in wavelength (the red one has the largest, the blue and violet the shortest).
Effective range of photosynthesis
According to studies, light waves of red and blue colors have the greatest impact on the development of plants. The rays of the blue part of the spectrum (length 400-500 nm) regulate the growth rate and contribute to the formation of thick stems. Red light waves (600-700 nm) provide productive photosynthesis and intensive leaf growth.
Mini rack with backlight
When to highlight seedlings
When the seedlings are located on the windowsill, additional lighting is used in the morning and evening periods of the day (a couple of hours before dawn and 1-2 hours after sunset) in order to increase the total illumination time on short light days of winter. If natural lighting is difficult due to cloudiness, the presence of trees and buildings outside the window and the unfavorable location, then artificial lighting is required more.
If it is impossible to locate containers under the sun, the entire responsibility for providing light energy falls on electrical appliances, which should maintain as close as possible to natural parameters.
Does seedlings need light at night? Seedlings need a period of night rest due to physiological processes. Some of the photosynthesis reactions take place under light absorption conditions (oxidative processes with the release of oxygen and hydrogen, energy storage), and in the dark, the formation of carbohydrate molecules with energy consumption occurs.
Backlight in the evening
Therefore, highlight the seedlings around the clock is not recommended. It is even dangerous to the health of plants, their leaves may be covered with brown spots.
Although some experimenters experiment on round-the-clock coverage of their shoots and claim that the plants grow faster and become stronger.
How much light is needed for seedlings
Developing plants need to provide regular coverage. Saplings should be given sufficient light for about 8-12 hours (more for some crops). The time during which the plants are illuminated depends on how much sun they receive.
For plants, not only the size of the period in which they receive light energy is important, but also its volume. The luminous flux must be the required power, and the luminance (the amount of luminous flux per unit area) must be at least 6000 lux (optimally 8000 lux).
The level of illumination, comfortable for plants, is regulated by approximation of artificial sources or removal, also some lamps allow changing the radiation power.
Nursery on the window
To calculate the level of illumination of seedlings and determine the desired number of lamps pay attention to their power (watts) - for the area of lighting in 1 square. m requires 100-150 watts (when using energy-saving lamps) for the room and 35-50 watts for the window sill.
The light source should emit in the range of 300-800 nm, with the red and blue rays predominating. In order to artificially highlight the most effectively reflected on the development of crops, it should be taken into account that in each period of development for the seedlings need rays of a different spectrum.
For a seed in which there is no chlorophyll yet, the presence of light emission from the red spectrum, which stimulates germination, is important, and even in green shoots it affects the intensity of development.
Blue light does not allow plants to overly draw, promotes cell division and the formation of strong planting material with good immunity. At the very beginning, the rays of the blue spectrum should prevail, then the ratio of red and blue - 2 to 1 (3 to 1), and after picking, an equal number of them is required.
Combined backlight with red and blue light
The choice of lamps for lighting seedlings at home
The product range of lamps and fixtures is quite diverse in types, purpose and price. It is always possible to choose the right device for specific needs and financial possibilities or to buy the necessary equipment for independent production. You should familiarize yourself with the parameters and advantages of different lamps and make the right choice.
LED lamps - cost effectiveness and efficiency
LED illumination of seedlings is considered the best alternative to artificial lighting for plants. Modern LEDs cover the entire visible light range. Therefore, making combinations of different colors, you can get artificial lighting with any necessary spectral composition.
Before choosing LED lamps for seedlings, it is necessary to get acquainted with their main technical characteristics. Compared with other sources, they combine several advantages:
- compact size;
- low level of electricity consumption (1W / hour for 1 diode);
- The efficiency of photosynthetically active (absorbed by plants) radiation is 99%;
- high luminous efficiency (about 100 lm / h);
- long working life (100,000 hours);
- resistance to the influence of external factors (mechanical stress, temperature drops, humidity);
- safety in use.
Plants under LED lighting
Not all LED lamps are suitable for growing plants. Models with LED grow, emitting light in a plant-friendly spectrum, are suitable as LED backlights.
