Is there a good way to start flower and tomato seedlings indoors without buying expensive “grow” lights?
BOB: An effective and economical way to give seedlings the artificial or supplemental light they need is by using standard fluorescent bulbs. Using a 2-tube fluorescent fixture; install a COOL WHITE tube (blue spectrum) in one side and a WARM WHITE tube (red spectrum) in the other side. Try to keep the fixture within a few inches of the plants — this type of light won’t burn the foliage. IMPORTANT: When starting plants from seedlings, be sure to use STERILE growing medium. There are many “soil less” mediums available — usually consisting of a Peat/Perlite/Vermiculite. DON’T reuse old growing medium — you can introduce plant pathogens, and seedlings are very susceptible to diseases. ALSO: Proper soil temperatures are important for good seed germination. A 65 to 70 degree F. room should be fine. But in a colder room, look into using a soil heating mat made specifically for use beneath “flats”.
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