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ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LED GROW LIGHTS

ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LED GROW LIGHTS

LED, or light-emitting diode, products are approximately ninety percent more efficient in producing light than ordinary incandescent bulbs. Also, they have no chemicals and do not emit harmful UV radiation, reducing carbon footprints.

Among such products, LED grow light strips are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after ones in the market. People are using these recyclable lights to grow indoor plants and save on energy costs.

What is LED grow light?

Different from LED lights, grow lights are meant to help plants grow indoors. While this concept is fairly new to horticulture, research on the use and benefits of LED lights has been ongoing for a long time. These types of bulbs generate the right amount of light that can help plants photosynthesize indoors.

Most plant owners use LED grow lights as an additional light source besides the sun for plants that may need more light to grow. These types of lights also help to grow plants in office cubicles, where sunlight may not be able to reach.

All such lights are artificial, and most of them are electric. They mimic the sun as best as possible, resulting in a varied light spectrum. Besides controlling the color spectrum, you can have control over luminous efficacy and color temperature as well.

How many lights to buy and where to place them

Before you buy these lights, consider the type of gardening you are interested in. For instance, are you a commercial gardener, a farmer, or a hobbyist? Once that is established, consider the garden size and type of plants you wish to grow. This will help determine the number of LED grow lights you will need. Typically, you will need to buy a 500 to 550-Watt LED grow light for a growing space of sixteen square feet.

The lights must be placed at least fourteen to thirty inches away from the plants for maximum benefit. Since they generate less heat, you can position the lights closer to your plants without worrying about the lights burning them.

You can attach them onto a shelf or buy flexible ones and wrap them around the plant enclosure. Whichever you decide, ensure that the light from the LED grow light strips falls onto the plants.

Features

Any good LED grow light strip must have the following features.

  • It should be resistant to rough weather conditions, allowing one to use them on balconies and other semi-exterior areas.
  • The circuit and LED light bulb must be encased in flexible plastic. This enables proper insulation and boosts water resistance.
  • They must have a long shelf life.
  • Buying soft LED lights that can curl into a wire gives greater flexibility to use them.
  • One can use them in greenhouses, gardens, offices, courtyards, and homes.

Lifespan

One of the reasons LED grow lights may seem pricey is that they come with a longer lifespan than other light varieties. However, it is a good investment in the long run, as most LEDs can last for three years or more. There are also fewer maintenance costs with these lights.

Ultimately, how long your LED grow lights last depends on the specific type of light you buy and how frequently you use them. For example, if you leave the lights on for the whole day, you cannot expect it to last as long as advertised.

However, these lights are prone to collecting dust and other debris over time, reducing the brightness levels. So, be sure to wipe them clean once in a while to increase the cycle of use and efficiency.

LED grow light strips are a great way to modernize your home while also causing less harm to the environment. They go beyond solely illuminating your home and can effectively help plants grow.

Such lights offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to set them up anywhere in your home or office. Also, installing them is easy and uncomplicated. Since they are chemical-free, they are also safe to use in homes with infants and older people.

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