LED strip light can be made by hand. First you need to calculate the required amount of luminous flux. To do this, you need to know the area of crops, suspension height and belt power. LED tape has a sticky base, so it is easy to fix at the required height.
Sodium lamp for seedlings
The so-called agricultural high pressure sodium lamps (NLVD) are traditionally used in domestic practice as an available source of artificial lighting. Compared to LED, they are less efficient and economical, but they are quite applicable at home for lighting small areas of crops.
The performance parameters of sodium lamps are as follows:
- Efficiency of digestible radiation - 26-30%;
- light output value - up to 150 lm / W;
- work period - up to 24,000 hours;
- electricity consumption - more than 70 W / hour for 1 lamp.
NLVD are much cheaper than LED. The main disadvantage of sodium lamps for seedlings is very small (~ 8%) radiation in the blue region of the spectrum, which is partially compensated by introducing special additives into the lamp.
Sodium lamps and the spectral composition of the light emitted by them
Fluorescent lamps for growing plants
Fluorescent lamps are also used for lighting up the plants, but it is advisable to use them only in a small area. Conventional models of such lamps are ineffective in terms of growing plants. Fluorescent seedling lamp should have a two-component phosphor coating with a maximum emission in the blue and red areas.
Their technical parameters are as follows:
- Efficiency of digestible radiation - 20-22%;
- light output value - up to 80 lm / W;
- work period - up to 15,000 hours;
- electricity consumption - about 20-60 W / h for 1 lamp.
Landing under fluorescent lighting
Fluorescent lamps are characterized by low power and insufficient radiation in the red region of the spectrum. Therefore, they are used only at the stage of growing seedlings.
Phytolamps - the perfect choice
Phytolamps - specially designed lamps for plant lighting with a given spectral composition of radiation. In small doses, they also emit ultraviolet light (to impart resistance to low temperatures) and infrared light (a metabolic stimulator). LED - the best fitolampa for seedlings, due to its technical parameters. Luminescent inferior to them in terms of efficiency and quality of the emitted light.
Photo light illumination
Phytolamps are very convenient to use at home. The design of plant luminaires for seedlings allows you to adjust the angle and level of brightness at any time. They are attached to the ceiling or to other surfaces with special fixers.
Phyto light for home
DIY backlighting
Independently fix the lamp is easy, especially if it is a special fitolamp. It is important to correctly calculate the distance from light exposure to seedlings and take care of the brackets.
Homemade adjustable bracket for lighting seedlings
Important rules for the installation of lighting
If you are going to install a backlight for seedlings on the windowsill, you should be guided by the following considerations:
- first of all, to ensure safe operation (to exclude the possibility of moisture on the devices and rollover);
- it is best to place the lamp from above, in this case the lighting reaches the plants as much as possible;
- use reflectors (made of white cloth or foil) to direct the light flux to the right place.
Homemade PVC pipe rack with backlight
When highlighting seedlings in an apartment without a natural source, it would be a good decision to build a special rack (it takes up little space and can be disassembled after use), and place lamps above the shelves. In this case, it is necessary to light up the longest, so you should exclude the possibility of overheating devices.
How far from the seedlings to place lamps for extra lighting
It is important to choose the optimal location of the lamps, if they are too close, the plants can get burned. Long distance significantly reduces illumination, energy is spent inefficiently.
Usually the height at which the lamps are located is within 10-40 cm from the seedlings. At the closest distance, the backlight is placed when the crop is slanted. It should be checked by turning on the light and placing a hand at what distance heat will not be felt. It is desirable that there was a possibility of height regulation with the growth of shoots.
The distance depends on the type of lamp and the age of the seedlings.
Lamps for seedlings can be screwed into an ordinary table lamp or securely fastened together with a cartridge on a self-made stand (with the help of bolts, self-tapping screws or special glue). This may be a rectangular hanging panel or other sustainable design.
For mounting the backlight for seedlings it is very convenient to use brackets (special support parts for vertical fastening). They can be firmly screwed in the right place, where they will support shelves or lamps.
