Phytolamps for seedlings - which varieties are best for seedlings?

Modern phytolamps for seedlings are a real salvation in short winter days, when it is necessary to effectively compensate for the lack of solar energy. Emitting light in a certain spectrum, necessary for active growth, these devices stimulate the development of plants and do not allow them to stretch.

Growing of seedlings under phytolamps

Growing in late winter or early spring seedlings of flowers and vegetables without artificial lighting - a risky occupation. Often in this period there are prolonged rains, the sky is covered by clouds, weak sun rays with a short day is not enough for normal growth. Household lamps can not completely replace daylight, the best alternative is to use a phytolamp when growing seedlings with the most appropriate spectrum of radiation.

Backlighting of seedlings with phytolamps - what is the use?

People who are used to working in the old manner do not understand the point in acquiring devices of a new type, many continue to incur losses, highlighting the seedlings with uneconomic incandescent lamps. If we correctly understand how the phytolamp influences the growth of seedlings and see the results of the experiment on growing plants using these luminaries live, then any doubts about the effectiveness of their use will disappear.

Advantages of phytolamp for seedlings:

1. Reducing energy costs - compared to old lamps, savings of up to 500%.
2. Radiation in the red and blue spectrum maximally beneficial effect on the development of seedlings.
3. You do not need to purchase individual reflectors and special starting equipment.
4. Minimal heat release.
5. Fire safety.
6. Easy to operate.
7. The service life of high-quality phytolamps for domestic seedlings is up to 50,000 hours and more.
8. Phytolamps are universal, they are suitable for greenhouses or use in a small room.
9. Ability to adjust the length of the emitted waves.
10. Phytolamp does not burn seedlings even when installed near the boxes.
11. These devices are harmless, they do not contain mercury and other harmful components.

Which phytolamp is best for seedlings?

There are several categories of modern phytolamps. The main difference between them is in the design, power, and radiation spectrum. When buying a radiator, you should take into account its installation method, dimensions, cost, maintainability. In the question of which phytolamp is best to choose for seedlings, the following types of devices should be considered:

1. Phytolamps with standard threaded base E27 - compact devices, easy to install, suitable for powerful local illumination, no additional devices are required for connection.
2. Phytolamps of linear type - create uniform radiation on long windowsills, do not heat up, are simple in operation.
3. Phytopanels - create a large power of radiation with compact dimensions with the ability to combine spectrum, easy to install and operate.
4. SOV phytolamp (LED matrix) - at a high power and efficiency are cheaper panels, compact, easy to connect.

What is the power of phytolamp required for seedlings?

The approximate capacity of the phytolamp for seedlings is calculated on the basis of the specific conditions for growing the seedlings. It is necessary to take into account the area occupied by your boxes in the room, and their location in the apartment. On the windowsill plants in the daylight will be illuminated by the sun's rays, so here you can use instruments with a power of 40 W / m ² . If the containers are installed on a table far from the window opening, on northern windows or inside a closed rack, it is recommended to start with an approximate power of at least 60 W / m ² .

How to replace phytolamp for seedlings?

If you want to urgently replace the professional lamp with another radiator, in order to save the tender shoots from the threat of drawing, you often have to look for an effective alternative. In the question of how to illuminate seedlings, if there is no phyto-lamp, it is possible to use proven methods of amplifying weak daylight with the help of homemade reflectors or to use old-fashioned lamps with a suitable emission spectrum.

What can replace phytolamps for seedlings:

1. High pressure sodium lamp.
2. Luminescent standard lamp brand LBT and DB, installed at a distance of 20-30 cm from the boxes.
3. LED lamps - blue cold glow optimally suits in the early stages of growth.
4. On the side of the room, cover the slopes on the window with foil or use a large mirror instead of the reflector.

How to use phytolamp when growing seedlings?

Even having bought home a professional lamp of the best type, many people often do not get a tangible effect from its application. The reason lies in the non-compliance with the schedule of artificial lighting, improper installation of the device, the purchase of a device of low power. Many make the mistake of not including lights in cloudy days, when there is very little natural light. The use of phytolamp for seedlings gives maximum benefit only if the general rules for lighting plants in an enclosed space are observed.

At what height should we put phytolamps for seedlings?

Install the device for artificial lighting preferably from the top down, simulating natural sunlight. The lateral fastening leads to the stretching of the plants towards the radiation source. You will have to periodically rotate the containers, correcting this defect. The distance from the phytolamp to the seedling depends on the power of the device, on average it is 25-40 cm. According to the laws of physics, by bringing the lamp closer to the object at a distance 2 times less than the original, we intensify the radiation intensity by 4 times.

When to include phytolamp for seedlings?

In the question, when planting seedlings under the phytolamp, it is advisable to listen to the recommendations of experienced gardeners. Since the beginning of pecking the seeds, it is advisable not to turn off the luminaire within 3-4 days. Further, it all depends on the location of the boxes in the room and the intensity of natural light. In closed shelves, it is required to create a realistic imitation of daylight throughout a full day of light. On the windowsills, it is undesirable to take a break between periods of artificial and natural lighting.

Duration of seedling lighting depending on the plant species:

1. Tomatoes, aubergines, peppers - 14 hours before the formation of 4 real sheets, then - for 10-12 hours.
2. Cabbage - up to 12 hours.
3. Strawberry seedlings - up to 12 hours.
4. Potato seedlings - up to 12 hours.
5. Watermelon and melon in glasses - up to 12 hours.
6. Seedlings of celery - until the formation of the second pair of these sheets 16-18 hours, then until 14 hours.