NASA astronauts proved that LED growing lights were effective for growing plants in places where there was little, if any, natural light. As part of the experiments on the space station, tiny gardens were bathed in the precise combination of blue and red light necessary for plants to grow. The results were an assortment of healthy plants, including some vegetables for the table. Since there are different varieties, perhaps these LED grow light reviews will give you an idea of what is on the market.

First on the list is the Lighthouse Hydro BlackStar 240W LED Grow Light, suitable for small spaces of about four square feet. It pulls about 135 watts and at usually less than $300, is one of the least expensive on the market and in these LED grow light reviews. Manufactured by Lighthouse Hydro and available through Gotham Hydroponics in New York and/or via Amazon, this LED light has an adjustable beam angle to accommodate different sized plants.

For the second of the LED grow light reviews we’ll look at the Sunshine Systems UFO Led Grow Light. This is the perfect starter light for beginners and covers between six and eight square feet while only pulling 90 watts. Shaped like a flying saucer, hence the name, the light emits little heat, comes with a hanging kit and is another reasonably priced alternative at around $300.

Our last of the LED grow light reviews is the LED MotherShip -540W Enhanced Spectrum LED. Larger than the Sunshine Systems UFO model, this light is also six times brighter. It emits a constant stream of red light, which helps increase the rate of plant growth. The blue light is adjustable. Covering a seven square foot growing space, this model is intended for the more serious gardener and usually prices in the $1,500 to $2,000 range.

Frustrated With Trying to Grow Plants?

Is your climate too cold to grow plants outdoors? Is sunlight too sparse?

If a “yes” fits either of these, then consider buying LED (light emitting diode) plant grow lights.

LEDs were invented by Russian radio technician Oleg Losev back in the late 1920s, but their plant use is only recent.

The LED Advantages

The advantages of LED plant grow lights over competitive systems are: (1) substantially lower energy consumption; (2) less heat involvement; (3) far lower maintenance costs; and (4) they run quieter.

Reduced Energy Consumption

The LED system produces a unidirectional, narrow spectrum light induced by the separation of negatively and positively charged electrons. The negatively charged electrons produce light as they fill the gap.

In turn, the various ways the gap is filled alter photon frequency, creating different colored lights to accommodate the changing absorption peaks during a plant’s various photochemical growth stages.

LED plant grow lights consume about one-quarter the energy of their competitors, ensuring a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours or seven years.

Heat Reduction

HID (High Intensity Discharge) plant grow lights produce more heat than their LED counterparts do, thus requiring more cooling and ventilation. The additional heat also transpires plants more quickly, so they must be watered more often.

The LED system saves heat because it doesn’t use a filament. This allows the LED plant grow lights to be placed closer to the plant, hence accelerating its growth.

Less Maintenance, Overall Expense and Other Advantages

Besides the other maintenance advantages, the LED system inexpensively demands fewer working parts. The HID systems require two different products–metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) components.

Furthermore, the LED system exclusively doesn’t require a ballast and runs quieter.

Clearly, LED plant grow lights merit consideration as your next purchase.

LED grow lights are used to provide a source of energy for indoor plants. While there are a variety of types of grow lights available, the LED lights are the most environmentally friendly. There are several excellent advantages to using grow lights for indoor gardening; some of them include environmental safety, healthier plants and energy savings.

First, LED grow lights do not harm the environment. Another type of light that is sometimes used is the fluorescent bulb, which gives off a mercury vapor. Fluorescents are especially dangerous if they should ever break. In addition, LED bulbs save on electricity. This in turn decreases the carbon gas byproducts that have been proven to cause the most global warming.

Secondly, LED grow lights provide an exceptionally healthy environment for actively growing plants. The spectrum of light that they produce is more beneficial to plants than that which is produced by other varieties of grow lights. LEDs do not require the use of any extraneous reflectors to increase the power of the light directed towards the plants; reflectors often scorch tender plant growth and create excessively dry soil from the increased heat.

