| Hi, since the days are getting shorter and grayer, we decided to get a plant light for our eclectic collection of indoor plants. We have three tomato plants, a cucumber plant, some multi-colored bell pepper seedlings, and 5 or 6 traditional leafy house plants. My question is: how long should we have the plant light on a day, and should it be on during the daytime or during the nighttime (assuming it's not on all day long)? |
| The fruit bearing plants will need 14-16 hours of light each day, with a period of darkness at night. This will closely imitate the light they would receive in mid-summer, and should keep them growing and bearing. The houseplants won't have the same requirements, and the length of daylight they need will depend upon what they are. A good rule of thumb, if they're the kinds of plants that like bright light, is 10-12 hours of light each day. |
