How to Reflect Indoor Light for Starting Seeds

Two of the most important components of successfully starting seeds indoors are moisture and light, both of which are required for most seed germination. While some seeds will germinate without light, once the sprouts emerge, light is a critical part of their continued growth. Grow lights and standard household lights provide adequate lighting for seeds, but sometimes it disperses too widely, falling outside the seed area. To resolve this problem, use reflective surfaces near the seeds to redirect the light onto the seeds or seedlings.

Grow light or 40-watt, 48-inch-long fluorescent tube
Tape measure
Aluminum foil
Masking tape
Cardboard
Pencil
Scissors or utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Set the seed trays or pots under your grow lights or under a household fluorescent light such as a 40-watt, 48-inch-long tube. If needed, install shelving under the lights so that the top of the soil is 2 to 4 inches underneath the bulb.
- 2
  Set the seed tray aside and tear off a piece of aluminum foil that is large enough to cover the entire top of the shelf or surface that supports the seeds. Place the foil on top of the surface and fold it down along the sides to hold it in place. If the sides of the surface are not close enough, simply tape the edges of the foil to the surface using masking tape.
- 3
  Place the seeds back into position on top of the foil and center them under the lights.
- 4
  Measure the distance between the bottom of the light fixture and the surface of the table using a tape measure. Then measure the width of the light, or the width of the seed tray, to determine the width of the area.
- 5
  Draw the length and width measurements on a piece of cardboard using a pencil and cut it out using scissors or a utility knife.
- 6
  Tear off another piece of aluminum foil, or multiple pieces if needed, and wrap the cardboard until it completely covers one side.The shiny side of the foil should face outward. Tape the edge of the foil to the cardboard to secure it in place.
- 7
  Place the cardboard directly behind the seed tray or container so that the foil side faces the seeds. Secure the cardboard by taping it to the light fixture or taping the bottom to the seed tray. If a wall is nearby, you may also prop it against the wall.

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