Homemade LED Strip Light
How to make a LED lamp + video
Independently make the simplest lamp as follows:
- Prepare materials and tools - a lamp for lighting with a chuck and power cord, a construction beacon of galvanized steel (has a stiffener and perforation holes), bolts with nuts, pliers (pliers).
- For the manufacture of a stable support bend the beacon in a rectangular frame corresponding to the size of the window sill.
- In the middle, install a vertical stand in the form of a two-part frame - the lower vertical stands and the upper curved U-shaped part. The supports of the rack allow you to adjust the height of the structure by extending to the desired length and fixing the bolts.
- Strengthen mounting rigidity by screwing through the holes in the beacon lighthouse on both sides.
- Attach the lamp holder to the top of the frame with bolts, if required, you can fix several lamps.
Video: The lamp for seedlings with their own hands
Additional lighting for the cultivation of strong seedlings with their own hands is simply necessary and there are plenty of options for every taste and wealth that are easy to do at home. You can make the most of available materials or purchase everything in a set, the main thing is to properly and efficiently highlight young plants, guided by already gained positive experience.
Foreword
Highlighting for seedlings plays the same important role as regular watering and application of top dressings. We will talk about what lighting devices to use in order not to harm the seedlings, but to maximize its quality.
The optimal period of seedling coverage is 12 hours a day. To achieve such indicators in February or March is extremely difficult due to the short daylight hours, cloudy weather. Therefore, without the help of the backlight is not enough. It will help extend the daylight, which is especially important in the initial stages of growth, evenly distribute the flow of light and prevent the seedlings from stretching, and also provide the plant with the necessary color spectrum for vegetation. The main goal when choosing a lighting device - as close as possible to natural lighting. The plant, like a person, needs rest, so the lighting should be turned off at night.
Seedling light
Light has a spectral division into 12 segments, which in turn are divided into primary, secondary and tertiary colors and shades. Each of these flowers has a different effect on the plant. The most important color spectra are red and blue. Red light promotes active seed germination, seedling development and chlorophyll synthesis, and its lack causes dullness and deformation of young seedlings.
Blue light contributes to the inhibition of the growth of the stem, especially of the semi-nuclear part, preventing that for many gardeners is a big problem. Due to the effect of blue light, cell division occurs, because of which the stem thickens and becomes stronger. Orange, yellow and green colors have no effect on the development of the plant. Conventional incandescent bulbs are not suitable for seedlings. They emit only the red-yellow spectrum and heat up too quickly, this can lead to burns of the leaves of the plant and diseases.
Despite the wide variety of modern luminaires for seedlings, fluorescent lamps and tubes do not lose their popularity. They have enough warm radiation, they do not overheat, which makes it possible to hang them at a short distance from the plant. Elongated tube is conveniently placed in the window opening on the hooks and adjustable chains. The productivity of such lamps is high. They are able to work up to 10,000 hours, without reducing the intensity of the light flux.
Fluorescent seedlings
The color temperature of fluorescent lamps may differ, and its indicator is always indicated on the package and is indicated by the unit of measurement K (kelvin). The lower the index, the softer the light of the lamp. The yellow shade of the lamp is in the range from 2700 to 3000 K, the cooler tons with blue tint - 5000-6000 K. For seedlings, it is preferable to use fluorescent lamps whose color temperature is in the range of 4000–4500 K.
Among the ready-made options for highlighting recommend lamp 3 harvests based on three fluorescent lamps. In addition to the luminaires, the kit includes racks and a panel where lamps are hung and inserted. Lifting height is adjustable with built-in fasteners, which is very convenient. According to the manufacturers, such lamps create illumination of 10,000–15,000 lux, thanks to which you can get strong and healthy seedlings even in the absence of sun outside the window.
Today, LED lamps (LED) are actively used in everyday life and in production. Many people recognize LEDs as the best solution for growing seedlings on a windowsill. They combine two important spectra for the plant - red and blue; as a result of their combination, a soft purple tint is obtained. Such light can be unpleasant for us, but the plant responds well to it. LED lamps emit visible light and low heat, which allows them to be placed at a minimum distance from the plant without causing harm to it.
