Tomatoville® Gardening Forums


Notices

Member discussion regarding the methods, varieties and merits of growing tomatoes.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old February 9, 2015   #1
2matos
Tomatovillian™
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: CAlifornia
Posts: 1
Default inexpensive seed starting unit

My first post-I am in southern CA and I have grown tomatoes from nursery transplants for apprx. 30 years. Last year I started some from seed. Any suggestions for a small (and inexpensive) seed starting light unit would be appreciated
2matos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 10, 2015   #2
tlintx
Tomatovillian™
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SeTx
Posts: 881
Default

The usual advice is a $20 T8 shoplight from Home Depot or Walmart. The fluorescent bar kind. My seedlings (I started around 80 or so) were just fine under 4 5000K lightbulbs. But then, I moved them outside as soon as I potted up so I didn't need more than a 1x2 area.

Are you in an area of southern California where you can put them outside relatively early? In this thread, Sun City Linda says she puts them right outside as soon as they break the soil. Can't get cheaper or more efficient or a smaller footprint than "outside".

Congratulations on your seed starting adventure!!!
tlintx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 10, 2015   #3
AlittleSalt
BANNED FOR LIFE
 
AlittleSalt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 13,333
Default

Welcome to Tomatoville 2matos

I looked at 4' florescent light fixtures at Walmart a week-or-so ago. There are some that cost $10.71. Others are less than $20.
AlittleSalt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 10, 2015   #4
LindyAdele
Tomatovillian™
 
LindyAdele's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 323
Default

How many tomato seeds are you trying to grow at once, and how long will they be indoors?
Some people enjoy using the simple wire shelving that are often used in basements and garages, and suspend a small ballast with florescent light fixtures from it using rope or chain. The ballast should be inches from the top of the plants at all times, so the ideal set up is to be able to raise and lower the ballast. I have a shelf unit with the ballasts attached, so I have to 'raise' my trays of seedlings by putting a box underneath them. Not perfect, but it works. There are lots of creative solutions! You probably already have a shelf or table that will work.
LindyAdele is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 10, 2015   #5
Cole_Robbie
Tomatovillian™
 
Cole_Robbie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois, zone 6
Posts: 8,407
Default

I use a $2 ceramic socket wired to a 99 cent extension cold. Then I buy the most powerful spiral CFL that I can find. The 150 "watt equivalent" in cool white is a good choice, for about $8. Any spiral cfl will work. Cool white is the best spectrum.

Another choice is an old/cheap desk lamp, which gives you a socket and plug already wired for you.
Cole_Robbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 12, 2015   #6
shatbox
Tomatovillian™
 
shatbox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Los Angeles County, CA
Posts: 258
Default

+1 tlintx's comment

I have created a setup with 42 watt spiral cfls, but a few points:
1. The high today where I live will be 70 degrees, add 16 in the LA basin
2. My frost free date is Feb 2nd

I don't use the setup that much except when I'm really trying to get a jump on things in January.
shatbox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 13, 2015   #7
rwsacto
Tomatovillian™
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 288
Default

If you are a DIYer and prefer to use CFLs then get a used light bar. These are the wall fixtures with 3, 4 or 6 light sockets used over vanity mirrors. Check your local habitat for humanity re-store since these are often the first fixture replaced in new homes.

Wire it to an extension cord, hang it with rope or chain and use 25-30 watt CFLs. Drape with a mylar emergency blanket as a reflector. Raise Tomatoes.

Hope this helps
rwsacto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 13, 2015   #8
peebee
Tomatovillian™
 
peebee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Southern CA
Posts: 1,714
Default

If you have a window that gets bright light for several hours a day that is the cheapest way, after they sprout (heating pad helps to facilitate but not totally necessary) and before you pot up. After potting up, I also, like Sun City Linda, just leave them outside. You have to use your judgment and be aware of the daily forecast to decide whether extreme weather conditions will necessitate protecting them temporarily, etc.
I used to use lights but now I only put them on shelves near my brightest window. On cloudy days I use lights maybe if I feel like it. Your seedlings might get leggy but by burying the stems deeply when doing the final planting, you'll find the plants will do just fine. Harness Mother Nature since you are lucky to be living where sunshine is abundant.
peebee is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:32 AM.


★ Tomatoville® is a registered trademark of Commerce Holdings, LLC ★ All Content ©2022 Commerce Holdings, LLC ★