Grow Lights 101: Starting Seedlings for Denver Gardeners
Gardening in Denver is no walk in the park (or garden). And that starts with growing seedlings. Between unpredictable weather and short winter days, the sun just doesn’t cut it. That’s where grow lights come to the rescue! 🌱 Let’s explore how these handy tools can help you grow, not just seedlings, but healthy plants year-round.
Why Grow Lights Are a Must-have for Denver Gardeners
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Unpredictable Weather:
Hailstorms, frosts, and extended cloud cover can wreak havoc on your outdoor plants.
Short Days:
Winter in Denver means limited daylight, making it tough for plants to get the energy they need.
Indoor Gardening Potential:
With the right grow lights, you can start seeds, grow herbs, or even maintain tropical plants indoors—no matter the season!
Choosing the Right Grow Lights for Your Needs
Denver’s altitude means we get plenty of bright sunlight when it’s out, but when it’s not, choosing the right grow light can make all the difference. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types:
1. LED Grow Lights
Why they rock: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and customizable for different plant needs.
Best for: Seed starting, houseplants, and year-round indoor gardening.
2. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights
Why they rock: Super powerful for large indoor setups.
Best for: Serious growers tackling large-scale indoor projects.
3. Full-Spectrum Lights
Why they rock: Mimic natural sunlight, perfect for all plant stages.
Best for: Versatile use across a variety of plants.
4. Fluorescent Lights (CFL or T5)
Why they rock: Affordable and easy to use, great for small-scale gardeners.
Best for: Herbs, leafy greens, and seedlings.
How to Set Up Grow Lights for Success in Denver
Setting up grow lights isn’t as tricky as it seems. Here’s how to get started:
Positioning: Place lights about 6-12 inches above your plants (adjust as needed based on light intensity). I like having lights that can easily move up or down depending on plant size - a must for seed starting.
Timing: Aim for 12-16 hours of light daily for most plants. Use a timer to keep your schedule on track.
Temperature Control: Denver’s dry air can be a blessing and a curse. Keep your grow space around 65-75°F and maintain humidity with a small humidifier if needed.
Reflective Surfaces: Use reflective materials (like mylar or white surfaces) to maximize light efficiency.
Ready to Start Your Denver Garden?
Get our Denver Garden Growing Guide for the step-by-step!
Best Practices for Using Grow Lights
Start Small:
If you’re new to grow lights, experiment with herbs or microgreens first, then move on to starting seedlings.
Monitor Growth:
Adjust the height and duration of lights based on how your plants respond.
Pair with Denver-Specific Seeds:
Use seeds that are proven to thrive in Colorado’s climate for the best results. (Check out our Denver Growing Guide for inspiration!)
Get our Denver Growing Guide now!
Investing in grow lights isn’t just about keeping your plants alive—it’s about thriving. Whether you’re starting seeds for spring, growing fresh greens in winter, or creating a tropical oasis in your living room, grow lights make it all possible.
Need Help with your Denver garden?
At Auntie M’s Garden, we believe in empowering Denver gardeners with the knowledge and tools to grow successfully. Check out these resources to keep growing.
🌱 Ready to Light Up Your Garden?
Dive into our shop for grow light recommendations and other tools tailored to Denver gardeners. Check out our resources for our favorite local seeds.
🌱 Want to dive deeper into expert gardening techniques tailored to Denver’s climate?
Check out our Denver Growing Guide for in-depth advice, planting tips, and planning strategies!
🌱 Ready for 1:1 help with your Denver backyard garden?
We offer consultations, custom garden and landscape designs, and maintenance packages. Sign up for a consultation today to start working with us!
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**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small profit if you click on the link to make a purchase. Other links are not sponsored, because I also like supporting small, local businesses.**
Meet the Gardener
I’m Elisa Mack - a mom and Denverite who went from being a green-ish thumb to a kitchen garden fanatic simply by dedicating myself to the study of all things Colorado gardening.
Landscapers don’t design. And nurseries don’t make house calls.
We take a more full-service approach, from designing your dream garden to keeping it beautiful year-round.
And as your coach, I’ll help eliminate the guesswork through every season, no matter your level of knowledge.
