Instructions on How to Build Your Own Grow Light

Building your own plant grow light is an uncomplicated process that benefits indoor plants. A grow light is particularly useful when starting garden vegetable and flower seeds indoors before the outdoor planting season begins. The grow light mimics natural sunlight to give vegetable and flower seedlings the long growing day they need. An adjustable grow light can be raised to accommodate the growth of new plants. By raising only one light chain, tall and short plants in one seedling flat can be accommodated.

Wire shelf system with two shelves, each measuring 24-by-36 inches
2 fluorescent shop-type lights that hold two lights
4 lightweight metal chains
4 "S" hooks
1 cool fluorescent light
1 warm fluorescent light
Seedlings and tray
Timer

Instructions

- 1
  Assemble the wire shelving according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 2
  Connect the shop lights to the top wire shelf using the chains and the S hooks. Adjust the chain length so the shop lights are two inches above the seedling tray. Insert one cool and one warm fluorescent tube into each light.
- 3
  Place a seedling flat on the bottom wire shelf. Turn on the grow lights after the seedlings emerge.
- 4
  Connect a timer to the lights, following the manufacturer's instructions, setting the timer for 16 hours of light for each day.
- 5
  While the seedlings grow, progressively raise the chains with the S hooks to continue the 2-inch grow light height above the plants.

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