Should You Use a Grow Light for Seedlings?
If your window gets less than 6 hours of direct sun, you need a grow light. A $30 LED shop light works for most seedlings.
When You Need One
You need a grow light if:
- Your window gets less than 6 hours of direct sun
- You’re starting seeds in winter
- Your seedlings are leggy and pale
- Your window faces north
You don’t need one if:
- You have a south-facing window with 6+ hours of sun
- You’re starting seeds in spring/summer
What to Buy
| Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LED shop light | $20-40 | Most seedlings |
| LED panel | $30-60 | Larger setups |
| T5 fluorescent | $50-80 | Serious growers |
How to Use It
- Distance: 2-4 inches above top leaves.
- Duration: 12-16 hours per day.
- Timer: Use one.
- Adjust height: As plants grow, raise the light.
Signs You Need More Light
- Seedlings are tall and thin (leggy)
- Leaves are pale
- Plants lean toward the light
Common Questions
Do I really need a grow light? If you have less than 6 hours of direct sun, yes.
Can I use a regular light bulb? No. Wrong spectrum.
How long should grow lights be on? 12-16 hours per day. Not 24.
How close should the light be? 2-4 inches for most seedlings.
Will grow lights make plants too hot? LEDs run cool. Fluorescents are warmer.
Do grow lights use a lot of electricity? No. A 20W LED runs about $0.02/day.