Thirdly, while LED grow lights may be costly to purchase, they actually save money in the end. They are sturdy, dependable and last between eight and twelve years on average. They do not require expensive ballasts for mounting as fluorescent bulbs do. In addition, they only require twenty volts of electricity, which is one-sixth of the normal amount needed. This provides a high electrical savings.

LED grow lights are by far the best lights for tender indoor plants. They create a healthy environment for plants while being environmentally friendly. Those who choose to invest in these bulbs will find great satisfaction in their choice.

If considering a more “green” method of growing plants indoors, utilizing light-emitting diodes, or LED grow lights, is a perfect option. Since such systems consume less power, produce far less heat, and have an estimated 100,000 hour life span, this method of lighting is quickly replacing the use of traditional HID light sources.

At its most basic level, LED grow lights are designed to stimulate photosynthesis in plants by providing ideal frequencies of light. The combination of blue and red lights, which generally results in a purplish tinge, is optimal for promoting this growth process. Also, by only producing colors that can be absorbed by plants, LEDs eliminate wastes. Because of this sort of efficiency, these lighting systems will also negate the need for many other accessories that are often required for indoor planting, such as fans, reflectors, and ballasts.

Due to the reduction of bulky ventilations systems and other accessories, LED grow lights also makes indoor planting a far more contained -and quiet- enterprise. And, although utilizing a smaller space, the ability to scale LED grow bars will permit indoor garden expansion.

One thing that must be remembered is that, since LEDs do not produce as much heat as standard HIDs, plants may not need to be watered as often as usual. It is important to monitor how the plant is reacting to the change in lights, and modifying watering or fertilizing accordingly.

Viewed as a revolutionary essentials to indoor plant gardening, be it for private, commercial, or educational intents, LED grow lights provide efficient, safe, durable, and environmentally friendly growth and development.

The promise of LED lights has, in many instances, produced as expected. They come in a wide variety of sizes, brightness and colors. They are found in common appliances and flashlights. They seem to last forever and they still cost more than compact florescent or standard light bulbs. And, LED grow lights are now common.

Both the cost and the access to LEDs have improved dramatically. Where once we had to search in arcane hardware stores or specialty lighting shops for anything that even mentioned the low energy bulb, we now wade through pages of fine print on box after box of lights at the home center. And there are tens of thousands of on-line references. Making sense of all this can take awhile.

Gardeners have been very interested in the LED as a means of lowering the cost of indoor gardening. Both hydroponic gardeners and those who deal with soil mixtures have tried to lower the cost of maintaining those lighted gardens. LED lights seem to be very close to the answer.

The initial cost of a grow light set up is still somewhat daunting. It is sometimes hard to shell out the money up front in order to save down the line. However, the life of the typical LED is upwards of 35000 hours. Some folks say even longer life is routine. The savings in electricity alone would seem to make these lights a given.

But deciding just which light and in what configuration and in what color is still an enormous puzzle. These bulbs come in panels that can be round, square, rectangular and track-like. You can pick from all red, red and white, red and blue, blue and white, all blue and all white. And that is just the basics.

The light intensities go from Watt to 600 watts and beyond. The spectrum goes the whole gamut as well. Power can be low or approach the same requirements as a fluorescent tube. And a hydroponic gardener will have different needs than solid medium, or soil gardener will require.

In reality, the sort of growing you want to do will determine which of the color arrays you will want to employ. This is when an expert opinion can help. Unfortunately, there seems to be an opposing opinion about every aspect of what and which grow lights to use where and when.

The whole thing can be pretty intimidating. Still, knowing your basic goals will give you the best starting point. Decide on hydroponic or soil. Choose the plant type. Should you want flowers, the light color choice will likely differ from one that would promote vegetables. How much space will you be lighting will determine the size of the array and what configuration. Bigger is definitely more expensive.

While you can go further and enclose your garden and add reflectors and misters etc., the above list of issues will get you to the starting block. LED grow lights are easier to find and have more options now than ever before. And, while they are not yet inexpensive, they have come down from the upper atmosphere of price point. Happy gardening.

