RE: Grow Lights




-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@mallorn.com [o*@mallorn.com]On
Behalf Of Tom Olenio
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 10:54 AM
To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
Subject: Grow Lights


Hello List,

Has anyone had experience with standard fluorescent lights,
and the special "grow light" fluorescent tubes that are out?

I have always used standard fluorescent tubes and wonder if
there is any real difference.  My experience has been that
if I keep the lights 3" above the foliage, the seedlings do
not get too leggy, before going into the cold frame.  Keep
in mind that I have a fan on the same timer as the lights
(indirectly aimed at the seedlings), so that the seedlings
are exposed to some wind, to help build stronger stems.

Are these "grow bulbs" worth the extra money?

Also, I only use my lights to bring up the soil temperature
(prior to emergence) up to the recommended  85F, but my
lights only run 12 hours a day.  So for half the day the
soil drops to room temperature of about 68F.  This is fine
for tomatoes, and peppers, but what about AG pumpkins?  Do
they need the constant 85F for germination, or are lower
night time temperatures OK?

Thanks,
Tom
***************************
Tom-if you keep them at the 85 deg.continuously they will come up sooner,3-5
days.There is no need to reduce the temps at night,it would only lengthen
the germination period.

I keep mine at 85-90 degrees and most are breaking through in 3 days.--AE

P.S.-you don't need the light to get a seedling,only the heat and moisture.


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