Ordinary plant lamp. How to make artificial lighting for flowers

Usually, when growing seedlings, summer residents do not use any lighting elements, considering their purchase as a waste of money. However, if you have a lot of boxes with seedlings and there is not enough space for everyone on the windowsill, then the issue of artificial lighting becomes much more relevant. Plants grown in the shade are much smaller and weaker than seedlings that receive enough light, so with this fact already in mind, it makes sense to think about buying appropriate fixtures. At correct placement and the exact selection of the power of the device, you should not be afraid of any burns.

Is it possible to highlight seedlings with an ordinary lamp

The cheapest option for lighting elements today is conventional incandescent lamp, but it is definitely not suitable for illuminating seedlings. Firstly, even the most powerful and expensive version of such a device will not allow you to get the required amount of such important blue and red light due to the limited light spectrum, and secondly, no matter how far above the seedlings you place the lamps, the risk of burning the sprouts still very high. That is why it is worth considering other options for organizing artificial lighting.

Did you know? In the American city of Livermore (California), at one of the fire stations there is a so-called centennial light bulb, which has been shining almost continuously since 1901. It is noted in the Guinness Book of Records as the most durable.

Types of lamps

Among the many on the market, fluorescent and LED varieties are especially popular, but in order to understand exactly what their advantage is, it is important to study the characteristics of other lamps: sodium, mercury, metal halide.

fluorescent

This kind of lamp is gas-discharge light source, where an electric discharge in mercury vapor provides an ultraviolet glow. In the future, when using a special transforming substance, it is transformed into visible light fluxes. Fluorescent lamps are characterized by a much higher luminous efficiency than conventional incandescent lamps with the same power ratings.
Upon closer examination of all characteristics of fluorescent lamps, we get the following data:

1. Efficiency - maximum 20-22%.
2. Service life - when turned on about 2000 times, about 5 years.
3. Luminous efficiency - 50-80 lm/W.
4. Energy consumption - 15-65 W/h.
5. Color temperature - 2700-7700 °K (depending on the variety).

It is obvious that fluorescent lamps have a mass virtues, because they not only give off significantly more light, but also emit a variety of shades, while providing diffused lighting. In addition, compared to standard incandescent lamps, these types of lighting elements can also guarantee a longer operation, of course, if you are not going to use them in places common use(there is a limit on the number of inclusions). Lighting in this case will be as close to natural as possible.
As for shortcomings fluorescent lamps, then they include the following:

• chemical hazard due to rather high mercury content (approximately 2.3 to 1 g);
• unevenness and linearity of the color spectrum, which is sometimes difficult to perceive by human vision;
• a change in the color spectrum due to the degradation of the phosphor (as a result, light output decreases and efficiency decreases), but this takes time;
• with a small capacitance of the lamp capacitor, it may flicker with twice the frequency of the mains;
• the presence of a starting device, which is equipped with either an unreliable starter or an expensive electronic ballast.

Did you know?Ancestors modern lamps daylight were gas-discharge versions of such lamps, which appeared as early as 1856. The first person who managed to observe the glow of gas under the influence of current was the famous scientist Mikhail Lomonosov.

In these types of lighting elements, the light source is sodium vapor containing a gas discharge. Because of this, their light spectrum is dominated by resonant radiation of bright orange color. Of course, the quality of color reproduction in this case cannot be called perfect, since the radiation itself is characterized by monochrome.
Based on the value of the partial vapor pressure, all such lighting elements are divided into low and high pressure lamps, and characteristics of luminaires are expressed in the following indicators:

1. Efficiency - maximum 30% (for high pressure lamps).
2. Service life - up to 16-28 thousand hours.
3. Light output - 150 lumens / watt (if we are talking about high pressure lamps) and 200 lumens / watt (for lamps low pressure).
4. Energy consumption - 70-60 W/h.
5. Color temperature - 2000-2500 °K.

Features of the color spectrum and significant flickering with double the frequency of the mains make it possible to use sodium lamps with street lighting especially decorative and architectural.

Benefits this option are as follows:

• long-term work;
• relatively high light output during the entire period of operation (below 130 lm / W can only be observed at the end of the lamp life);
• radiation comfortable for human eyes;
• the possibility of using when growing seedlings on later dates or for other household purposes.

As for shortcomings sodium varieties, then these are:

• manufacturing complexity due to the presence of sodium vapor;
• low color quality;
• high sensitivity to sudden voltage drops in the mains (for a long service life, the voltage fluctuation should be no more than 5-10%);
• need in additional equipment(balancing equipment must be present, selected in accordance with the characteristics of a particular lamp);
• the need for downtime (5-10 minutes) before restarting;
• low environmental safety due to the presence of sodium vapor inside the lamp bulb.

Perhaps, for domestic purposes, such lamps will be appropriate (for example, for street lighting), however, when growing seedlings, it makes sense to consider other options that are characterized by greater safety of use and a wide color spectrum.

Important! The monochrome radiation of high pressure sodium lamps (in the orange-yellow spectrum) will be appropriate to accelerate the budding process of crops, so they are sometimes installed in greenhouses.

