Artificial Light for Indoor Plants

Are some of your plants indoors while you wait for temperatures to rise? Try adding an artificial lighti, which can help prepare your plant for the garden.

It's a common misconception that "grow lights" are expensive and take up too much space. I recommend purchasing a shop light, which you can find at a hardware store for about $9.

The bulbs can be more expensive. Here are the kind I recommend.

 Here are some tips on using a shop light to grow your vegetables indoors:

• Place the shop light so it is about 3 inches above the plant (adjust the light as the plant grows)
• Purchase a timer so the light goes on and off on its own. Mine is set to run from 6 am to 6 pm.
• Your shop light won't be enough to grow a healthy plant,  set your plant in a south facing window, as close to the window as possible. 
• The combination of the heat from the light and the sun through the window, can scorch your plant. Try placing an oscillating fan near your plant to keep it cool. This will also keep away bugs and toughen up your plant.