The 3 Best LED Grow Lights for a Successful Indoor Garden
You already know when your houseplants need water, and you pay close attention to temperature, ventilation, and humidity levels. However, it could just be that no matter how many windows you have, you just don’t get perfect light in certain months. It could also be that you place the plant in an environment that needs a little help from light. Whatever the reason, it’s important to invest in LED grow lights, which can also help you save energy.
You want a happy home that includes happy plants and an electric bill that doesn’t make you want to tear it up, crump it up and throw it in the trash! The good news is you have a few different options. Below, we highlight some of our picks for LED lights that can help you grow your plants and help you save energy. We showcase different styles at different price points to give you options that you can use.
What Makes the Best LED Grow Lights?
The best LED grow lights have several things in common — uniform light spectrum, efficiency, high power and reliability/durability.
Spectrum/Uniformity
The best LED grow lights have a uniform spectrum, so if you have 4 plants under your light, they will all get the same spectrum.
We’ve touched on the spectrum a bit, but it’s important to reiterate that the best spectra include not only red and blue light, but also infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV).
Full-spectrum LEDs allow you to use the same light from seed to harvest instead of having to change bulbs or use different grow lights to grow vegetables/flowers.
Strength
The more light the LEDs actually emit, the more yield you’ll get (in most cases). Therefore, the best LED grow lights need to be very powerful.
Efficiency
Generally speaking, LED grow lights are very efficient. However, the best LED grow lights are also often the most efficient. It is very important to operate at a high level, generate high power, and keep it low cost.
Reliability/Durability
Given the cost of LED grow lights, they need to be considered an investment. Obviously, your investment needs to last a long time to show returns.
Therefore, the best LED grow lights are reliable and durable to stand the test of time.
ECO Farm ECOD Samsung UV+ IR 640W Dimmable LED Grow Light
Features:
The ECO Farm LED grow light provides more higher PAR/LUMEN output, it can reduce the amount of electricity needed to grow plants and minimize the heat output, which can keep the grow room in the desired temperature range of 72–88 ℉.The grow light has a power draw of 640W (consumes 0.64 Kw per hour).The average price in the USA is $0.13/kWh,The per hour cost to operate this grow light is $0.08,which can save a lot of money. This LED grow light has high-energy efficiency with 2.8 umol/J,The 1514 μmol/(m2·s) can provides high-intensity full spectrum light for your plants,The 6 bar configuration helps to provide more even coverage accross your tent.
Grow Light Science PROGROW 640 LED Grow Light
Features:
PROGROW 640 is a full cycle overhead lighting solution for commercial or residential plants cultivation. The 640’s form factor allows for expandability and multiple grow room and grow tent configurations where photosynthesis and yield maximization are the goals. PROGROW 640 provides high PPFD levels with or without CO2 supplementation. Top light output (PPF), spectral distribution and efficacy will deliver amazing results with little impact on your wallet. PROGROW 640 will deliver PPFD levels of over 1,000 umols/m2/s, either individually or in arrays of multiple cells. We recommend that all growers conduct research and trials within their growing space to design the best combination of inputs.
Jungle — LED G6i 1700 LED Grow Light
Features:
Jungle LED offers a high-performance light solution, delivering a full-cycle spectrum for vegetative growth and bloom stages to cede a more robust yield. The detachable design of Jungle’s power supply (LED driver) provides the flexibility of remote mounting onto most vertical rack systems without adding attachments or modification to your existing space. With the detachable power supply (LED driver), growers have the option to install the power unit away from growing space with its wall-mount-ready capability. The Jungle advanced LED system was designed to be efficient and easy to install right out of the box. With a variety of power cord length options, whether you are looking to mount the LED driver on the side of a rack or on the fixture itself, Jungle grow light comes with simple snap-lock connectors that make reconnecting cables quick and swift.
How To Choose The Best Grow Light For Your Indoor Garden
Light Size
The first thing to consider is the area you need to illuminate. If you only have a small rig, you only really need a small light. Conversely, a single bulb or bar just won’t cut it if your system is a sprawling, verdant wonderland.
Light Spread
To get the most from one source of light, consider how the light will spread and if you can redirect any errant illumination. A grow light that’s shining just as brightly on walls, benches or the ceiling as it is your plants may need a bit of help to contain its power.
Bulb Type
Picking your bulb type often comes down to what you need from the light and what you already have to work with. I love screw in LED grow lights for how versatile and thrifty they are, but if you have a long Nutrient Film Technique rig you’ll do better with bar style lights for your hydroponic rig. Clip or or free standing grow lights also benefit more compact rigs, and some grow lights are designed for use in grow tents or substantial greenhouses.
Heat Output
A small grow lamp, especially an LED plant light, won’t produce much heat. Compared to incandescent bulbs or HID lights they’re practically frosty. But the bigger the artificial light, the more waste heat it will make. High-quality LED grow lights come with in built cooling systems, but a cheap LED grow light may not.
Conclusion
All in all, LED grow lights are an excellent investment for those looking to create a thriving indoor garden. There are a variety of options, which must be chosen wisely to ensure your plants get the best light conditions to thrive.