Mercury

Discharge lamps of this type are another good source of light, in which optical radiation occurs due to a discharge in mercury vapor. Based on the gas pressure in the lamp, RLs are distinguished with low, high and ultra-high pressure. Accordingly, the partial pressure of mercury vapor is distributed as up to 100 Pa, up to 100 kPa and 1 MPa or more.

Characteristics of mercury lamps are expressed in the following terms:

1. Efficiency - maximum 10-12%.
2. Service life - up to 10-15 hours.
3. Light efficiency - 45-60 lumens/watt.
4. Energy consumption - 50-400 W/h.
5. Color temperature - up to 3800 °K.

These types of lighting elements are economically unprofitable, and are most often used to illuminate city streets, industrial facilities and workshops, where there are no high requirements for color rendering quality.

Advantages gas-discharge mercury lamps are expressed as follows:

• they are compact;
• have a fairly high light output;
• 5-7 times more economical than conventional incandescent lamps;
• at correct use provide up to 15,000 hours of stable operation;
• heat up much less than incandescent lamps;
• reproduce different colors;
• can work in conditions of low and high temperatures (from +50 to -40 °C).

disadvantages mercury lighting elements are no less noticeable, these include:

• low color temperature (not more than 3800°K);
• prolonged ignition (7-10 minutes);
• high susceptibility to changes in the network;
• relatively low color rendering;
• long lamp cooling period;
• decrease in color rendering, starting from the second half of the operational period;
• low level of environmental friendliness due to the presence of mercury in the structure.

Like sodium lamps, mercury lamps are more suitable for domestic purposes, but for the successful cultivation of seedlings on early stages their capacity will not be enough.

Metal halide

This variety, like those described above, represents a group high-pressure gas-discharge lighting elements. However, unlike them, a metal halide provides a glow due to the introduction of special additives into the burner - the halides of certain metals.
The characteristics of metal halide lamps are expressed in the following terms:

1. Efficiency - maximum 16-28%.
2. Service life - up to 6-10 hours.
3. Light output - 80-170 lumens / watt.
4. Energy consumption - 70-400 W/h.
5. Color temperature - from 2500°K (yellow light) to 20,000°K (blue light).

Metal halide lamps are mainly used in outdoor architectural lighting and backlighting. decorative elements, although their use in industrial and public buildings, concert scenes. They will become great solution the issue of lighting wherever you need increased brightness and spectral characteristics that are as close as possible to daylight.

Advantages MGL are as follows:

• high light output (up to 170 lumens / watt);
• good energy efficiency indicators;
• relatively high power characteristics (up to 3500 watts);
• stable operation regardless of temperature;
• the maximum proximity of light to the sun, due to which the radiation is normally perceived by the human eye;
• small size of the lamp;
• long term use.

To cons metal halide lighting elements include:

• higher cost;
• change in the color of the radiation due to power surges in the power grid;
• long-term inclusion;
• the need for a reliable shelter of the lamp in the lamp (high voltage can lead to an explosion of the element).

Did you know?Thomas Edison's incandescent lamp filament was made from carbonized bamboo.

LED

Many summer residents consider the LED variety of lamps optimal solution if necessary, additional illumination of seedlings. This is independent device has a lot of advantages, especially in comparison with many other lighting options. At a minimum, it consumes much less electricity, since the technology is based on a completely different principle of radiation. In addition, the outgoing light is as close as possible to natural sunlight, which has a positive effect on plants.
The characteristics of modern LED lamps are represented by the following values:

1. Efficiency - maximum 99%.
2. Service life - up to 100,000 hours;
3. Luminous efficiency - 10-200 lumens/watt;
4. Power consumption - 1 W/hour (on one diode).
5. Color temperature - 2700-6500 °K.

Various design features of LED lighting elements make it possible to use them in absolutely any place: for example, tapes can be easily attached to furniture, and lamps can be screwed into ordinary plinths.
Among the main benefits allocate:

• low power consumption (only 10% of the consumption of standard incandescent lamps);
• long-term service without a significant reduction in the quality of radiation;
• high resistance to mechanical stress;
• environmental friendliness (LEDs do not need any harmful substances to work);
• the ability to regulate the intensity of the glow;
• low voltage in working condition;
• fast warming up to maximum light intensity;
• no serious body heat.

essential shortcomings LEDs do not, however, it is worth noting their sensitivity to elevated temperature(cannot be used in saunas), lack of complete information about the characteristics on the packaging, but this is more likely due to the dishonesty of manufacturers.

Which lamp is better to use for growing seedlings: fluorescent or LED

After considering all the possible types of lamps for illuminating seedlings, in our opinion, only two of them can be named the most suitable: LED and fluorescent. Gas-discharge varieties (mercury, sodium and metal halide) can not always provide needed by plants conditions. For example, mercury lamps have a light flux that is almost half that of the others, and sodium lamps, due to their bright yellow-orange glow, are more suitable for flowers and for illuminating crops in the later stages of cultivation.

Important!Sodium varieties of lamps cannot be plugged directly into the outlet; a special connection is provided for them.

