With so many types of grow lights and systems available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one will best suit your needs. Here's a guide to choosing led grow lights help you saving you time, money, and assuring you the highest quality crop.
1. What are you growing?
Before you decide on an LED grow light, you must consider your crop. All full-cycle, quality LED lights sold on the market will grow a plant from seedling to flower. But some lights are designed for specific types of grows.
- Hobbyists that would like to dip their toes into LED lighting and are on a budget might consider the DIY kits from Horticulture Lighting Group.
- Commercial growers require LED grow lights that have ETL or UL certification.
- Vertical farmers growing lettuce and/or greens require LED modules.
2. What is the size of your grow space?
The size of your grow space will dictate the size and number of an LED units you purchase. A good rule-of-thumb for LED grow lights is 32 watts of actual wattage per square foot of growing space for flowering medical or other large flowering plants. For example, if you measured your growing space to be 16 square feet, you would want to purchase at least a 500-550 watt grow light (assuming the plants are congregated in a single area and you are flowering a plant that requires a lot of light. Vegetative growth for high-light plants need about half this wattage.).
Low light plants, such as herbs and lettuces require about 11-18 watts per square foot of grow space. However, this will vary with crop and preferred light levels. Use this chart to determine the correct amount of PPFD and DLI for leafy greens.
3.Main factors of choosing the best grow light
Now you may have a basic knowledge of the grow light, then we will go ahead to our main topic – How to choose the right LED grow light for indoor growing?
There are many different types of LED grow lights and LED grow light bulbs on the market. Different factors will affect which grow light bulb is best for you. These factors you should consider:
- Light Spectrums – the optimal red and blue wavelengths to grow big, healthy, and strong.
- Light intensity – PPFD / PPF - High Light Output (PPF) – Higher PPFD/PPF = more nourishment
- Grow Light Efficiency - PPF/W – Higher PPF/W = more energy-efficient
- Light Technology – low heat, long-lasting, safe
- And more… - CRI, design, material, durable, warranty, certification…
4.Need help?
If you don't know how to choose led grow lights for your plants, please feel free to contact us directly, our team will make a suitable solution according to your reqirements.