Choosing Supplemental Lighting for a Hobby Greenhouse

Adding a lighting system to a hobby greenhouse is a smart investment for starting seeds early and saving money. The ideal setup is a 48-inch fixture holding four T8 fluorescent bulbs. T8 bulbs are more efficient and brighter than older T12 models.

Look for bulbs with a Kelvin rating between 3000 and 5000, which deliver a balanced spectrum of red and blue light essential for plant growth. These fixtures can be hung as close as 6 inches above seedlings without risk of leaf burn.