As for metal halide lighting fixtures, this is the most expensive option and is best used when vegetative development is preferred over flowering. Ordinary incandescent lamps should not even be considered, since instead of the blue-red spectrum needed for seedlings, they emit rich yellow-red, heat up quickly and do not fit well into the overall interior.

Considering all the above, it is quite logical to consider only two options for lighting seedlings: using fluorescent and LED lamps. The former are distinguished by the full spectrum of luminescence (of course, at right choice and connection), while the latter are characterized by low energy consumption and the ability to choose a specific lighting element for any stage of seedling development: at first, blue should be predominant, and red-orange should only be complementary.
LEDs are considered to have superior performance compared to fluorescent lighting elements, but the importance of proper placement must not be forgotten. If the LED light beam is directed directly at the box, and the energy-saving fluorescent lamp is fixed too high, then it is clear that the light from it will scatter, without reaching the plants. At the same time, it is LED lighting elements that are considered popular today, so it is worth studying them more carefully.

How to choose a LED grow light

Unlike many other lamps, the LED group is distinguished by a wide variety of design variations, which can also be characterized by individual functional features.

Lamp type

By appearance LED design emit luminaires (mostly round and square), ordinary light bulbs(screwed into the plinth) and LED strips that can be attached anywhere. Popular shapes include "corn", "bulb" and LED tubes (especially T8 or G13).

Shape LEDs tubes - good decision, if you need to slightly change the tubular fluorescent lamp, as the new elements are fully consistent with their size and pin arrangement (LEDs are placed on the board along the entire length of the lamp).
tubular lamp The form flasks- the most common type of lamp, which can be found with both SMD and COB LEDs. Most often it is a matte bulb, which guarantees good dispersion of light fluxes. Also an attractive option would be varieties with filament LEDs, which look very similar to standard incandescent lamps, only long LEDs take the place of spirals.
Corn lamps got its name due to the cylindrical shape and the surface covered with SMD LEDs. This design of the lighting element allows you to achieve a good distribution of light fluxes and high power of the lamp itself.
When choosing an LED lighting element, it is important to consider the type of base (of course, if we are not talking about a tape).

They are divided into the following types:

Important!When arranging a place for seedlings, the GX 53 base will be appropriate, since lamps with this connector are great for overhead and built-in lights on furniture or ceilings.

Number of LEDs

Modern LED strips for plants can have a different ratio of colors (red to blue). This is 10:3, and 15:5, and 5:1. In most cases, the best option is considered to be the last one, in which 5 red LED light bulbs account for 1 blue. True, such a solution can be called optimal only if the seedlings are on the windowsill and receive additional lighting from the street.
As for the total number of LEDs, this value will depend on the area of ​​​​your plantings in pots and glasses. For 1 sq. m, usually 30-50 W of LED power is enough, that is, 30-50 pieces of LEDs of 1 W each. However, these values ​​will be valid only when it comes to additional illumination of seedlings on the windowsill, otherwise the number of diodes will have to be increased.

Power

The brightness of the radiation directly depends on the power characteristics of LED lamps. So, 2-3 W lighting elements can provide a luminous flux of 250 lm, 4-5 W - 400 lm, and 8-10 W - 700 lm. However, these indicators are not enough for most cultivated crops, so we recommend focusing on a power of 25-30 W, which allows you to get 2500 lm. If necessary, you can install several of these lamps.

glow spectrum

Consider the impact different types rays per culture:

• red (720-600 nm long) and orange rays (620-595 nm) are the main sources of energy for successful photosynthesis, and it is on them that the rate of change of all processes occurring inside depends. An excessive amount of such radiation will slow down the transition of the plant to the flowering phase;
• blue and violet rays (490-380 nm) are responsible for the production of proteins in the culture and accelerate flowering;
• ultraviolet rays (315-380 nm) reduce the rate of "forcing" of plants and contribute to the production of individual vitamins, while similar rays with a wavelength of 280-315 nm increase their frost resistance;
• yellow (595-565 nm) and green (565-490 nm) radiations have practically no effect on the vital activity of plants and do not carry significant benefits.

Consideration of all these features is necessary for correct selection lighting. The glow of conventional LED elements is as close as possible to natural light and meets all the needs of seedlings, but if you wish, you can buy the so-called "multispectrum" lamps. According to the manufacturers, these phytolamps are designed specifically for the growth and development of seedlings and support them better than conventional light sources.

Does it make sense to overpay when buying such a lamp - it is difficult to answer unequivocally, because even with ordinary LEDs, seedlings grow well. The only thing that should not be forgotten is the presence of the blue and red color spectrum in the radiation, as well as the optimal placement of lighting elements.

Important!Excess light leads to partial destruction of chlorophyll, and, as a result, yellowing of the leaves. If you do not shade the seedlings, burns may occur.

All existing varieties LED lighting elements are produced for various purposes, so it is not surprising that each of them can have its own protective covering on the shell. It is the degree of protection that allows you to determine whether the lamp can be installed outdoors, in dusty or wet room, swimming pool.