Indoor plants are very pleasing for a number of reasons. The visual appeal of rooms everywhere are increased by including plants and flowers within the confines of man-made walls. Everyone is familiar with the beauty of a newly delivered bouquet of flowers or a special plant. With this beauty comes wilting and fading over the course of a short period of time. However, LED grow lights for home & office offer a solution for people everywhere who want to have healthy indoor flowers and plants.

Roses, for example, can now be grown indoors thanks to the invention of grow lights. Roses have long been viewed as a symbol of love and are admired for their aesthetic beauty and pleasing fragrance. Naturally occurring sunlight is not needed to obtain outstanding results. Breathtaking roses can be a part of any indoor environment by using these special lights.

Roses are but one of many options for people who want to have a small indoor garden. Other flowers that may otherwise be slightly difficult to grow are able to grow in a controlled environment. African Violets and Orchids respond well to this simulated light. Vegetables including lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes can be grown indoors as well. Additionally, herbs such as parsley, rosemary, and thyme can be raised without the nuisance of common outdoor pests.

Science has discovered the color of light used on indoor gardens does play a role. Flowering plants produce better results with red light while vegetable producers work best with blue light. It is entirely possible, however, to customize the amount of color received by plants. In some instances it is advisable to use a mixture of red, blue, orange, and white lights. Plants and flowers do follow general guidelines although each species may have a slightly different need.

Beyond the designated purpose of these lights, many garden hobbyists rave about their many other benefits. LED’s are energy efficient, safe, and light weight. The lifespan of these lights are much longer than other types of light bulbs. This in and of itself is a selling point. In addition to this attractive feature, accidental drops that would break regular light bulbs do not shatter LED’s. The design and function are truly admirable.

Garden hobbyists who are familiar with this development in lighting capabilities are satisfied with the product and results. People who have never had any experience with indoor grow lights will be amazed at the outcome. For starters, grow lights do not burn-out abruptly like traditional light bulbs. LED’s dim over time which becomes a sign that it is approaching time to replace them. No toxins are contained within these lights which means disposal is as easy as throwing them away.

As with many products, there are several manufacturers which export and distribute this item. Not all are created equally, however. Look for grow lights that come with a warranty and clearly list the qualities of the light. Opting for the least expensive brand may not always be an advantage. The price may be less although more cost may be incurred in the long run if the lights are not functioning properly. Indoor plants and flowers require certain elements; if a particular light does not perform appropriately, the light as well as the plant may need to be replaced.

In today’s world it is possible to grow plants without sunlight. This holds true for a few plants or even abundant crops. Indoor plants do not need to be confined to just a few; it is entirely possible to grow edible foods and other flowers in large quantity at the same time. This hobby can actually become quite involved if a person wishes to see it through to the fullest of capabilities.

Finally you can locate LED lights about as easily as compact florescent or standard bulbs. You can even find LED grow lights without too much searching. These little lights are found in everything from small kitchen appliances to the dashboard of your car. They seemed to burn forever and they still cost more than their older cousins.

Actually both cost and availability of LED lights of all kinds has changed dramatically. Not only are there on-line sites beyond count, but also the home center probably has an assortment that would take hours to figure out. Between the fine print and the thousands of sites, it can take some serious study to get a grip on the basics.

Lowering electricity costs is one issue everyone can benefit from. Indoor gardeners are no exception. The cost of maintaining either a hydroponic or solid medium garden inside is substantial. LEDs seem to have the potential of lowering this particular cost factor.

There are a couple of points that indoor gardeners like about LEDs. They have a very long life, 35000 hours and up, and they use far less energy than the alternative. It would seem there is little to complain about. Of course, the price up front can be a bit breath taking. Still, over time, they save big bucks.

There is more to the puzzle than just deciding on LEDs. These energy efficient lights come in a mind boggling assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors. For starters there is all blue, all white or all red. Then the mixes show up. These include blue white, red white, and blue red. There are probably others but you get the idea. Shapes range from round to various rectangular options and as tracks.

