One of the most common worries when growing microgreens indoors is the light. Would I require a grow LED illumination, or will natural sunlight suffice? How do they function,and which is appropriate for my setup?
LED grow lights are the most effective way to grow microgreens indoors. LEDs are gaining popularity quickly, outperforming older lighting systems such as fluorescent lights and HIDs.
Good illumination is essential for maintaining healthy microgreens. This piece discusses the many forms of lighting and proposes the best grow lights for microgreens.
Best grow lights for microgreens
Contents
- 1 Overview of the 6 best grow lights for microgreens
- 1.1 SunBlaster SL1611208 LED Mini Greenhouse with Stand, Heat Mat, and Timer
- 1.2 Plant Shelf with Grow Light Shelf with Cover and Thermometer
- 1.3 Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum, 4FT LED Grow Light, 160W (4 x 40W, 900W Equivalent) Plant Grow Light
- 1.4 2024 Newest 2000w LED Grow Lights with Yield LEDs 3x3ft Coverage Full Spectrum Grow Lights for Indoor Hydroponic Plants
- 1.5 Barrina LED Grow Light, 252W (6 x 42W) 4ft T8, Full Spectrum, V-Shape with Reflector, Linkable Design, Plant Lights
- 1.6 Kihung (Pack of 8) LED Grow Lights, 4FT T8 Grow Lights, 336W (8×42W) Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light Strips with Reflectors
- 2 Are T5 or T8 grow lights better for microgreens?
- 3 Light output
- 4 FAQs
- 5 Conclusion
Overview of the 6 best grow lights for microgreens
Below are some of the best lights for growing microgreens.
SunBlaster SL1611208 LED Mini Greenhouse with Stand, Heat Mat, and Timer
The SunBlaster is a multifunctional and small interior plant growth remedy. This miniature greenhouse has a sturdy structure that lifts your plants for maximum illumination and ventilation.
The LED light gives a full spectrum for supporting proper development and blooming using very little energy.
The adjustable height function allows you to tailor the light intensity to every phase of plant growth.
The greenhouse is constructed of high-quality materials designed to last, and its small form allows it to be excellent for tiny settings.
Pros
- Has a compact design
- Provided heat mat
- Timer function
- Effortless assembling
Cons
- Plastics structure
- Minimal capacities
- Minimal control
- Limited height
- Cost
Plant Shelf with Grow Light Shelf with Cover and Thermometer
This adaptable plant shelf has several installation options, enabling you to tailor it to your exact needs. Furthermore, the overall height of the wire shelf is changeable, and you may customize the number of sections, which can accommodate up to six.
The eight LEDs incorporated into this system emit a broad spectrum of a consistent light source that is similar to natural light, responding to all phases of plant development. This encourages more rapid and healthy growth.
This plant stand has been designed with 8 industrial tires, 4 secured by locks, providing stability and mobility. The incorporation of six PP sheets successfully keeps water from accessing the plant lights while watering.
Pros
- Has a thermometer
- Maximal growing space
- Cover shield
- Grow light shelf
Cons
- Insufficient intensity of light
- Shield maintenance
- Limited space capacity
- Costly
Grow Lights for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum, 4FT LED Grow Light, 160W (4 x 40W, 900W Equivalent) Plant Grow Light
These 160W LED grow lamps for growing microgreens indoors (4 x 40W) offer plants the full spectrum grow light required for optimal growth and development.
The four-foot grow lamp generates a blend of red light, blue light, and white light that simulates sunlight in nature, assisting in helping your microgreens grow healthy and vigorous.
Plant growth requires only red light, but blue light increases the thickness of leaves and the number of chloroplasts in them. Red light promotes blooming and fruit production.
Green light is not required for photosynthesis; however, it is clear that it provides plants with movement and information about the environment and affects internodal spacing.
It thus makes establishing a personalized lighting configuration for indoor gardening or greenhouses simpler.
Pros
- High light output
- Full-spectrum grow light
- Longer life span
- Emit less heat
Cons
- Limited coverage area
- Variable in quality
- Full-spectrum lights
2024 Newest 2000w LED Grow Lights with Yield LEDs 3x3ft Coverage Full Spectrum Grow Lights for Indoor Hydroponic Plants
These LED lights are both efficient in terms of energy and economical, rendering them an environmentally friendly alternative for growing plants indoors.
Whether you’re new to gardening or an expert gardener, the 2024 Newest 2000w LED Grow Bright Lights are a dependable choice for growing a range of hydroponic plants inside.
Pros
- High-wattage output
- Yield LEDs
- Full-spectrum
Cons
- High-intensity of light
- High heat emissions
- Compatibility
Barrina LED Grow Light, 252W (6 x 42W) 4ft T8, Full Spectrum, V-Shape with Reflector, Linkable Design, Plant Lights
If you want the most effective LED light strips for your vertical garden, these are the ones that you need to buy.