Usually this indicator is marked by the manufacturer on the packaging with an LED and consists of two numbers: the first indicates the class of protection against dust and mechanical damage, and the second indicates the level of protection against moisture. More exact values regarding LED lamps are given in the table:

Price range and manufacturer

The efficiency of LED lamps and the longevity of their work directly depends on the integrity of the manufacturer, so when choosing a specific lighting element, you should pay attention to this indicator. Some of the most reliable and time-tested companies are Optogan, Optron, Artleds from Russia, as well as Agilent Technologies, a world-famous manufacturer that has been producing the described lamps for several years.

Optek Technology, Edison, Philips Lumileds, Toshiba, which offer the consumer lighting elements of various configurations, are considered to be no less well-known suppliers of LED products.

As for the pricing policy, it all depends on the type of product (lamp, lamp or tape) and its power characteristics: you can spend a couple of dollars or several tens.

Lighting for seedlings: calculating the number of lamps

Choosing a good LED lamp does not guarantee desired result, since one lamp may not be able to cope with many plants. If you have several boxes, it is better to calculate in advance the required number of lighting elements, taking into account the following factors:

• the type of crop being grown and its need for light (usually a value of 6000 lux is enough);
• installation angle of the luminaire (both horizontal and vertical placement is allowed);
• the distance from the lamp to the top of the seedling;
• the area to be illuminated.

Let's give an example of the correct calculation for. For high-quality lighting of seedlings in a pot of 0.6 sq. m will need 5000 lux, so we multiply this value by the available planting area (0.6 sq. M.) and get 3000 lm - the value of the optimal luminous flux for a particular case. The lamp itself can be placed horizontally, at a distance of 15-20 cm from the surface of the plantations.

Important!A certain percentage of the light flux can be absorbed by walls and objects located in the room, especially if the light source is far from the plants. To compensate for these losses, it is desirable to purchase a lamp 10-30% more powerful.

How to fix the lamp: the distance from the lamp to the seedlings

Modern luminaires are already sold from ready-made mounts, and you just have to screw them with screws to the support.
If possible, it is worth giving preference to those species that in the future will allow you to adjust the height of the lamp placement due to the chains included in the kit, because with the growth of seedlings it may be necessary to change the location of the lighting element.

On average, at least 25 cm of free space should be maintained from the LED phytolamp to the plants. When plantings are illuminated with fluorescent lamps with a power of 300-400 W per 1 sq. m, acceptable lighting will be provided only when the lamp is located at a distance of 20-30 cm.
If the seedlings are located away from the window and natural light does not fall on it at all, then here we are talking not about additional lighting, but about full coverage of plantings. In this situation, the lamp should hang at a height of 60-70 cm, but the exact zone of "flare" will depend on the light-loving nature of the crop being grown. An approximate circle of "illumination", in the ratio of the diameter and height of the lamp suspension, looks like this:

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Lighting rules: how not to harm plants

An excess of light is just as undesirable for seedlings as its lack, therefore, when supplementing your seedlings, you should adhere to certain rules:

1. It is advisable to sow seeds in March or April, when there is enough daylight (no lamp can completely replace the sun).
2. With a normal day length of 12 hours (light constantly hits seedlings), you can not install lamps, and to increase illumination, simply install reflective screens next to the boxes (for example, foil, a mirror or just a white paper sheet).
3. If supplementary illumination is nevertheless carried out, then it is necessary to take into account the change in photoperiods: day and night. Plants must get used to the regime, because playing with light can have a bad effect on their development.
4. Each type of grown plant must have its own supplementary illumination regime and the duration of photoperiods: for example, almost all vegetables require a certain amount of natural daylight, and some flowers prefer partial shade.
5. Additional lighting will be especially relevant on cloudy days or when placing boxes on the north side of an apartment or house.

By adhering to these simple rules and observing the requirements for choosing and placing an artificial light source, even a novice gardener will be able to grow strong and viable plants that, when transplanted to a garden bed, quickly adapt to new conditions. Growing seedlings is not a difficult task, but with the right lamps everything will be even easier.

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To ensure the growth and development of plants, special lamps are needed. They provide good growth plants not only artificial conditions, but also in ordinary ones. In order for plants to be healthy and develop at any time of the year - in winter and summer, it is necessary to purchase lamps for plants. They provide a sufficient amount of light necessary for natural and high-quality photosynthesis, in which carbohydrates are synthesized by plants, which are involved in the process of growth and development.

How to choose the right lamps for plants and what kind of lighting plants need in winter, we will consider below.

What kind of lighting do plants need?

Winter, early spring or late autumn When plants do not have the opportunity to receive the required amount of sunlight, their shortage can be filled with additional lighting. To ensure good growth and development of greenery throughout the year, you need purchase special lighting , the range of which is quite diverse. Specialized stores offer hanging and wall lamps, fixtures attached to a tripod with clothespins and Velcro, etc.

Plants need constant light, not just from time to time. When the lighting is turned on periodically, the biorhythms of plants go astray and thereby harm them.

For green spaces, the most necessary and useful are the rays of blue-violet and orange-red. With the help of blue-violet rays, their vegetative growth is enhanced, and with the rays of the orange-red spectrum, their development is accelerated. When choosing a light source, it must be taken into account that it must emit the energy of red light several times more than blue light.