When you start talking intensities it just gets crazier. Wattage from 1 to 600 is what most non-commercial gardeners will be looking at. But it can go way up to where the energy requirement is equal to a fluorescent tube. And much will depend on your growing medium. Hydroponics has different light requirements than does soil.

You also have to decide on what sort of plants you want to nurture. Flowers require different light frequencies than do veggies and salad greens. This is when the opinion of experienced growers can help. But do not expect too much agreement. They are gardeners after all. Opinions run in all directions.

One thing that never changes is that the bigger or more complex the array, the bigger the cost. But worry about that after you decide on water or soil based gardening, how much space you want to light and what sort of plants. From there decide on how much acreage or square inches you can afford. It is a good place to start.

Of course, there is more to indoor gardening than just LED grow lights or any other lighting. You may decide that you want to add reflectors or enclose the whole garden. You might want to add a mister or timer. You get the picture.

Private households and businesses everywhere frequently decorate their interior quarters with potted plants and bouquets of flowers. These gems of nature beautify the environment while adding mild fragrance to the air. Bouquets last for a limited time before they wilt away; potted plants have a tendency to outgrow their containers or die off due to improper care. The invention of LED grow lights for home & office have enabled healthy growth of indoor plant life.

Carnations, roses, and other beloved flowers can now be grown indoors without sunlight. Many beginning gardeners encounter problems while growing flowers. Whether it be insects, animals, or active children, delicate petals attached to young stems can take a beating. Controlled, indoor environments remove these issues. Additionally, an indoor garden of any size draws attention while giving the owner a sense of pride.

Flowering foliage is but one of several options for individuals who desire to maintain indoor gardens. Vegetables can be grown indoors as well. Lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes are just a few of the vegetables that can be grown inside. Various herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and parsley respond well to indoor grow lights.

Science has concluded the color of light incorporated indoors plays a significant role. Flower buds tend to respond better to red light and vegetables produce better results when exposed to blue light. Some types of plants, however, need a customized approach. Other colored lights must be used at the same time to reach anticipated results.

Indoor grow lights were created with an intended purpose and have been successful. However, other benefits are associated with these lights. They are safe to use, toxin-free, and easy to handle. They have a very long life-span coupled with a dimming feature which communicates to the user to replace the bulb. Unlike traditional light bulbs, LED’s do not burn-out suddenly; they slowly fade. Furthermore, LED’s are shatter-proof!

Gardening amateurs and hobbyists who use these lights reap a high level of satisfaction. People who have never had experience with indoor garden lights are often amazed at the turn-out. Stunning flowers and vibrant plants are entirely possible indoors with the aid of such special lights.

As with countless numbers of products, a multitude of manufacturers produce LED’s which are distributed to stores around the globe. Not all are made equally, however. Warranties are important to have on this item as the quality brands are a little bit costly. Even with the cost involved, it is much cheaper to buy a quality light rather than to opt for a cheaper version which has the potential of malfunctioning. Such malfunctions can make it necessary to replace plants and flowers at an additional price.

It is amazing to think it is possible to grow living plants without sunlight. This holds true for gardens which hold only a few flowers as well as sizable indoor crops. Adequate time needs to be spent on caring for indoor gardens; it is no different than outdoor gardens in this respect. People who take the time to learn the ins-and-outs of appropriate lighting can actually make a career for themselves growing plants indoors. LED grow lights for home & office receives praise for contributing to nature and society as a whole.

It is a relief to be able to find information on LED grow lights or any LED you might be interested in. In fact, the amount of information is approaching overwhelming. Still these compact little bulbs are greener, last longer, use less electricity and so are worth looking into.

Just finding an LED used to be difficult. Now there are rows of choices at every home center and grocery store. You still have to read the fine print just like on fluorescent bulbs. And if you go on-line, you get thousands of hits. So, where you start will make a difference.

Gardeners have had their eyes on LEDs for a long time. Indoor gardening has always been cost sensitive. Hydroponic or solid medium indoor gardeners have had to use high cost, high intensity bulbs and they are expensive. Then the electricity gets up there too. Light Emitting Diodes may just be the answer.

