Grow lights are an incredibly useful tool for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed indoors. You can also use hydroponics led grow lights to keep houseplants happy and healthy, grow microgreens, or even to provide supplemental light inside a greenhouse. Plants rely on ample bright light to photosynthesize and live, after all. But, where to start? If you’re new to using grow lights, you’ve come to the right place!
Why use a grow light?

Plants rely on light to survive! Through the process of photosynthesis, plants harness energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy that is used to fuel their growth. In most cases, the amount of light a plant receives directly correlates to how vigorously it will grow. Using commercial grow lights is an easy and excellent way to provide supplemental light and support plants where adequate natural sunlight is lacking.

Have you seen seedlings that are super tall, or even leaning towards a window? They’re stretching in search of more light. In the seedling world, taller doesn’t mean better! Without sufficient light, veggie seedlings get lanky, thin, and weak (also known as getting “leggy”) and are at risk of flopping over or breaking. Other indoor plants may struggle to grow, produce, or otherwise thrive to their fullest potential without enough light.

One of the best ways to prevent leggy seedlings and grow the most healthy, successful plants is by using greenhouse grow lights inside. I hate to say it, but more often than not, a bright sunny window alone won’t provide enough light for starting seeds indoors. Especially in the winter months when daylight hours are already scarce; the time most gardeners start seeds for the spring and summer season ahead. The ample light provided by grow lights will keep seedlings short, stocky, and strong. However, bright windows and ambient light are typically sufficient for most houseplants.
What plants need a grow light?

Certain plants require impeccable bright light for the majority of the day, described as needing “full sun”. Light-loving plants include most flower and vegetable seedlings, warm season annual crops like tomatoes or pepper plants, and hemp. Those guys will all benefit from a grow light while they’re indoors, no matter how naturally bright the space is. Succulents, cacti, microgreens, and herbs also enjoy full sun, but may be grown successfully inside without the use of grow lights as long as they’re near a very sunny window (ideally south-facing if you live in the northern hemisphere).
On the other hand, some plants can get by with lower to moderate light, such as pothos, philodendron, or sansveria – all popular houseplants. Ferns, orchids, and leafy greens can also happily grow in partial shade.
Grow lights come in all sorts of shapes, types, and sizes. So much so, that the various choices and number of powerful led grow light on the market can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I get it! We’ve used several styles of grow lights over the years. LED, T5, multi-bulb arrays, single bulbs, with and without reflectors… the list goes on. Each of them has their pros and cons; it all depends on what you intend to use them for.