The light source must be installed from above so that the radiation from it spreads throughout the room in which the plants are located. It is necessary to ensure that the lamps do not interfere with the penetration of natural light into the room. Fixtures also installed on both sides, since green pets always reach for the light source.

Types of lamps and their characteristics

All lamps have certain advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right lamp for plants, you need to consider the main types of these sources of artificial lighting.

Incandescent lamps

They cannot provide greens with certain blue and red spectrum rays. During operation, they get very hot, which negatively affects the plants. Them best used with fluorescent lamps, since their main emission spectrum is blue-violet.

Fluorescent lamps

They have the following benefits:

Choosing fluorescent lamps, it is necessary pay attention to the markings, which should indicate the presence of blue rays in the radiation, which play an important role in photosynthesis. Lamps should be placed at a distance of 30 to 60 cm from deciduous plants and 20 to 30 cm from flowering and ornamental plantings. If a fluorescent lamps are used as the main source of light, then the main principle is a sufficient amount of light, and not the distance from the lamp to the plants.

Energy-saving lamps

Available in a wider range and also used to illuminate plants. The variety of the assortment allows you to choose the right light bulb for a certain phase or stage of development and growth of green spaces. These light sources characterized by economical energy consumption and long service life, during operation almost do not heat up. This light source is the most cost-effective, inside which a device that controls the start is built. At the stage of active development and growth, economical lamps with a certain marking of 6400 - 4200 k (blue) are needed, and at the stage of the appearance of flowers and fruit ripening 2700 -2500 k (red).

Discharge lamps

This is the most intense light source. When the task is to illuminate a large space with low energy costs, discharge lamps are best suited. Due to the mixture of gas filling the flask, the color is constantly changing, and the radiation is enhanced. Along with good data, they also have disadvantages: special ballasts are needed to ensure their work.

There are several types of gas discharge lamps:

• mercury;
• sodium;
• metal halide (metal halide).

mercury lamps contain mercury and additives of halides of the following metals: thallium, sodium, indium, which radiate energy. Due to additives, the light output increases to 60 lm / W, which is not the limit. This lamp in its spectrum is the best suitable for growing green mass, but not suitable for the flowering stage. Service life up to 10 thousand hours. Mercury lamps are made in the form of a flask, ellipsoidal and cylindrical, inside which there is a ceramic or quartz burner.

Sodium lamps are used to illuminate a large area, as they have bright illumination. The rays of the orange-yellow spectrum are pleasing to the eye. Service life up to 20 thousand hours. In the device of the lamp there is a mirror reflector that directs the rays of light to the seedlings. The disadvantage of these lamps is high price and high explosiveness, so it is dangerous to use them in a residential building.

Metal halide lamps are one of the most efficient lamps, and are best suited for illuminating greenery grown in an artificial environment. In the course of work, the necessary radiation of a certain spectrum and high power is produced. These lamps reliable and have a long service life while being easy to maintain. Their cost is quite high.

Aquarium lamps

Used to improve green growth. They emit rays of the desired spectrum, heat up slightly during operation and have good performance. The disadvantage is their high cost, so it makes no sense to buy them to provide plants the right light indoors large area. These luminaires are suitable for lighting plantings in pots.

LED lamps

It is a light source that meets all requirements, which contains several LEDs of different spectrums. All needs in light of plants, these lamps completely satisfy. LEDs economical in power consumption and do not heat up, and also for their work are not needed additional devices and devices. These lamps appeared at the end of the 20th century. LED technology has a strong position in the market. AT given time there are special fixtures with a balance of blue or red, which are designed and adapted for growing plants.

LED phytolamps are the most favorable for green spaces, since have a good emission spectrum- blue and red. The light output of these lamps is lower than fluorescent lamps. They are easy to use, as they have a conventional base and are inserted into a standard cartridge. The surface of the lamp is covered with a special layer that prevents overheating of plants.

Phytolamps are artificial sun that restores the process of photosynthesis. Phytolamps produce large quantity carbs that increases energy and oxygen necessary to accelerate the growth of greenery, its nutrition and health. Oxygen also enriches indoor air, making people feel better. The main elements of LED lamps are modern LED lamps, which are well proven in everyday life and in production.

Lighting duration

The main purpose of lighting is to extend the daylight hours for the plant: in the morning and in the evening - by 3-4 hours. As a result of this, the time is about 6-8 hours, and on cloudy days up to 12 hours. To increase the flowering period, you can also extend the lighting time. For example, some plants, such as saintpaulias, need additional lighting every day for 12-14 hours. This is required condition to ensure flowering.

It should be noted that green pets need a stage of rest and rest, because prolonged forced flowering during the winter period exhausts them. The only exception here is greenery that blooms in winter.

How to choose the right type of lamp?

To choose which type of lamp you need, you need to consider the following parameters:

• the total area of ​​the illuminated premises, the duration of the period of illumination and its uniformity;
• the distance from the plantations to the lamp, the possibility of increasing or decreasing it, depending on the period of plant development;
• the desired spectrum of radiation;
• radiation angle measurement.

