How to choose grow lights for indoor tomatoes
What to consider before buying grow lights for indoor tomatoes
Do you want to know what to consider when choosing grow lights for indoor tomatoes? In this article I will cover the three most popular grow lights: fluorescent, HID and LED lights to help you decide which type to buy for your indoor grow system.
What are Grow Lights
Grow lights are artificial lighting sources designed to mimic sunlight and facilitate photosynthesis. Grow lights are often used for indoor gardens, and support greenhouse growing.
3 Types of grow lights
The most popular types of grow lights are:
- LED lights
- Fluorescent lights
- high-intensity discharge (HID) lights
LED Grow Lights
LED grow lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting lights. They produce less heat and offer a customizable intensity of light, which can be adjusted for the specific needs of different plant species. LED grow lights are becoming increasingly popular for indoor gardening due to their low energy consumption and high performance.
They increase yield, and the quality of growth as well as enhance the plant’s ability to produce more fruits. Although they may be quite expensive to buy, the energy efficiency and longevity usually justify the initial cost.
Fluorescent Grow Lights
Fluorescent grow lights are a type of low-heat light source that is suitable for seedlings and small plants. There are two types of fluorescent grow lights:
- T5 fluorescent tubes
- compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
Fluorescent grow lights are the cheapest type of grow lights but do not always give off the full spectrum of light.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Grow Lights
HID grow lights are powerful, high-intensity lights that produce a lot of heat. There are two types of HID lights:
- metal halide (MH)
- high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights
Plants need both of these light types depending on the growth stage.
HID grow lights are the most commonly used type of grow light for commercial indoor gardening, as they produce high levels of light intensity. HID grow lights are more energy-intensive than LED or fluorescent grow lights and require more cooling, but they are very effective for promoting plant growth and flowering.
Which grow lights are the best for growing tomatoes indoors?
For non-commercial growing tomatoes indoors, full spectrum LED lights are best. Indoor plants generally grow best under full-spectrum bulbs, which produce cool and warm light that replicates the natural solar spectrum that plants need for photosynthesis.
High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights are also good when considering how to grow tomatoes indoors with lights. However, they provide more heat than LED lamps, so an indoor tomato plant may dry out faster under their light.
11 features of a good grow light
What to look for in a grow light?
Here is a checklist of 11 features to look for before buying grow lights for your indoor garden.
A good grow light:
- provides a full spectrum of light for photosynthesis
- Is easy to install and re-position as plants grow
- Has an adjustable light intensity
- Has an adjustable light spectrum for different stages of growth to optimize the growth and development of stems and fruit
- Produces a high PAR output
- Operates quietly
- Can work with a timer
- Is energy efficient
- Has a long lifespan
- Comes with a warranty
Apart from the above features of grow lights, you also need to consider the space you have and how you will set them up. Here is more about setting up grow lights.
How to set up grow lights
What to consider when setting up grow lights for indoor tomatoes
Setting up grow lights is pretty straightforward. Here is what you need to consider while positioning your grow bulbs:
- Choose a suitable place
It should be close to an electrical outlet and there should be enough space for growing containers. If the type of your grow light produces a lot of heat, ensure there will be adequate ventilation to dissipate the heat produced by the lights. - How the lights can be mounted
In terms of the mounting types, you can choose from the three main types: hanging grow lights (usually suspended from the ceiling); floor-standing grow lights with adjustable gooseneck arms, and wall-mounted grow lights. Make sure the lights can be securely fastened and that you will be able to adjust them as the plants grow. - Make sure the light will come from above (not from the side or underneath the plants)
Always install the grow lights above your plants and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the distance from the plants (this will vary depending on the light bulb type).
- Choose a suitable place
- Connecting the lights to a timer
It’s very useful to control the grow lights automatically and turn them on and off at the appropriate times each day. This will help you ensure that your plants receive the correct amount of light each day. Either too much or too little light can negatively impact your plants.
How far from the plants the grow lights should be?
This depends on the light bulb type. Here are the approximate distances, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Fluorescent lights – 12 inches, further away they lose strength
- LED lights – 12 to 30 inches
- HID lights – 24 and 60 inches
FAQs
Why do you need a grow light to grow tomatoes indoors?
You need a grow light to grow indoor tomatoes because without sufficient light photosynthesis won’t be possible and plants won’t grow. Indoor spaces often have limited natural light, and windows may not provide enough light for tomatoes to grow.
How do grow lights work?
Grow lights work by emitting light in the spectrum that plants use for photosynthesis. The process of photosynthesis is how plants convert light into energy, which they use for growth. Grow lights mimic the spectrum and intensity of sunlight and provide indoor plants with the light they need to grow. This allows indoor plants to grow and produce fruit, even in the absence of natural sunlight.
Can I just use a regular light bulb as a grow light?
Unfortunately not, a regular light bulb wouldn’t be enough to support healthy plant growth. While some regular light bulbs produce some of the light waves which plants need, this isn’t enough.
Can I leave grow lights on 24/7?
No, you shouldn’t leave your grow lights on 24/7. Why? Plants don’t like too much light. In the same way that we need sleep, plants need 6 – 8 hours of darkness to rest each day.
Will Tomatoes Ripen Under grow Lights?
Yes, tomatoes can ripen under grow lights as long as the bulb provides full-spectrum light which is necessary for photosynthesis.