LEDs and phytolamps Bicolor
The price range of such lamps is different, it all depends on the build quality and power LEDs. However, even expensive lights quickly pay off, not only because of the high light output up to 6000 lux, but also because of energy savings. In addition, these lamps are easy to install and operate, they practically do not require any extras.
Phytolamps created on the basis of LEDs are intended for the cultivation of any crops both at home and in the greenhouse. How not to make a mistake with the choice of fitolampy? First of all, pay attention to the body of the lamp or the so-called radiator. It must be made of aluminum or another reliable metal alloy. Such an outer shell indicates the high power of the lamp and the quality of the lamp itself. But to choose fitolampy in a plastic frame with small slots is not recommended. In such lamps, the heat will be collected inside the protective cap, and as a result, the lighting device can burn out and fail completely.
For home use we recommend to buy LED lamps Bicolor with E27 base, which can be inserted into any standard cartridge. Thanks to a protective lens, the lamps have a directional spectrum of action, distributing a beam of light strictly at the allotted angle. The number of LEDs may be different. The most popular option is considered fitolampa Bicolor With 12 LEDs, the power of each light bulb is 3 watts. Nine bulbs of this fitolamp are represented in the red spectrum with a wavelength of 660 nm and three bulbs in the blue spectrum - 450 nm.
The rated power of such a luminaire is 36 W, in practice it consumes only 15–18 W, depending on the intensity of illumination.
For convenience of fixing the lamp, we recommend using a cartridge with a clothespin on the end, which allows you to fix the lamp on the bracket or on the shelf of the rack. When placing the lamp in the cartridge, it is desirable that it be without a lampshade. So all the heat in the radiator will go to the external environment, and not to collect inside, which is extremely important in order to avoid overheating. We recommend installing two lamps on a 1.5 m sill Bicolor.
Often lovers ask the question, how to make the backlight for seedlings? Of course, it is better to purchase powerful lamps or complex structures in a specialized shop, and for a small window greenhouse you can make your own mini-lamp.
Spacer racks for seedlings
An alternative to massive lamps will be a tape illumination for seedlings, made by hand. To build it you will need:
- lED bulbs with red and blue spectrum;
- thermal grease or hot melt glue;
- a piece of aluminum, profiles from furniture or any other material at hand;
- power supply or driver;
- cord and plug.
The LED bulbs are fixed to the base, having previously applied thermal grease or hot melt glue, we connect them together by soldering and output them to the power supply unit with a switch and plug. The resulting tape can be fixed in any convenient way for you - bolts, double tape or strong rivets. The system collected in a single chain can be used. For a powerful light flux, you can make several LED strips.
Growing seedlings on the windowsill is easy, but sometimes there is not enough space to comfortably place all the plants. In this case, it is advisable to construct special racks or install separate shelves. With the help of such constructions you can manage to save space and arrange all the seedlings in one place.
As a basis for the rack, you can use any sustainable materials, ranging from a metal corner and ending with wooden bars from old furniture. The final design will be U-shaped. We connect the frame and shelves with screws or bolts. When using wooden bars, we advise you to first make small holes for bolts with a drill with a diameter of 1 mm, and then slightly expand them with a larger drill of 7–8 mm. This will help avoid cracking the wood.. The length and width of the rack will depend on the size of your window opening. Make no more than 3 tiers in height.
Rack for seedlings at home
Above each tier is set the light for seedlings, which should not overlap the natural lighting on the windowsill. Keep in mind that as the plant grows, the intensity of illumination will change, so when installing the luminaires, chains should be provided with attachments for changing the height. At the initial stage of growth, the backlight should be located at a distance of not less than 10 cm, and after the formation of cotyledons - 25–35 cm. Adjusting the light will allow you to form a strong plant, increase the green mass with a rich color and prevent seedlings from pulling out. And if you think that the light is not enough, we advise you to put a reflective foil.