Before purchasing a lamp, you must sort plants according to their type and growing season, as well as ensure their compactness. For lighting small areas, there is no need to purchase panels with powerful lamps. Small lamps are suitable here, which are able to feed the plants with their radiation.

Placement and installation of luminaires must be carried out in accordance with the rules fire safety. Proper location increases the comfort of people in this room.

The use of lamps of a certain type and design will create good and favorable conditions for the growth and development of plants, since in the process of lighting the main need of plants for sunlight is satisfied.

Natural lighting occupies one of the first places in the life of all living organisms, but not all living things can move in order to stay under the sun for the right amount of time. We are talking about those who are in the phase of active growth and need additional lighting, which lamps will help them provide.

The Importance of Lighting

Everyone knows that in order to grow strong seedlings light is an important ingredient. And in winter and early spring, when new plants are gaining strength, the natural sunny day is quite short.

In this case, additional light sources, such as lamps, come to the rescue. need in accordance with the stage of development and the purpose of cultivation, therefore the choice must be made consciously.

Each color of the light spectrum has its own characteristics:

• red and blue - stimulate metabolic processes, increase the production of chlorophyll, accelerate photosynthesis;
• orange - accelerates fruiting, used in winter to accelerate fruit ripening;
• yellow and green are important colors during growth and are easily reflected by seedlings;
• ultraviolet - has a bactericidal effect, inhibiting the growth of harmful organisms.

Did you know? For the first time, additional illumination of plants with the help of lamps was applied in 1868. This was done by a scientist from Russia Andrei Famintsin.

Despite the fact that each plant has its own specific requirements for the light spectrum, with a lack of it, photosynthesis slows down, biomass slowly grows, and seedlings begin to get sick. A suitable level of illumination is the limit of 8 thousand lux. Modern technologies, namely plant lighting at home, will help bring seedlings as close as possible to the desired parameters and achieve illumination of 6 thousand lux.

Primary requirements

Having made the decision to independently grow seedlings at home, it is important to know what to look for when choosing additional light sources. Consider how The lamp must meet the following requirements:

• for full growth, it is better to choose devices that emit red or blue;
• the main purpose of the source of additional light should be lighting, and not overdrying and increasing the air temperature;
• the rays of light should be soft;
• the container must be illuminated evenly and completely.

To obtain high-quality seedlings, it is necessary to correctly calculate the duration of illumination, which will depend on the power of the device, as well as the distance from it to the surface. You can check the thermal radiation of the device by placing your hand on a surface that is illuminated, and thus feeling the heat.

Will any or types of lamps be suitable for lighting seedlings

Today, the market is saturated with different lighting fixtures that help to get the right amount of light. However, many are interested in how to choose the right device for illuminating seedlings and what features popular models have.

Important! Any selected type of lighting can be equipped with light screens to save energy. To create them, it is enough to stick foil or ordinary white cardboard on the sides of the container.

Some people think that in order for the plants to receive the right amount of light and heat, it is enough to hang a few ordinary lamps over the seedlings. However, common appliances do not have the necessary color spectrum for full illumination of plants.

Consuming a fairly large amount of electricity, they convert only 5% of the light, and the rest is converted into heat. As a result, plants do not receive lighting, but additional heat and, as a result, overdrying or burns on the leaves are obtained. Consequently, the use of incandescent lamps is not as efficient as others that are gaining popularity today.

fluorescent

one of best options to obtain ultraviolet radiation, which is so necessary for plants. Due to this effect, intensive growth of seedlings of saturated color will occur. In whom, this color leads to a decrease in the level of pathogenic microbes.

Additional advantages of use is the absence of a high temperature at the lamp, which makes it possible to maintain the desired microclimate around the plants. In spite of positive points, such lamps still have some disadvantages. These include the absence of the required number of waves in the red part of the spectrum.

Also, they do not have much power, and, therefore, you cannot get a quick result with them. To obtain the desired result, the distance from the lamp to the seedlings should be within 20–30 cm. The ideal power is 40 watts.

sodium

Sodium lamps are considered the brightest compared to others. The spectrum of their radiation optimally helps the growth of plants. They are divided into two types: low and high pressure. It is the latter that are used to supplement the illumination of seedlings at home and accelerate the ripening of fruits.

Some representatives of this group have a mirror reflector that allows you to illuminate large area which saves cash. Negative points use is strong heating and unsafe use, since the production uses mercury with a mixture of sodium.

These lamps must not be turned on if voltage fluctuations greater than 10% are present. Temperature drop environment leads to a decrease in the efficiency of such lamps. The power of the lamp should be no more than 100 watts.

Important! Lamps with sodium lamps are strictly forbidden to be connected to simple sockets. For them you need to use special equipment, chokes and pulse ignition devices.

LED

LED bulbs for seedlings are gaining popularity with farmers. Use of similar lighting on seedlings leads to the following results:

• reduction in electricity consumption;
• due to minimal heating, the lamp can be placed almost near plants;
• there are diodes in the lamp different color, which allow you to get red and blue colors simultaneously;
• high operational safety minimizes possible losses;
• lack of drying and excessive thermal humidity;
• no minimum infrared radiation.

