Introduction
LED grow lights are perfect for growing plants in low light conditions. They use very little energy. They keep your home energy costs down. They provide a constant light source throughout the day. The first thing that you must do when growing your plants is to choose the right LED grow light. Before making a decision, consider several factors so that you can get the best results. This article will help you to gain a better understanding of those factors.
Why Choose LED Grow Lights
There are a number of different types of LED grow lights available on the market. They can be broken down into two main categories: those that use LEDs as lightbulbs, and those that use MH or HPS lights.
Those that use LEDs as lightbulbs typically have a longer life expectancy. So they won’t need to be replaced as often. They’re also much more affordable. This makes them an ideal choice for beginner growers.
Elements of a Good LED Grow Light
LED grow lights use LEDs to create an intensity of light that is adjustable. Growers can customize the light intensity to meet their specific needs. Indoor plants benefit from LED grow lights’ long life expectancy.
Consider these factors when choosing an LED grow light:
- The LED grow light should be able to produce the right spectrum for plants.
- It should have a high PPFD.
- It should be efficient and durable.
- It should be suitable for your space and budget.
The best grow lights for indoor plants will be able to provide a full spectrum of light. This is because plants need different colours of light at various stages of their growth.
What’s Available in the Market
LED grow lights are available in different sizes and types. The size of the LED grow light will depend on the size of your garden. The type of LED grow light depends on how you want to use it. This is where things can get tricky for newcomers.
You see, LEDs are relatively new to the market. Serious growers have just begun to adopt them in recent years. So, they’ve already made quite an impact!
While incandescent bulbs emit all wavelengths equally, LEDs typically emit blue plus white light. If you want a full spectrum lamp with wavelengths from 400nm to 700nm, then you’ll need to buy a special LED light. Those are designed for this purpose only. Don’t get any old one off Amazon that says “full-spectrum.”
How to Choose a Good LED Grow Light
Learn About Types of Grow Lights
Understanding the different types and features of LED grow lights is the first step. LED grow lights are available in many shapes and sizes. It makes it difficult to determine which one will be best for your garden.
Generally speaking, there are two types of LED grow lights:
- Strip Lights
Strip lights are shaped like long tubes with LEDs attached at regular intervals along their length.
- Panel Lights
Panel-shaped LED grow lights look more like small boxes or squares with an array of smaller LEDs inside.
The intensity (measured in lumens) of LED grow lights and strip lights varies. They are different in lengths, widths, heights, colors, colours per square inch etc. So it’s important that you understand these variables before making final selection.
Strip lights tend to be more directional and can be used with reflectors or hoods for better coverage. But panel-shaped LED grow lights emit light all around. This is the main difference between them.
Read The Specifications.
When you’re choosing a grow light, there are a few things to look at.
- Lumens (lm)
It is the unit of measurement for brightness. Brighter lights have a higher lumen count. A 300W LED light would be significantly brighter than a 50W LED light with 800 lm. It is possible that two had different lumen ratings and watts.
- Wattage (W)
LEDs emit a certain amount of power per hour when in use. This is called Wattage. Just like with the lumens above, consider two identical LED lights. What is brighter, one with 15 W bulbs or one with 10 W bulbs? The answer depends on how many LEDs each system uses!
Consider Your Gardening Climate
If You might not need as much light if you live in a cold or humid climate. Take this into account when measuring wattage for LED grow lights.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article helped you find the best LED grow light for your needs. Before buying, do your research since there are many options. Don’t forget to choose LED grow lights that have been tested by independent labs (like UL or ETL). This ensures that it will meet all safety standards for use around humans and animals!
