Insights
Grow Lights Explained: Picking LEDs for Indoor Growing
Light is the engine of plant growth, so indoors it is worth getting right. Modern LED fixtures have made this far easier and cheaper to run than the hot lamps growers used in the past.
Look for a full spectrum LED. That means it covers the blue light that keeps plants compact and leafy through to the red light that drives flowering and fruit. A good fixture lists its coverage area and its output, so match those to the size of your grow space rather than buying on wattage alone.
Height matters too. Too close and you can scorch the leaves, too far and plants stretch as they reach for light. Most LEDs have a recommended hanging distance, and a cheap timer keeps the day length consistent, which plants rely on.
Finally, think about airflow. Even cool-running LEDs benefit from a fan to move air across the canopy, which strengthens stems and keeps humidity in check. Get the light and the airflow right and the rest of the grow becomes much more forgiving.