Illumination of seedlings with LED lamps will accelerate photosynthesis in plants due to a different glow.

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Lamps for seedlings - how to solve the problem of choice and what is better to buy?

The lack of sun causes slow growth in plants, poor development, so seedling lamps are simply necessary during the short daylight hours. Additional artificial light sources can solve the problems that arise when growing plants at home.

Seedling lighting in the apartment - features

Natural sunlight plays a huge role in growing seedlings, especially at home. It is rather difficult to create a natural microclimate in urban conditions, therefore, seedlings often stretch out, become stunted and painful.
To grow strong healthy seedlings, you need to resort to an additional light source, using backlights.

It is necessary to illuminate at home correctly, based on the stage of development, cultivation goals and the state of the crops grown, therefore, when choosing a lamp, you need to focus on the color spectrum of lighting products.

Different intensity of glow has a certain color temperature, red (1400-1600 K), green (3700-4000 K), blue (more than 6700 K). There are also spectra that our vision does not capture - infrared, ultraviolet.

A feature of lighting seedlings at home on a windowsill or shelf is that during a certain growing season, plants have a strong sensitivity to some colors, and react less intensely to others. For each crop, you need to choose your own lamp in order to succeed in growing.

in the photo - additional illumination with fluorescent lamps

Red and blue (cyan) spectrum in the lamps perfectly stimulate the metabolic processes of life, as a result, the production of chlorophyll increases, photosynthesis and development are accelerated. orange light necessary at the time of fruiting (often lamps with such light are used in winter greenhouses to accelerate fruit ripening). yellow and green spectra are reflected by seedlings, but are necessary during the growth period (all colors are present in natural light).

ultraviolet light very useful, has a bactericidal effect, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microbes, bacteria, fungi, etc. When using ultraviolet lamps, you need to remember that too much does not mean "good", an overabundance ultraviolet rays may cause the opposite effect.

Illumination of plants with fluorescent lamps

What kind of lamp is needed for seedlings to grow strong plants? Proper lighting It starts with choosing a light bulb. Fluorescent lighting devices have different quality parameters, a rather large range of temperature color (2800 K-7600 K). You can buy a fluorescent lamp from domestic and foreign manufacturers; well-known companies Osram, Sylvania, Uniel and others are widely represented on the market.

in the photo - illumination of seedlings with fluorescent lamps

Lighting devices are quite often used by summer residents and gardeners for highlighting, but fluorescent lamps have some disadvantages:

• a sufficiently large length of the lamp, which creates inconvenience when illuminating on narrow window sills;
• the light is scattered in all directions, it is necessary to install reflectors in the upper, side parts of the structure;
• the power of the fluorescent lamp for seedlings must be more than 40 W;
• temperature spectral waves of red color are not enough for full development when grown for seedlings.

To obtain sufficient illumination, it is necessary to observe a distance of fifteen to thirty-five centimeters (from plants to the lamp). When placed on large wide window sills, the backlight should be provided by two fluorescent lamps with a power of 40 W or more.

LED lamps for illumination

They have many advantages over others. artificial sources Sveta. A large selection of models opens up wide opportunities for growing seedlings on a windowsill, in a greenhouse, greenhouses, etc., you just need to choose the right LED power suitable for lighting in specific conditions. In large greenhouses where vegetables and other crops are grown for sale all year round You can't do without LED lamps.

in the photo - LED lamp for illuminating seedlings

LED products, as well as phytolamps, are equipped with red and blue flowers. The blue spectrum accelerates the growth of the root system, the red spectrum affects the development of the leaf part and enhances growth. The disadvantage of LED-lamps is the cost, which is noticeably higher in comparison with conventional appliances lighting.

The advantage of expensive diodes is less energy consumption, electricity is saved when maximum performance. LED lamps have a fairly long service life, at least 10 years of continuous glow (according to manufacturers).

Sodium lamps at home

Sodium lamps are gas-discharge lamps and are considered the best in terms of brightness. These light products are widely used for highlighting crops, lighting industries, warehouses, streets. Sodium bulbs are divided into two types, high and low pressure, it is high pressure lamps that are used to illuminate seedlings at home.

in the photo - sodium lamps for seedlings

It is advisable to use NLVD for grown plants and during the fruiting period. In the early stages (sowing, growing seedlings), the use of sodium lamps does not always have the desired effect - plants grow faster than usual, stretch. NLVD is characterized by the release of heat, which is so necessary for plants, especially those growing in winter greenhouses, hotbeds.

The downside of NLVD is strong heating and unsafe use (mercury with a mixture of sodium is used in the manufacture of lamps). Luminaires are not recommended to be turned on with unstable voltage, when fluctuations are more than 10%. In cold, damp weather, the efficiency of sodium devices is reduced, which is a disadvantage when used in unheated greenhouses.

Properly organized lighting in compliance with the required intensity indicators is one of the most important guarantees of obtaining healthy and strong seedlings. In some cases, a simple enough daylight, but in most situations it is necessary to organize additional artificial lighting with the help of lamps. Today, manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of such devices.

