Indoor Growing with No Natural Light
With no natural light, you need a grow light. A $30 LED shop light, 2–4 inches above plants, 14–16 hours per day, grows most herbs and greens.
You can grow food in a windowless room. You just need the right light.
What You Can Grow
With basic LED:
- Lettuce
- Herbs (basil, parsley, chives, mint)
- Microgreens
- Spinach
With stronger light:
- Cherry tomatoes (dwarf)
- Peppers (dwarf)
- Kale
Light Setup
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Type | LED shop light or panel |
| Distance | 2-4 inches above leaves |
| Duration | 14-16 hours per day |
| Timer | Yes, plants need dark periods |
Common Questions
Do I need a special “grow light”? No. LED shop lights work.
How close should the light be? 2-4 inches. Further, plants stretch.
How long should lights be on? 14-16 hours. Not 24.
What about heat? LEDs run cool. Fluorescents run warmer.
Can I grow tomatoes this way? Dwarf varieties, yes. Full-size, no.
What about the cost? 20W LED = ~$0.02/day.