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Ct

Last year I had every window area jammed up with seed starting trays. This year I want to avoid that and start all seedlings in the basement under grow lights. My question is, does the light have to be on even if the seed has not sprouted yet? { ex:, do I turn the lights on the day I plant the seeds in the pots?}

1/24/2010 8:29:11 AM

Sacramento, Ca

No, the light will not provide any benefit until the plant has sprouted.

1/24/2010 10:17:03 AM

Bethlehem CT

Hi Jim, The only reason I can see for leaving them on all the time until they sprout is to increase the soil temp. If you have a heated pad to start seeds on, wait until they sprout, then put under the light. If not you can set the lights really low, almost touching the soil. This will help boost the soil temp a little.
Tiny, tiny seeds that are sown on top of the potting soil do benefit from sunlight while trying to germinate. Some examples would be impatiens, snapdragons, columbines. It will tell you on the seed packet what to do.

1/30/2010 8:48:10 AM

Anchorage, Alaska

Seeds do pick up certain kinds of light even when they are in the soil. In some cases, this is how seeds determine winter is over and that it is safe to sprout. I do not know if it is true for AGs.

1/30/2010 8:50:49 AM