[Spr0ut]

I know about putting a foil backing to window seedlings and I do this to good effect, but wonder if anyone uses an artificial light box lined with foil to bring seedlings on like chillis and the like?

I wonder if running a light, even a fluorescent tube, for 12 hours would be cost effective, or is it more a hobby sort of thing so cost is less of an issue?

[gremlin]

I have just set up my Growlamp in the greenhouse.   It one of these £30 compact fluorescent ones with a metal reflector, not a high pressure sodium or mercury, and it runs at 125 watts   (Photo added 21/4)

I am in two minds with this because the lamp has to be within 18" to get enough brightness on the plants (5000 lux).  But when the sun does come out the metal reflector shades the plants underneath like an umbrella.   

I can only think it would work in a foil lined grow-box running 12 hours a day, and doesn't work part time as a booster light for grim cloudy days like today.  Jury's out on whether this is too much faff.  Half my greenhouse has no direct sunlight before midday because of my neighbour's trees.

[Auntiemogs]

I have one of these....http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garland-Grow-Light-Garden/dp/B0038NDWME/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoors&ie=UTF8&qid=1398012599&sr=1-1&keywords=garland+grow+light+garden#productDescription

I use it to bring on my seedlings, as I don't have much windowsill space, and I can also leave it running if I need them to 'catch up'.  It says in the bumph that it uses less power than a standard light bulb, and I've never noticed an increase in my usage. 

For me it works well, as I can squeeze 24 x 3" (square) pots in it, and just top up the self watering tray every now and then. 

[Totty]

The correct use of growlights will obviously increase growth rates on just about anything. I use mine as supplementary lighting up until about now. We are getting more than 12 hours of sunlight a day now so the benefits become more negligible as the year progresses.

For getting the early sown stuff going well when it's dull and gloomy, they are indispensable, and everything I've started early has responded well by being stuck under it.

I guess you could put it in the hobby bracket, my light cost under a hundred quid, which is less than going out drinking for the night, going to watch the football, going to a theme park etc etc.
Some growers are more than happy to grow with the seasons, which is perfect.  But It's nice to see what a difference a bit extra heat and light can make to your results though.

Totty

[Steveharford]

Definitely on my xxxxmas wishlist for this year. Having seen how advanced some of you guys get your show onions I'm sure I can elevate it to the necessity list.

[Auntiemogs]

Probably worth keeping 'em peeled Steve - they will probably be in the sales soon! 

[Steveharford]

Good point Auntie. Maybe I should be keeping an eye in eBay

[Eightball]

I guess you could put it in the hobby bracket, my light cost under a hundred quid, which is less than going out drinking for the night
Totty

How much do you drink lol? that's one expensive night out....!

[DD.]

Not if I'm invited!

[smellykipper]

I wonder if running a light, even a fluorescent tube, for 12 hours would be cost effective, or is it more a hobby sort of thing so cost is less of an issue?

i asked myself that quetion and came up with " im happy paying abit extra as its my hobby "

i have been using these with good effect http://cpc.farnell.com/kosnic/eco24sp1-e27-865/lamp-cfl-24w-e27-spiral-6500k-8000h/dp/LP06762

[Totty]

Not if I'm invited!

Snap

Totty