Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light energy to collect carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it to chemical energy in the form of sugar. The products of photosynthesis serve to nourish the plant and enable it to release free oxygen. Plants use only the spectrum of light that is visible to the human eye. Although the light appears white, it is actually a mixture of all the colours of the rainbow. Pigments, which are the light harvesting units of the plants, absorb certain colours of the spectrum and reflect the rest. Chlorophyll, the main pigment used in photosynthesis, absorbs light in the violet and blue wavelengths as well as in the red, leaving green the colour it reflects, and the plant colour we see. Photosynthesis can also occur indoors, providing the artificial light source used supplies the necessary spectrum and intensity.

Wide spectrum fluorescent, metal halide, and high pressure sodium are the types of lights most widely used for indoor growing. All of these lights require a ballast to operate and come in a variety of sizes and wattage's.

Homegrown provides a wide range of grow lights that provide the necessary spectrum and intensity to suit plants' needs.

Light is the most growth influencing factor!

Lighting Tips

• mylar reflects with up to 95% efficiency
• flat white paint reflects with up to 80% efficiency
• never use tinfoil for reflection it creates "hot Spots"
• use air cooled reflectors when heat build-up is a problem
• 15 minute time delays for halides prevent "hot starts"
• low pressure sodium lights greatly increase intensity for pennies a day
• light movers increase growth by up to 40%
• halide "super"bulbs increase intensity but not your hydro bill
• 430 watt Son Agro sodiums supply 30 extra watts of blue light
• wear sunglasses when working close to an H.I.D. bulb
• if your light fails, don't try to fix it yourself, contact a qualified expert

Homegrown Hydroponics Inc. - http://www.hydroponics.com