They’re lightweight, simple to install and set up, consume little energy, and include all that you’ll require to grow your own microgreens indoors.
The amazing thing about these LED lights is that they are ideal for growing microgreens in a 2ft x 4ft vertical shelf.
These LED grow light strips offer a great option for growing microgreens on the inside.
Pros
- V-shaped design with reflector
- Linkable design
- Low heat emissions
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Quality control
- Compatibility
- Limited coverage area
Kihung (Pack of 8) LED Grow Lights, 4FT T8 Grow Lights, 336W (8×42W) Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light Strips with Reflectors
This excellent full-light spectrum growth light has a wavelength range of 400nm–800nm, which is comparable to natural sunlight, which makes it ideal for all phases of microgreen growth.
Mounting is simple, courtesy of the provided zip-tie ends and clips and the light is energy-efficient, lasting as much as 50,000 hours—10 times farther than standard lighting!
The set includes 8 grow-bright lights, 4 power cords, 8 connector cables, 8 tiny connections, 32 zip ties, 16 ring buckles, 16 screws, and 8 end caps, so you’ll have everything you need to get going right away.
Additionally, with an extended warranty of two years and a simple and rapid repair for any problems with quality, you can be confident that you are purchasing a high-quality product. It might be the best grow light for microgreens for you.
Pros
- Reflectors
- High wattage
- Pack of 8 LED lighting lamps
Cons
- Complex installation and setup
- Limitations of light penetration
- High upfront cost
Are T5 or T8 grow lights better for microgreens?
Microgreens can be grown using both T5 and T8 grow lamps. The differences between them are stated below:
Light output
T5 lights have the advantage of being efficient in terms of energy and producing less heat than T8 lights, which are required for growing delicate microgreens.
This increased light output can help promote quick growth and healthy, nutritious microgreens development.
Efficiency in energy
T5 lights are often more energy efficient compared to T8 grow lights, resulting in savings on power costs as time passes.
Size and shape
T5 grow lights are less bulky and smaller than T8 grow lights, meaning they’re simpler for installation in tiny places or in setups that require maximum vertically developing space.
Expenses
T8 grow lights are often less expensive than T5 lights initially; however, T5 lights may provide greater long-term value because they offer higher efficiency and light output.
Finally, both T5 and T8 grow lights are potentially useful for growing microgreens. Should you want more light output and energy efficiency, T5 grow lights could serve as the preferable option.
Nevertheless, if you have a limited budget and do not want a lot of light intensity, T8 grow lights may nevertheless offer appropriate lighting to grow microgreens indoors.
How many lights per shelf for microgreens?
The total quantity of lights per microgreen shelf is determined by the shelf’s size and the amount of wattage of the grow lights used.
As an overall rule, supply approximately 30–40 watts of light per square foot of growth space.
For instance, if you have a 2′ by 4′ shelf (8 square feet) and use 30-watt grow lights, you will need approximately 8–10 bulbs to cover the entire shelf.
If you are using higher-powered grow lights, you could potentially be able to use fewer lights.
FAQs
Are LED lights effective for microgreens?
Yes, LED lights are effective for growing microgreens.
What grow light is best for microgreens?
LED lights for growing microgreens are generally the best option for microgreens because they can provide the full light spectrum that plants need to grow while using less energy than other types of lights. Additionally, LED lights don’t emit as much heat as other types of grow lights, which can be beneficial for small spaces like those used for growing microgreens.
What distance must a grow light be for microgreens?
The spacing between the grow light and the microgreens is determined by the light intensity and plant variety. The majority of grow lights for microgreens ought to be placed approximately 4-6 inches above the plants. It is advisable to consult the guidelines for the particular microgreen grow light being used and keep an eye on the plants to make sure they’re not receiving excessive or insufficient light.
How long do you leave microgreens on for grow lights?
How many hours a day should your microgreens get light? Microgreens normally require 12 to 16 hours of LED light daily for their optimal growth. This may differ significantly based on the kind of microgreen and the strength of the LED light used.
It is critical to maintain a consistent light source and alter the proximity between the grow light and the microgreens when necessary to avoid burning or stunted growth.
Conclusion
Artificial lighting has grown in popularity as technology and indoor horticulture have advanced. Do not confuse daylight for full-spectrum light.
Daylight describes the color temperature. A full-spectrum bulb reflects the whole visible light spectrum, and it’s identical to the sun.
Growing your own food inside no longer needs to be tough, thanks to modern technology that does most of the heavy lifting.
Microgreens grow under a wide range of lighting conditions. The sort of light you select will fluctuate according to your microgreen indoor gardening goals.
A garden is a place that relaxes us and reflects our personal style, it’s a place to spend time with loved ones and grow our own fruits and vegetables. Maybe you’re looking for design inspiration or plant selection, or you’re concerned about garden privacy, shady areas, or pests, but don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
