T12 Fluorescent Light Bulb Question.....

[SheaWhat]

I live in zone 5b and am on a tight budget, but I'm looking to grow as many vegetables, herbs, and flowers as I can by seed. To do this I will be buying some inexpensive T12- 2 lamp - 4' shop lights in order to start vegging my plants indoors for maximum production. I'm wondering if those of you out there who have this type of setup choose to mix the K levels of the fluorescent lamps (example: 2 - 6,000k lamps and 2 - 2,600k lamps)??? What is most productive for what I'm using?

Any input on the topic would be appreciated.

 

[so lucky]

I just use plain ole shop lights, some are more warm-looking than others. Don't know the kelvins. I have four double 4' lights hanging on chains above my planting table. Besides starting seedlings, I re-bloom orchids, and keep geraniums blooming all year long under my shop lights. Many knowledgable folks on here have suggested using a fan for a while daily on the seedlings to make them strong and sturdy. Seems to be working for me.

 

[catjac1975]

I saw a professional on a TV show discussing this very thing. He said the added benefit was worth worth the added cost for expensive grow lamps.I have been using cheap Home depot bulbs for several years with great success.

 

[jackb]

I live in zone 5b and am on a tight budget, but I'm looking to grow as many vegetables, herbs, and flowers as I can by seed. To do this I will be buying some inexpensive T12- 2 lamp - 4' shop lights in order to start vegging my plants indoors for maximum production. I'm wondering if those of you out there who have this type of setup choose to mix the K levels of the fluorescent lamps (example: 2 - 6,000k lamps and 2 - 2,600k lamps)??? What is most productive for what I'm using?

Any input on the topic would be appreciated.

The 6000k is best for vegetative growth, the 2600k is best for flowering. A good alternative is to use one of each.

 

[SheaWhat]

Thank you for all the feedback. I'll be going with 2 of each type of lamp.