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Somers, CT

Plants grow in the dark after collecting energy all day. Make sure to shut off the grow lights at night to allow the plants to convert the energy into growth.

4/28/2008 7:50:51 PM

Commack, NY

every time i have ever done this, the plants became leggy. for some reason this doesnt happen outside, but i wouldnt recommend it while the seedlings are inside the house.

4/28/2008 8:34:03 PM

Somers, CT

I was wondering if there was any negative impact to it. That would be one. I try to keep the plant as short as possible by keeping the light as low to the plant as I can. I have not had that problem yet but do prop them up outside to make sure they do not snap.

4/28/2008 9:22:08 PM

No Place Special

I agree with Scott, mine become leggy if turned off over night. I usually set a timer for them to be off only 4 hrs.

4/28/2008 10:11:23 PM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

I have had good luck with 12 hrs on, 12 hrs off. Biggest factor for me is keeping the lights right on top of the plants, almost touching them, raising them a little every day. I used to leave them on 24 hrs. When I stopped I got stronger, stalkier seedlings.

4/28/2008 10:24:14 PM

Iowa

I agree with Scott....

4/28/2008 10:49:46 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

I used to leave mine on 24hrs (400w hps),now I switch it off as soon as they come up I get slower growing but prettier seedlings.I should add that they are in the polytunnel not in my dwelling house where they would indeed need some artificial light.

4/29/2008 5:06:01 AM

Greene County, Pa.

i use a 1000 watt light set on 16 hours a day, never had a leggy seedling, i guess my light gives the plant enough light for the day, and energy for the night, unlike flouresent lights.

4/29/2008 5:08:15 AM

St. Thomas Ontario

How far do you keep the 1000w off the plants?

4/29/2008 6:43:58 AM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

I keep mine on 24 hrs. and don't have a problem with them becoming leggy.

4/29/2008 7:46:30 AM

Greene County, Pa.

i keep it about 20-24 inches away.

4/29/2008 8:07:23 AM

bliss,n.y.- heart of Wyoming County

Hi
Iam a 12 on-12 off grower. My lights are about 3-4 inches max above the plants. It keeps the short, stocky and happy.. grin.. kinda like me..

4/29/2008 9:27:16 AM

southwest MO

I switched potting soil this year to a blend with NO added nutrients... Boy what a difference that makes! I've always had leegy plants in the past no matter what my light cycle. This year I have really had to push them to get them moving. I've even resorted to a few squirts of 1/ strength miracle grow as a foliar... They are looking good but alot stockier than years past. Also reduce your temps at night a tad like mother nature does. I of course am refrencing my tomatoes, peppers, brocolli, ect. My pumpkins will be started this weekend and I excpect the samme for them.

4/29/2008 10:34:33 AM

Decatur, IL

I've always left my lights on for about 16-18 hrs. and off for 6-8 hrs. Plants have always stayed nice and stocky. I think the most important thing to do is keep the bulbs close to the plants.

4/29/2008 1:07:46 PM

Lymington UK

In my mind Rob is 100% right, we’ve used sodium lights commercially on our crops for years and most plants need that rest time to turn the energy into growth. Our grow light is turned off for about 4 hours at night on a time clock. I think if anything we will move our plants further away from our particular light next year as the heat coming from it has damaged a few leaves. I think we had about 7000Lux at plant height if I remember right which is a bit OTT

4/29/2008 5:13:41 PM

Somers, CT

I probably should have formed this as a question. Great input everyone and lots to consider. My experiences have been that I find the plants do better with a break from the light. They seem thicker and heartier when they get planted. It also simulates the sun and gets them on a schedule but that is just my observation.

4/30/2008 9:00:55 AM

Baltimore

there is simple solution to remembering to turn the lights on and off. It is called light timer they sell them in hardware stores and they only cost about $10.

5/3/2008 10:46:52 PM