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From: rfc@calmasd.UUCP (Robert Clayton)
Newsgroups: net.garden
Subject: Re: need info on grow lights
Message-ID: <635@calmasd.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 11-Dec-85 13:09:25 EST
Article-I.D.: calmasd.635
Posted: Wed Dec 11 13:09:25 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 12-Dec-85 01:09:10 EST
References: <1669@cbosgd.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: Calma Company, San Diego, CA
Lines: 33

> Does anyone know a good source for grow lights?  What I am looking for
> is a 3-4 foot flourescent light mounted in an adjustable-height stand.
> The plants would be placed directly below the light and the light would be
> adjusted as the plants grew.  Burpee used to carry something like this--
> does anyone know of another source?
> 
> Thanks,
> Bob Warren
> cbosgd!rew

There is nothing special about the light fixtures for grow lights.  Any
standard light fixture will do.  Your local yellow pages will list
stores specializing in light fixtures.  Also, visit a good hardware
store to study the bulbs available.

A plant's light needs can be met by a mixture of ordinary flourescent and
incandescent lighting.  I believe a ratio of 60:40 fluorescent to
incandescent is recommended.  Office fluorescent lighting with some
daylight mixed in works well too.  This is why some people say that
bringing their plants to the office rejuvenates them.  Especially since
many offices leave the fluorescents on 24 hours a day.

The problem is the intensity.  You probably do not want to leave room
lights on 12-16 hours a day just for a plant in the corner.  You can
buy both fluorescent and incandescent spot flood bulbs called grow
lights.  These use phosphor mixtures that give a compromise of light
frequencies.

Once you see what bulbs are available at your local hardware store, you
can buy a fixture you like at the lamp store.

Bob Clayton
GE Calma R&D San Diego