How to Grow Organically Indoors With a Grow Light

Mount the lights above the planting table. Use chains, so the lights can be raised and lowered. Plug the lights into a timer set to turn them on for 12 hours. Any type of grow light may be used, although fluorescent tubes are the most energy efficient. LED lights are longer lasting and are becoming increasingly cost-effective, too. Full-spectrum grow lights aren't necessary unless you want to grow plants permanently under lights, or want them to bloom. For those applications, invest in daylight or full-spectrum lights.

Fill a bucket half full of organic seedling mix. Add water and stir until the mix is thoroughly moistened. Put a handful of mix atop a seed tray and smooth it out until all the cells are filled. Don't press it down.

Plant one or two seeds in each cell, at the depth recommended on the seed packet. The packet will also tell you when to start each variety. Write the variety on a plant label and stick it into the soil. Spray the cells thoroughly with water from the spray bottle to settle the seeds into the soil. Place the clear plastic cover over the tray and put the tray under the lights.

Adjust the light so it is no more than 2 inches above the plastic cover. As the plants grow, remove the cover and move the light higher so it is always 2 to 3 inches from the top of the plants.

Fertilize the starts after they have at least four true leaves. Mix up a quarter-strength solution of liquid kelp, fish emulsion or 3-3-3 organic liquid fertilizer and fertilize weekly.

Move the seedlings outdoors gradually two weeks before their planting date. Put them in a shaded area for a few hours the first day, then for longer periods each day, moving them slowly into full sun. Bring them in at night for the first few days. Depending on your climate, getting them accustomed to sun and wind takes from one to two weeks.