Sowing Seeds in Absence of Grow Lights
Get ready to save some dough and ditch those expensive grow lights with these smart tips on starting seeds without them!
Why Do Seedlings Need Light?
We're not suggesting seedlings can thrive in the dark—of course they need light! But they don't require the intense midsummer light that grow lights provide. Seedlings naturally begin growing in spring; a sunny window won't hurt them, but a spindly, weak seedling means it's not getting enough direct sunlight. That's why the struggle to start seeds months before planting comes from.
Start Seeds Later in the Season
If your growing season starts in late May, there's no need to start anything before March for most vegetable seeds (3-10 weeks from seed to planting)! Check out our blog post on the indoor seed-starting schedule for a free printable schedule. Skip those January grow lights and try growing something else instead. The blog post "Exploring alternatives to starting seedlings early" can help.
Utilize South-Facing Windows for Seedlings
South-facing windows offer the best natural light for seedling growth, eliminating the need for grow lights later in the season as the sun is higher. But most homes might not have enough sunny south-facing windows. Don't fret, though!
Combining sunshine with fluorescent grow lights can reduce the need for expensive ones. Place your seedlings in east or west windows and use grow lights during morning or afternoon hours when there's not enough natural light. This method significantly reduces the time needed for grow lights.
Bonus Tips
Don't have south-facing windows? Consider a combination of indoor seed-starting and winter sowing. The winter sowing method can be used to start most seedlings, although seeds might not always germinate on time in cold climates. Use indoor starting for seeds requiring warmer temperatures to germinate and bring the jugs outside once they begin sprouting. This method is perfect for eliminating grow lights entirely, even if you don't have south-facing windows.
When your seedlings grow too big for indoors, build a cold frame or temporary greenhouse. This structure can be built inside a greenhouse or outside in a sheltered location. Cold frames provide protection from frost and are ideal for hardening off seedlings before transferring them to the garden.
And remember, natural light, proper environmental conditions, and carefully chosen seedling methods are key to successful seed starting without grow lights. Happy gardening!
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Extra Info
- South-facing windows provide warm, morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, perfect for most seedlings.
- East or west windows paired with grow lights can significantly reduce the need for expensive lights.
- The paper towel method, commercial seed starters, and seed starting mix are useful for germinating seeds and keeping them moist.
- Cold frames or temporary greenhouses protect seedlings from frost and help harden them off before transferring to the garden.
- In a cold climate, utilization of south-facing windows for seedling growth can be beneficial, as it eliminates the need for grow lights later in the season.
- For vegetable seeds, starting them later in the season might be more effective, as there's no need to start anything before March for most seeds (3-10 weeks from seed to planting).
- To grow seedlings during periods with inadequate natural light, a combination of south-facing, east, or west windows and grow lights can reduce the need for expensive grow lights, by using them during morning or afternoon hours when there's not enough natural light.
- If south-facing windows are unavailable, a combination of indoor seed-starting and winter sowing can be used to start most seedlings, particularly for seeds that need warmer temperatures to germinate.
