Best Lighting Solutions to Start Seeds Indoors

by Jeanne Grunert

2 Materials

30 Minutes

Easy

You can grow a beautiful garden from seeds this year. Some seeds should be started indoors for optimal growth. Learn more about starting garden seeds, vegetable seeds and flower seeds indoors and grow a gorgeous garden this year.

best lighting solutions to start seeds indoors, gardening, homesteading, how to

Some seeds need light in order to germinate. Others can germinate in darkness, but need light in order to grow. Unlike mature plants, seedlings can survive and thrive on fluorescent lights. These seedlings are actually leaning towards the light.

This seed starting setup was made from simple, inexpensive components purchased at a major "big box" store. We used a shelving system with perforated shelves. Shop light fixtures suspended from chains were hung under each shelf. We threaded the chains through each shelf. I put trays under the seed starting trays to prevent water from dripping through and harming the light fixtures. Lastly, I added a timer to make sure my seedlings received adequate light.

best lighting solutions to start seeds indoors

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4 of 7 comments

Jeanne Grunert on Jan 22, 2015
Excellent tip, Douglas!

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Renea Young on Feb 05, 2015
I am in Southeast Tennessee. Would you recommend doing this in a basement?

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- Jeanne Grunert on Feb 05, 2015
  @Renea Young You certainly can start seeds in a basement, but it might be too cool. It depends on your particular home. If it's cool in your basement and you set up an artificial light system, look into seed heating mats - special mats made for seed starting that warm up the soil. That should offset any chilly air. Good luck!
  
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- Renea Young on Feb 05, 2015
  @Jeanne Grunert Thanks so much!
  
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