When choosing a suitable luminaire for highlighting, give preference to fluorescent or LED linear lamps (LED). Pay attention to the power of light bulbs, as well as the body of the lamp, which must be made of aluminum. Such lamps have isolated LEDs and are not afraid of moist air.
Reflectors that are installed behind the plant will also help to improve the lighting on the windowsill. As a reflector, absolutely any materials can be used that are capable of transmitting light through themselves and reflecting it into the external environment. The simplest and most budgetary option will be a simple drawing paper or sheets of white paper. Strengthen light reflection and foil paper. Such methods are effective and occupy a minimum of space. Remember, light reflectors are able to increase the area of dispersion, but not the intensity of the light flux, this is especially felt on cloudy days or when growing seedlings on the north side. That is why such materials should be used with fitolamps.
The winter has just begun, and the impatient gardeners have already conceived to sow the seeds. Large and tall tomatoes and eggplants often do not have time to grow all their fruits. Ovaries remain small, and the garden season is coming to an end. Photo 1. Phytolamps go down andclimb onropes.
Such plants have a very long period from germination to fruiting, an average of 120-130 days. That is, only after 4 months they will begin to bear fruit.
At the same time, indeterminate varieties have unlimited growth. When properly formed, these plants are able to bear fruit for several months in a row. But in our conditions, they will not have time to give their entire crop, if sown in spring. Therefore, many gardeners begin to plant in January.
However, not all get good results. Often the seedlings are drawn out, growing pale and weak. To start fruiting, the plants should get stronger. It takes time, and the advantage of January sowing is lost.
When to light up?
Some believe that small shoots have enough light from the window, and when they grow up and form 2-3 true leaves, light exposure is needed. This is a gross mistake. Energy and strength of growth are laid in the so-called juvenile period, that is, from “early childhood”. If the light is not enough, the seedlings are immediately drawn out. From irrigation they fall and suffer from the slightest draft.
Photo 2. Phytolamp attached to the slopes of the window
The period of “nursing” seedlings begins. And many gardeners see it as the norm. They just do not know what could be different. This is evidenced by the fact that every spring a lot of sickly seedlings, tortured by long standing on window sills, are being brought into the gardens.
How many have to light up?
The optimal day length for seedlings is 12-14 hours. For your information: January 15, sunrise 08:41, sunset 16:28. Day length less than 8 hours. Therefore, in the winter dawn light is necessary even on the south windows.
The light should be lit from 6-7 am to 7-8 pm. You can turn it off only during the day, in the daylight time. And this is not clear to everyone. Many believe that if it is already light outside (from about 9 am), then the lamp is not needed.
However, be aware that the amount of light that plants receive is of paramount importance.
Most garden crops, whether adult plants or seedlings, require illumination from 20 to 40 thousand lux. In winter, even on a cloudless day, this figure on the windowsill does not exceed 5,000 lux. That is why it is necessary to illuminate the plants during the day.
Pensioners easier to comply with this mode of lighting. Working gardeners, it is desirable to use lamps with automatic on-off timer (they are on sale). But many act differently: turn on the light early in the morning before leaving for work for an hour and a half, and then after coming home for the whole evening.
The option "before and after work" is worse than the timer, because during the day shoots grow with a lack of light from the window, and they are still a little stretched.
You also need to consider how far your plants are from the window. Sometimes there are so many pots that they don’t clean the window sill. We have to put them on the table next to the window.
Photo 3. Figure by Pavel Tranua
But the amount of light is inversely proportional to the distance from the light source. That is, the illumination decreases sharply with distance from the window.
On the windowsill with double frames, the illumination is 60-70% of the street, at a distance of 50 cm from the window - already 30%, and in a meter from it - only 18-20%. These numbers allow you to understand how important it is to illuminate the seedlings.
What doachachivat
For additional lighting of seedlings it is best to use fluorescent or energy-saving lamps. Conventional incandescent bulbs are ineffective, since in addition to visible light, they emit a large amount of infrared (heat) rays. And at high temperatures, seedlings begin to pull out even faster.
