[MomwithHope]

Maybe I will try a grow light, I do have an old fixture out in the garage. I am pretty chinsy with electricity use though.

[greeneyes]

The new high intensity lights are great. I think Marcella got one to use for sprouting her seeds. She may have some info on usage of electricity.

I pitched or lost all the stuff that came with mine. I have used it constantly for 3 winters and springs now.

[Marcella]

Grow Lamp

This is a Jump Start T5 4 ft. grow lamp on a stand. I have just read all the info. that came with it and there is no info. about how much electricity it draws.

I didn't care what the draw was as long as the seeds sprouted. I turned it on when I got up and turned it off when I went to bed. I just read the directions, and I was supposed to leave it on much longer than that - 16-18 hours to start germination - tough cookie, I didn't.

It took only about four-six days for most of the seeds to begin growing.

It also recommended the warming bed but I didn't have that.

I got mine from Walmart on line because it was cheaper there and did “pick it up at the store” to avoid shipping charges.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

MomwithHope ~:" Maybe I will try a grow light, I do have an old fixture out in the garage. I am pretty chinsy with electricity use though."

Is the fixture an incandescent or fluorescent lamp ?
Regardless, a lamp should be "full spectrum" ( which means that it includes 'blue light' , which is used by plants for photosynthesis)
A "Full Spectrum" light will say so ; if it doesn't say 'full spectrum', it isn't, and plants will grow spindly and be starved for photosyntheisis .
It sounds kinda crazey , but the plants use 'blue light' for growth and vigor for photosynthesis .
Frequently a "Grow Light" will include a red lamp (due to wavelength - frequently incandescent) which induces 'blooming' .
For young seedlings , you don't want them to 'bloom',rather you want strong roots and stalks to support the fruit.
For seedling germanation, the seed bed needs to be warm ; most garages aren't warm enough throughout the day;
better to bring the fixture indoors where the ambient air temps are warmer, consistant and constant . Most garages have high temperature fluctuations and drafts, which slow growth , and can lead to wilt and soil fungal disease .

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

Seedlings will also germinate well with bottom heat , or consistant temperature at the seedbed .
Germination rates are consistantly higher with bottom heat, or fixtures placed immediately above the seed bed, which raises the seed bed temperature.
Depending on the location , I try to keep my 'full spectrum ' lights about 2 - 3inches above the seed bed until I get sprouts.
Once sprouted , I try to keep the 'full spectrum' lights about 2-3 inches over the developing plants, until transplanting time .
Don't forget to 'harden off' your plants before planting outdoors .
('Harden off'-implies gradual introduction to sunshine / wind/rain ; it means to toughen up the plants for adversity)