Mercury lamps in greenhouse?
I have 2 mercury lamps from when I used to keeptropical marine fish in an
aquarium. As these lamps are supposed to replicate sunlight,I was wondering if they could be used to germinate seeds in the greenhouse when the natural light levels are still low? I hear cannabis plants are grown in secrecy using this method indoors -- for obvious reasons!! just a thought |
Mercury lamps in greenhouse?
"Colin Spooner" wrote in message ... I have 2 mercury lamps from when I used to keeptropical marine fish in an aquarium. As these lamps are supposed to replicate sunlight,I was wondering if they could be used to germinate seeds in the greenhouse when the natural light levels are still low? If seeds needed light to germinate, which most don't, it would be easier to simply sow them on the surface of the compost. Rather than bury them one seed deep, which is the normal recommendation for most species. If you're going to use artificial light to bring on plants earlier, it would probably be cheaper to do it indoors where there will presumably already be sufficient heat. michael adams .... |
Mercury lamps in greenhouse?
In article , "michael adams"
wrote: "Colin Spooner" wrote in message ... I have 2 mercury lamps from when I used to keeptropical marine fish in an aquarium. As these lamps are supposed to replicate sunlight,I was wondering if they could be used to germinate seeds in the greenhouse when the natural light levels are still low? If seeds needed light to germinate, which most don't, it would be easier to simply sow them on the surface of the compost. Rather than bury them one seed deep, which is the normal recommendation for most species. If you're going to use artificial light to bring on plants earlier, it would probably be cheaper to do it indoors where there will presumably already be sufficient heat. You'll find temperature much more important for most species than light levels. Norman Deno's books "Theory and Practice of Seed Germination" are probably the best single source of information on germination needs of different species. Having said that, if you actually do need light for germination or you're trying to grow Welwitschias or something that needs a lot of light then your surplus mercury lights will do fine. As will most other lights including cheapo fluorescent strips from B&Q. There is a good deal of manure spread on the subject of grow-lights and their spectral emission. Most plants don't care much and I think the whole market is driven by cannabis cultivators and more particularly those entrepreneurs who supply them. |
Mercury lamps in greenhouse?
"Colin Spooner" wrote in message
... I have 2 mercury lamps from when I used to keeptropical marine fish in an aquarium. As these lamps are supposed to replicate sunlight,I was wondering if they could be used to germinate seeds in the greenhouse when the natural light levels are still low? I hear cannabis plants are grown in secrecy using this method indoors -- for obvious reasons!! just a thought No reason why not, though it's not usually cost effective unless you're specialising in a high value crop whose light requirements you understand very well. If you are sowing seeds that are going to germinate before light levels are sufficient for good growth, chances are your plants are going to be ready to go outside or will be needing more space than you can give them inside while it's still too cold to put them out. I've found that for my purposes at any rate, earlyish veg production and the usual spring bedding suspects artificial light isn't worth the bother. -- Rod My real address is rodtheweedygardeneratmyweedyisp Just remove the weedy bits and transplant the appropriate symbol at. |
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