Fluorescent fluorescent lamps such as LD-60 (tubular) give a cold light and can be used for additional lighting.
The simplest installation of lighting for seedlings in an apartment consists of two lamps. They are strengthened at a height of 10-15 cm above the seedlings and, as the plants grow, they lift higher, keeping the distance to the tops (photos 1 and 4). Hanging higher does not make sense, since the illumination decreases.
Now on sale are many types of inexpensive fluorescent lamps designed to illuminate the windows. They are suitable for additional coverage of seedlings.
Photo 4. Transformable stand for additional lighting.
Many use illuminators for aquariums. Lamps in them are fenced with reflectors that direct the light directly to the plants, not allowing it to scatter into the room space.
If there are many plants, it is better to use energy-saving lamps. Then they can be used instead of ordinary light bulbs to illuminate the apartment.
Specialized phytolamps are more expensive, but they provide the most favorable spectrum for plants.
Techniques against pulling seedlings
1. To get more light from the plants, install a reflective foil screen or a mirror on the sides of the window. The sun's rays, reflected from the screen, fall on the seedlings and illuminate it.
2. In winter thaws, wash the windows - a washed window adds up to 5% of light.
3. Window glass does not transmit ultraviolet rays. As soon as the weather permits, open the windows or take out the seedlings on the open balcony. This will contribute to the hardening of seedlings.
4. Grow seedlings in individual cups. As you grow, make them more spacious so that the plants do not shade themselves.
5. The correct ratio of the amount of light and air temperature plays a decisive role in obtaining strong seedlings. The lower the illumination, the lower the air temperature is needed (take out the seedlings to the insulated loggia). But the temperature there should not be below 10C. If you can not reduce the temperature, take care of good lighting.
Photo 5. Luminaire with dual fluorescent lamps
6. Regulate watering. In case of insufficient lighting, watering should be moderate (only so that the roots do not dry out). Abundant watering in low light causes the seedlings to stretch in the same way as high temperature.
7. Make shelves on the window. Put the plants in 2-3 tiers. This is better than the remote position on the table.
To get the most out of large-fruited, indeterminate varieties, they must be sown early. When sown in January and February need light exposure. Take care in advance of the purchase of lamps and the necessary devices.
If it is not possible to properly illuminate the seedlings, then refrain from planting in the early stages. Choose more early ripening varieties. In March-April, there will be much more light, and plants will suffer less from its deficiency.
Number of hits: 26314
All life on earth stretches to the light. Most plants are light-requiring. With a lack of sunlight in the cells, photosynthesis is impaired, immunity to disease is reduced, and growth is slowed down. This is especially true for vegetable seedlings. Without sufficient illumination, seedlings tend to stretch, grow weak, unviable. Of them in the future can not form a full-fledged crops. Therefore, seedlings need dosachivat.
For seedlings and young saplings, the problem of lack of light is relevant for several reasons.
- The seedling needs light for intensive growth. In it, he draws energy.
- With a lack of light, the stem of the plant begins to stretch. Nutrients and moisture from the soil must go a long way to reach the leaves. As a result, the leaves develop poorly, losing color and turgor.
- Weakened by a lack of light, the plant is vulnerable to germs, pests, fungal diseases.
- Stretched plants are deformed and broken. They are harder to plant.
- Seedlings grown under low light conditions are less adaptable to climatic conditions and open ground.
Few people in our climate can boast full-wall windows, in which the bright sun shines on February days. Such would be the ideal conditions for growing seedlings, but, alas. There are not many sunny days in February, not even in March, and the windows of apartments let in a negligible amount of light.
Completing the seedlings is a necessity. But it is not necessary to spend money on expensive equipment. You can build the lights with your own hands. There are many different options for how to organize additional lighting in the apartment for the period of growing seedlings.
Important!
Ordinary incandescent bulbs are not suitable for lighting up plants. Firstly, even the most powerful of them will not give enough light, since its radiation spectrum is insufficient. Secondly, these lamps become very hot, and even at a great distance under such illumination the sprout will burn and die.