The bulbs are still expensive but not quite as expensive as before. The real savings comes from the long life of the bulb added to the tiny amount of electricity they require. Life expectancies exceed 35000 hours and that is a huge increase over even fluorescent bulbs. Still, that initial cost can be a wet blanket on your enthusiasm. Still, gardeners know how to defer gratification.

But which bulb, what color and which array can be a maze that is hard to figure out. These grow lights come in shapes from round to rectangles of all ratios. There are some track systems as well. The color spectrum includes all red, all white, all blue, red blue, white red, blue white and blue red. And more are on the way.

Wattage ranges from 1 to 600 for the hobby gardener and into the tens of thousands for the professional greenhouse. Power therefore can go from pennies to big bucks but not as fast as with conventional lighting. And if you use solid medium rather than hydroponics, your lighting choices will vary as well.

Just what type of plant you want to grow will determine your color choice. Here you will want expert opinions. They will differ dramatically. These are gardeners after all and all gardeners have strong opinions and they all differ. But you are used to that. Eventually you will decide what and which and where and when.

While it may seem intimidating, just knowing what plant type, whether you will use water or soil and how many square feet you plan on lighting will get you in the door. Flowers will require a lighting spectrum that will differ from the needs of veggies. The more space you light the more lights you will need. More is much more expensive as you can imagine, at least at the start. The real savings comes over time.

Once over the first steps you can decide on enclosing the whole set up or perhaps using reflectors to enhance the lighting. You may find that a mister is the perfect addition to the arrangement. But a good place to start is with your LED grow lights. The money you save on electricity and replacement bulbs will allow the extras in just a little while.

Plants used in interior decorating have a tendency to brighten up any room. Plants and flowers beautify the environment while instilling a sense of peace. Everyone is familiar with the notorious beauty and fragrance roses deliver; fading and wilting has simply been accepted. However, thanks to the invention of LED grow lights for home & office, flowers such as roses are able to be grown indoors, extending their life.

Orchids, African Violets, and other flowers can produce vibrant blooms without natural sunlight. What once was merely a thought in someone’s mind has manifested into reality. Outstanding results can be obtained indoors.

Roses and orchids are only two options that succeed in indoor gardens. Other flowers that may be difficult to grow outdoors are easily grown in a controlled, indoor environment. Additionally, vegetables also respond well to this man-made light. Peppers, lettuce, and tomatoes are but a few vegetables which can be grown indoors. Gardeners who also like to cook will be happy to know that herbs such as rosemary, parsley, and thyme are easily harvested as well.

The field of science has conducted research experiments and concluded the color of light plays a role in indoor gardens. Red works best with flowering plants while blue is favored by vegetables. At times particular plants will require customized lighting. This can easily be accomplished as separate LED’s in red, blue, orange, and white can be used together.

The designated purpose of these lights have accomplished many wonders for garden hobbyists. However, LED’s are favored for other reasons as well. People tend to like their shatter-proof body and and easily handled weight. These particular LED’s do burn for far greater an amount of time than regular light bulbs. This makes them cost-effective as well.

Amateur gardener’s tend to be satisfied with the end results created by such lights. Further, there are not any toxins included in the LED; this makes a big difference when it comes to safety. Grow lights also feature another likable property. Rather than burning out without warning, they dim before completely fading. This gives the indoor gardener ample time to replace the light.

As with all products available in the open market, there are more than one manufacturer that makes and distributes these lights. Once more, with all items, all things are not created equally. Picking the least expensive brand may not always work the way one would hope. Buying a light with a warranty is generally the best way to go. Dependent on the seller, the price may vary slightly.

In today’s society it is possible to watch plants and flowers grow from seedlings without sun exposure. This outstanding invention has made it possible to create wonderful indoor gardens. The size of the garden can be as large or small as the designer wishes it to be. If an individual prefers, this hobby can become very involved and even lucrative. Some people have started their own small businesses using LED grow lights for home & office. Earning a living through a hobby is ideal to many people.