If you're a late sleeper like I am, a timer is a worthwhile investment.
I don't know for sure that irregular day lengths and "sunrise times" confuse plants, but I know that plants don't want to "sleep 'till Noon".
BTW, ONCE I had a brainstorm that I could get more light to some tall plants if I set on 4-foot, 2-tube fixture upright, sitting on the floor, aiming into the foliage.
Then, a while later, i watered heavily because I was going away for a few days. Luckily I happened to smell something funny just before walking out the door. At least one plant overflowed it's saucer and the water (of course) found its way to the point where 120V AC was sitting flat on the floor.
Don't make that mistake!