A plant can feel the entire light spectrum, but not all parts of the spectrum affect it equally.
Metal halide backlight
In the plant industry, metal halide lamps are used today for the production of seedlings by the traditional soil method and in hydroponics. This is the best and last word in agrotechnical lighting, which can be simply taken into account, since the price of these lamps for an ordinary summer resident is too high. In addition, their installation requires special reflectors and regulators.
Video - comparing the best ways to highlight seedlings at home
Backlight fluorescent lamps
This category of lamps has long been a "hit" among summer residents. In fluorescent lamps, the radiation is low, which allows you to arrange additional lighting directly above the plants. The spectrum of fluorescent lamps completely replaces the seedling sunlight. These lamps are inexpensive. It is easy to arrange the backlight by simply hanging the lamps at the desired distance and adjusting the distance as the seedlings grow. Fluorescent lamps have a long service life - one set is enough for the entire season, during which the seedlings are indoors. These light sources do not consume much energy, are economical, so they can, if necessary, to illuminate the seedlings around the clock.
LED lights
This is a new word of technology, which is gradually gaining popularity, displacing luminescent "colleagues." Seedling lighting should be both efficient and budget. For many years, the palm held fluorescent lamps. But life does not stand still, and today LED lamps, which are also used in the industrial cultivation of vegetables and fruits in hydroponics, are recognized as the best. Yes, LEDs are initially more expensive than fluorescent lamps, but their durability and low power consumption lead to the leaders.
Today, not only LED lamps, but also tapes and screens are increasingly being used for highlighting. This helps to “kill two birds with one stone” - to create comfortable light conditions for plants and beautifully decorate the interior.
Important!
For plants, LEDs are convenient in that they cover the entire area in need of illumination. They stimulate the growth of healthy cells, normal development, give vitality to plants.
The heating temperature of LED devices is low, the term of operation is long, compactness is high, the area of the light coating is optimal. They are energy efficient and look modern and stylish.
Illumination fitolamp
Phytolamps - also a new lighting trend, created specifically to be a source of useful light. This applies to all living things, from the human body to the plant. In appearance, the phytolamps resemble LED, but differ in the spectrum indices. Fitolamp has a pink-violet spectrum, which is an additional “bonus” for plants.
Heat transfer phytolamps even less than LEDs, so if you choose between these two types of lighting, for the second seedling is preferable. You can use them together, combining - it gives a very good effect, it helps to save (because phytolamps are more expensive than LEDs, and if they are “diluted” with each other, it will not be so expensive). This type of lamp is also energy-saving, therefore when using them not only the family budget is saved, but also the energy resources of the planet.
Backlight mercury lamps
Mercury lamps are famous for the spectrum closest to sunlight. They shine white light, but it is much more useful to man than to the plant. If phytolamps with their pink-violet radiation can irritate the human eye and even cause headaches, white light is pleasant to a person, but does not have much effect on plants.
Many people choose mercury lighting, as they are still better than incandescent bulbs.
Sodium lamp lighting
High-pressure sodium lamps are today considered the most economical light sources. Of all the known discharge lamps, they are distinguished by the highest luminous efficiency, they have a minimum decrease in light flux with a maximum period of use. But I have these devices for the best color rendering and bright yellow spectrum. It does not bring much benefit to plants and acts annoyingly at people. Therefore, sodium lamps are used mainly in industry and in street lighting. In any case, if there is an overwhelming desire to organize additional lighting of seedlings using sodium lamps, do not do this in residential premises.
The lighting device for seedlings
Whatever lamp you choose, there are general rules according to which the backlight is made.
Today, few people grow seedlings "in the old manner." Technology has gone ahead and provided gardeners with the opportunity to achieve greater efficiency in growing seedlings. Healthy, strong seedlings - the key to good plant development in the future. Highlighting for seedlings is what works for the result. If you have not yet arranged for your plants to light up, please them, give them a light. They will thank you for a generous harvest.
