Optimizing LED Lighting for Greenhouse Growth

[mamob]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to optimize my greenhouse setup using LED lighting and wanted to get some advice. I grow a variety of vegetables and herbs, and I’m curious about the best types of LED lights for both growth and energy efficiency.

Specifically, I’d like to know: what spectrum ratios work best for different plant stages, how many hours per day are ideal, and whether full-spectrum or adjustable-spectrum LEDs are worth the investment.

I’m also interested in practical tips for reducing heat buildup and electricity costs.

Any experiences or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CatInTheHenHouse]

I just use shoplights, and the longest I had the timers set to was 12 hours (less than that for onions and some of the starts that were happy in lower-lighting conditions).

I wrapped a space blanket around the shelves shiny side in to increase the amount of light the seedlings got, but I will note my setup is inside, not in a greenhouse, so getting rid of heat wasn’t an issue. (Also I had some minor issues with corrosion where the space blanket got wet.)

 

[mamob]

I just use shoplights, and the longest I had the timers set to was 12 hours (less than that for onions and some of the starts that were happy in lower-lighting conditions).

I wrapped a space blanket around the shelves shiny side in to increase the amount of light the seedlings got, but I will note my setup is inside, not in a greenhouse, so getting rid of heat wasn’t an issue. (Also I had some minor issues with corrosion where the space blanket got wet.)

thank you so much for your suggestion

 

[Rangergord]

I use shoplights and up to 400 watts of growlamps. I recommend full spectrum rather than purple or pink lamps. Not only for your plants but for you. You will enjoy looking at your plants more, and in the winter your eyes will appreciate the full spectrum light. Run the light 12 to 16 hours a day, lower and raise the light to 2 “ above the leaf canopy for most efficient growth. Use 20 to 40 watts of light per square foot for proper growth. 20 watts for vegetative growth and 40 watts for flowering and fruiting growth.