Mostly floral and vegetable crops are heat-loving plants, the growth efficiency and developmental features of which are largely determined by the length of daylight hours. Light deficiency leads to a slowdown in the course of photosynthesis processes and the occurrence of various diseases in seedlings. To avoid these and related problems, organize additional lighting.

Sunlight consists of several waves of different lengths and colors. For plant photosynthesis to occur in accordance with established norms, it is necessary to organize their illumination with full-spectrum light. Along with this, each spectrum performs its important functions.

About them in the table.

Table. The role of light spectra in the development of seedlings

List of spectra	Role and tasks
Red	Contributes to the normalization of the development of seeds and vegetation. Under its influence, the quality of flowering increases.
Blue	Takes an important part in the regulation of plant cell growth. Ensures the development of strong sprouts.
Violet	Similar to blue.
Green	Plants almost do not absorb this spectrum of light, reflecting it on the surface of the leaves.
Yellow	Similar to green.

Basic lighting requirements

The key characteristics of lighting are its duration and level of intensity. The intensity is determined by the power of the lighting device used and the distance between it and the plants. Optimal distance is defined as follows: you turn on the lamp and put your hand under the light. If you feel warm, the lighting device should be slightly moved away.

The normal light level for plants is 8000 lux. The lamps for home seedlings presented in today's publication will do an excellent job of providing it, but additional lighting will have to be turned on not only in the mornings and in the evening, but also during the day, especially if the weather is cloudy.

To check if the lamp is needed, simply turn it on. Notice a significant change in light levels? There is a need to use additional lighting. Don't see much difference? The backlight may not be used.

Seedling illumination - photo

Assortment of lamps for seedlings and their main features

There are many varieties of lighting fixtures available for sale that can be used when growing home seedling. Consider the most popular of them.

Sodium lamps

Among domestic gardeners, Reflux lamps are the most popular.

Key positive qualities sodium lamps should include the following points:

• high levels of lighting efficiency;
• ensuring a stable stream of light;
• impressive service life;
• creation in general favorable conditions for the normal course of photosynthesis.

The main disadvantage is the relatively high cost.

The table provides information about the main representatives of the range.

Table. Popular models of sodium lamps

List of models	Basic information
	Complete with built-in reflector. Outperforms the competition in all major characteristics. By means of the mentioned mirror reflector, an increase in the intensity of the light flux and its focus on the grown plants is ensured. To illuminate the seedlings on a 1.5-meter windowsill, a 70-watt lamp in the amount of one piece is enough. Select the required number of lighting fixtures, guided by this pattern.
	They do not have a pre-installed reflector. Lamps with a power of 70 W are enough to illuminate plants on no more than a 1-meter window sill, i.e. these devices are less powerful compared to the representatives of the above group. If necessary, sodium lamps are allowed to be used in residential premises - the light emitted by these devices does not irritate the eyes.

Fluorescent lamps

They emit cold lighting, similar to natural daylight. They are characterized by low power, which forces them to be installed in increased numbers. In addition, one of the disadvantages of fluorescent lamps is the low content of red light in the spectrum.

When calculating the required number of lamps, we use the following relationship: each 1 m of the length of the window sill with seedlings is serviced by a lamp with an 80-watt or two 40-65-watt lamps.

Important! Do not use LDC and LD fluorescent lamps to illuminate seedlings - plants react poorly to the light emitted by such devices.

Phytolamps

The most popular among gardeners are phytolamps of several brands.

1. Fluora by Osram. Fits 18W lights. To illuminate 1 m of the window sill, one or two such lamps are enough.

   

2. LFU-30. Characterized by a power of 30 watts. One luminaire is enough to service a 40x70 cm platform.

   

3. Enrich. Relatively weakly irritate the eye, but are characterized by a short (up to 6 months on average) service life. In addition, such lamps heat the leaves of seedlings very strongly, which is not the best effect on its condition.

   

4. Paulmann. Can have different power. They differ from the closest analogues in almost zero heating, which eliminates the risk of overheating of seedlings, as well as an impressive service life.

   

5. Fitosvet-D. Category of LED devices. Suitable for both home and greenhouse use.

   

The key advantages of all phytolamps are as follows:

• high efficiency;
• compactness;
• impressive indicators of environmental friendliness, efficiency, durability and safety in general.

The disadvantage comes down to lilac pink color glow, which is not the best way reflected in the condition of the eyes of a person and his well-being. In residential premises, such lamps are allowed to be used only in combination with an external mirror reflector.

Can regular light bulbs be used?

As it becomes clear from the above information, many different types of lamps can be used for seedlings, however, each of the options has its own weaknesses.

The question arises: is it necessary to buy additional lighting fixtures? Isn't it possible to get by with ordinary household incandescent light bulbs?

It is forbidden. Such lighting will be ineffective and simply useless. According to average data, incandescent lamps with a traditional tungsten filament transform no more than 5 percent of energy into light. Everything else is just warm. In addition, the light spectrum of such lamps is not suitable for plants: they will dry out, burn, stretch, and generally form in the wrong way.

Now you know which lamps can be used when growing seedlings on your own. Have a rich harvest!

Video - What lamps are needed for seedlings