Video - highlighting seedlings at home
- This is a priority issue for beginners and experienced. Light is one of the most important components of active growth and the healthy development of cultural ones. Providing illumination for seedlings, it is desirable to have an idea of what kind of light spectrum is necessary and as close as possible to sunlight.
The simplest lighting
Today, gardeners prefer to make phyto-illumination on their own: firstly, this is a significant savings for the family budget, and secondly, by studying the characteristics of various artificial light sources, you can choose the most useful combination.
The simplest provision of light for seedlings is its location on the windowsill. To plants get the maximum light, use the simplest device. In a conventional carton box, the upper and lower sides are cut off, leaving only the side boards. Board boxes pasted over with foil. Containers with seedlings are placed inside the box, it is desirable that its sides be higher than containers with vegetation. All this design is located on the windowsill.
Sunlight, falling on the foil, is refracted and gives a reflection on the seedlings. This method is economical and simple, but in cloudy weather it is absolutely useless. By itself, the foil light for plants will not provide.
Growing in artificial light
The main condition for artificial lighting is the maximum similarity with the radiation spectrum of sunlight.
Necessary for the growth and development of cells and tissues in the natural spectrum are red and blue. Before doing phytolamp with your own hands, this fact should be taken into account.
What should be the rack
The rack on which the seedlings will be located, and designs with lamps must meet the following criteria:
- strength and stability;
- invulnerability to moisture;
- convenience of access to all the shelves;
- the correspondence of the distances between the light and the landings;
- durability.
Lamp selection
To make a fitolamp for plants with your own hands, you need to purchase a lamp that is suitable for its characteristics. Unscrupulous manufacturers to increase sales called fitolamps ordinary incandescent bulbs.
When choosing a light source, carefully inspect the package, it always indicates the value of the color temperature:
- warm with a red spectrum have an indicator from 2000 K;
- cold with blue - closer to the value of 8000 K.
For example, a lamp with a value of 2700 K contributes to the strengthening of shoots, the formation of peduncles; the value of 6500 has a greater effect on the root system, its development and strengthening. The most popular lamps for illumination:
- luminescent;
- sodium;
- metal halide;
- lED.
Did you know? The impetus for the emergence of LEDs was the discovery by the Soviet physicist Oleg Losev of luminescence in 1923. Scientific journals in Germany, where often published articles of the scientist, called this discovery Losev Licht. Later in the early 70s, thanks to the discovery of Losev, red, yellow and green LEDs appeared. A blue LED created Suji Nakamura in 1990.
The advantages of illumination are indisputable, most plants need light at least 12 hours a day at the beginning, and daylight does not always provide such an opportunity. 
Without light, the seedlings will stretch, all the efforts of the plant will be spent on growth, and not the development of future fruits. Therefore, for a normal stage-by-stage development, as in the natural development environment, seedlings in the home conditions are completed.
Master shelving
The construction of the shelving with your own hands is convenient in all respects: the right size, material, appearance. The building itself does not take much time. 
So, we buy in the hardware store bars, thick plywood for shelves, fasteners. Attach the parts to each other can be self-tapping screws. The length and width of the shelves are made, focusing on the length and number of their crates. For convenience, make a drawing with the necessary measurements.
To work you need tools:
- hand or circular saw;
- screwdriver;
- drill;
- simple pencil.
Since the rack you will need is not all year round, giving it the most aesthetic look, at other times it can be used as an interior item, for example, for books or decorative trinkets. 
In order to be able to move it from place to place, you can give it mobility with the help of special wheels for furniture.
Today in the environment of gardeners, LED lamps are considered the most popular illumination for seedlings, they are easy to make with their own hands, and in addition to combine a different spectrum of light.
LED benefits:- as close as possible to sunlight;
- work without interruptions and defects;
- economical - consume little energy;
- even when close enough, do not cause burns to the foliage.
To make an LED lamp for seedlings with your own hands will need: - blue and red diodes;
- thermal grease;
- aluminum or any other profile for mounting;
- power supply, cord and plug;
- soldering iron and solder;
- the bolts.
