There are several reasons why people are now interested in learning how to grow vegetables under artificial light. This article will discuss some of those reasons. The biggest reason has to be the depleted soil fertility caused by soil loss due to population growth and growing urbanization. Most people are also interested in growing vegetables in a more efficient way. Here are some tips on how to grow vegetables under artificial light.
First, determine if you have adequate lighting requirements and space, and then start growing vegetables inside. Note: Most problems faced by vegetable growers with growing vegetables under artificial lights are not related to lack of lights or space. The problem usually stems from improper positioning of the lights. For example, many new gardeners mistakenly position grow lights in the direction of the southern sky. Such orientation causes the light to hit the ground at a lower intensity than needed, causing inadequate production.
Second, you need to provide a sufficient amount of water for your veggies. Watering should occur at least once or twice a week during the growing season. If you cannot provide your plants with ample amount of water, then you should consider using pre-watered seeds or buy unprocessed containers of high quality soil. Remember, pre-watered seeds are just as good as fresh vegetables bought at farmers’ market when it comes to providing adequate nutrition.
Third, place your seeds properly into your container. It is advisable to group similar-sized seeds together so that they are easier to germinate. Grouping your seeds based on size helps lessen the number of seedlings that you will need to keep. Also, you may choose to put all the seeds in one container or spread them out on a bed of dirt. You can also place the seeds on a tall container like a pot, square tray, or other container designed to hold soil.
Fourth, learn how to control the type of artificial light your garden receives. Depending on the season, you may need to supplement natural sunlight by putting up low-voltage lighting or fluorescent lighting. Keep in mind that it is important to keep the lighting at a reasonable level and remove bright, glaring lights from the garden if possible. You can use timers to turn the lights on and off, or you may need to run an extension cord from an electrician or electric sprinkler timer to supplement natural sunlight. If your garden gets less sunlight, then you should make arrangements for more artificial lighting.
Fifth, get tips from experts on how to grow vegetables under artificial light. Some experts recommend placing rows of red and orange grow lights along a walkway or patio. Others suggest using rows of fluorescent or LED lights to provide illumination in an indoor vegetable garden. You can create interesting effects by arranging your lighting in different patterns and angles. The addition of a few plants of different types, such as spinach and broccoli, can create dramatic effects indoors.
Finally, keep track of your harvest. Make a list of when each group of vegetables are picked, how much each crop is harvested, and how much food is needed to satisfy the family. This information will allow you to budget your gardening so that you do not accumulate surplus food. Knowing how much to plant, when to plant, and how much water to collect and use will ensure that your garden never goes thirsty. By harvesting regularly, you ensure that your garden never goes without vegetables.
These five suggestions are a good starting point for planning your indoor garden. Different vegetables grow better under different conditions. It is best to explore your options and find the conditions that best suit your plants. However, with a little work, it is possible to grow healthy plants that grow well indoors. Good luck and congratulations!