Most people think by placing plants in the window where the sun shines through is enough lighting for plants, well this is not so. During the winter season the sun is at half strength. Artificial lighting is a must if you want your plants to thrive. I use a florescent lighting tube, the Sun Blaster. It comes in 3 different lengths – 2 feet, 3 feet and 4 feet and it is a very thin florescent tube and light weight. I hang it above my plants at about 6″ over the plants. Sun Blasters lasts (and other grow lights) about one year and should be replaced once a year to keep the strength of the light. Another type of Florescents grow lights that can be used is Ott Grow lights, they can be found at Home Depot. Sun Blaster T5 Florescent lighting can be found on the internet, one place I purchase from is 4hydroponics.com. I do highly recommend a complete grow light with the reflectors / Ballaster that can be purchased together. They are light weight and easy to hang.
Or if you prefer something like this, it costs about $80.00 and comes in different sizes. This is a hydrofarm jump start-with the T5 Sunblaster lighting. If you are wondering why use this type of lighting, it has the proper amount of sodium and lighting for growing plants and blooming plant.
