Grow Plants and Herbs with LED Lights: The Ultimate Guide

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Plants and herbs are no longer just an outdoor hobby. Thanks to technological innovation in lighting, indoor gardens have emerged as an option for many. And among various lighting techniques, LED grow lights have clearly emerged as a frontrunner. How does it work? Let's dive into it.

Why choose LED grow lights for your plants?

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) have become increasingly popular in recent years, not least for their energy efficiency and durability. Compared to traditional light sources, such as fluorescent lights, LEDs deliver LED grow light more light per watts, which means they use less power to provide the same amount of light.

That's not all. LED lights also generate less heat than traditional light sources.
This is a great benefit for indoor gardeners, as too much heat can damage plants or cause humidity issues in your growing environment.

Customized light to maximize your plant's growth

Another unique feature of LED lights is that they can be customised to produce specific light wavelengths. Every plant has different lighting needs and different stages of growth require different types of light. By customising your lighting, you can ensure that your plants get exactly the type of light they need, when they need it.

How to use LED grow lights

Now that we've discussed why it's a great choice for indoor horticulture, let's dive into how you actually use them to grow plants.

Choose the right type

There are different types of LED lights available, including full spectrum, white and specialised plant lights. Full spectrum are ideal for most plants as they provide a balance of all the different light wavelengths a plant needs.

The Ultimate Guide to Growing with LED GroLights

LED lighting may seem complicated, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find that it's a playground for any plant lover. To make it easy for you, we've put together this guide.

  1. Choose your LED light: As we've discussed, they come in different types. Start by choosing the type that best suits your plants and their growth phase. If in doubt, choose white full spectrum grow light, it's suitable for all plants and is the most efficient light version.
  2. Set your lights correctly: Place your LED light as close as possible without damaging them. In general, they should be 15-60 cm from your plants, depending on the brightness of the lamp.
  3. Customize the light plan: They need both light and darkness to grow well. A general rule is 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness, but this can vary depending on the plant and the brightness of the lamp (the lower the wattage, the more hours of light - see also our article on DLI for plants).
  4. Monitor your plants closely: Although LED lights are cooler than other light sources, they can still cause heat stress if they are too close to the plants. Watch for signs of heat stress, such as yellowing or curling of leaves.

The technical terms you need to know

When working with LED grow lights, you will encounter a number of technical terms. Understanding these will help you better utilise your LED grow light. Here are some key terms you need to know:

  • Light intensity: This refers to how much light is emitted from a source. It is usually measured in lumens (this term is for humans only).
  • Wavelength: This is the distance between two wave peaks in a light and determines the color of the light. Different wavelengths affect plants differently.
  • Full spectrum: This refers to a light that covers the entire visible spectrum of light. Full spectrum mimics natural sunlight and is ideal for plants, covering the light spectrum from 400 to 700nm.

Let's dive deeper into some more technical aspects of growing with LED Grolys by discussing two important terms: PAR and PPFD.

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Understanding PAR and PPFD in LED lights

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) and PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) are two very important concepts when we talk about plant lighting. To understand why they are important, let's first define what they are.

What is PAR?

PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation. This refers to the spectrum of light (wavelengths from 400 to 700 nanometers) that plants are able to use in photosynthesis to produce glucose, which is their food source. In practice, this is the light in the visible spectrum, which extends from blue light (around 400 nm) to red light (around 700 nm).

What is PPFD?

PPFD, on the other hand, stands for Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density. It measures the amount of PAR that actually reaches the plants' leaves in a given period. It is measured in micromoles per second per square meter (μmol/s/m²). A high PPFD value indicates that more light reaches the plant's leaves, which in theory should promote photosynthesis and plant growth.

Use of PAR and PPFD in your indoor garden

When choosing an LED light for your indoor garden, it's important to look for both PAR and PPFD values. Remember that a light with a high PAR value covers the full spectrum of light that plants can use for photosynthesis. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that all this light reaches your plants. This is where PPFD comes in.

A light with a high PPFD value ensures that a large amount of the usable light actually reaches your plants. But be careful – too much light can also damage your plants, just as too little light can limit their growth. It's all about finding the right balance for your specific plants and their specific needs.

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FAQs about Growing Plants with LED

How long should I leave my LED lights on?

In general, your LED lights must be on for approx. 16 hours a day, but this can vary depending on the type of plant and its growth phase.

Can I use LED grow lights for all types of plants?

Yes, you can use LED grow lights to grow almost any type of plant, including vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Are LED lights better than sunlight for plants?

No, they can't completely replace sunlight, but they can compensate for the lack of natural light, especially in indoor growing scenarios or in areas with limited sunlight.

How close should LED lights be to the plants?

They should generally be placed between 15-60cm away from the plants, but this can vary depending on the brightness and type of plant.

How often should I change my LED lights?

LEDs have a very long lifespan compared to other light sources. They can typically last for 50,000 hours or more, which means they only need to be replaced every five years or so, even if they are switched on 24 hours a day.

Are LED lights energy efficient?

Yes, LEDs are very energy efficient compared to other light sources. They use less power to provide the same amount of light and they also generate less heat, which can help reduce your overall energy costs.

Conclusion

It's clear that LED grow lights can play a crucial role in helping your plants thrive, especially if you grow them indoors. By understanding the basic principles of how they work and how you can customise them to your specific needs, you can take your green hobby to the next level. So switch on your LED lights and let your indoor garden flourish!

This brings "The ultimate guide to growing plants with LED lights" to an end. Remember, no master has become a master without first trying. So switch them on, roll up your sleeves and let the magic begin. Happy growing!

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