Things You Can Grow Under Grow Lights: A Gardener’s Guide
If you’re like me, you’ve probably faced the challenge of growing plants indoors, especially when there’s limited sunlight. That’s where grow lights come in! They’ve been my go-to for keeping plants happy and thriving indoors, no matter the season. Whether you’re dealing with winter or live in a space with minimal natural light, grow lights are a game-changer. Today, let’s chat about the plants you can grow under grow lights—trust me, the options are plenty!
1. Herbs
Herbs are perfect for indoor gardening, and they love grow lights. Basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives all do really well under artificial light. Basil is a sun lover, so give it a good 12-14 hours under your grow lights, while parsley and cilantro are a bit more forgiving with 10 hours. The great thing is, you’ll always have fresh herbs right at your fingertips, perfect for cooking or garnishing.
Pro Tip: Keep your herbs closer to the light source for the best growth—about 6-12 inches should do the trick!
2. Leafy Greens
Lettuce, spinach, and arugula are super easy to grow under grow lights. These leafy greens don’t require too much fuss, and in just a few weeks, you’ll have fresh, crisp leaves for your salads. I personally love growing arugula for its peppery bite. Since leafy greens are more tolerant of low light, 10-12 hours a day should keep them happy and growing.
Pro Tip: Harvest the outer leaves first, and your plants will keep producing for weeks!
3. Microgreens
Microgreens are fantastic if you’re short on space but want a quick harvest. They’re essentially baby versions of plants like radish, kale, or mustard greens, and they’re packed with flavor. You can grow them in shallow trays under grow lights and have a fresh batch ready in just a couple of weeks. I like to sprinkle them on everything from sandwiches to soups for an extra burst of nutrients.
Pro Tip: Microgreens need only 8-10 hours of light per day, making them low-maintenance and super rewarding!
4. Tomatoes
Yes, you can grow tomatoes indoors under grow lights! Cherry tomatoes, in particular, are perfect for indoor gardening. Just make sure they get plenty of light—around 14-18 hours a day. They also need a bit of warmth, so if your grow lights give off some heat, that’s a bonus. With the right conditions, you’ll have fresh, juicy tomatoes right inside your home.
Pro Tip: Pollinate your tomato plants by gently shaking them or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers.
5. Peppers
If you love a bit of spice in your life, peppers are a great option for indoor growing under grow lights. Like tomatoes, they need plenty of light—12-16 hours a day—and warm temperatures. You can grow anything from sweet bell peppers to hot chili peppers indoors. They might take a little longer to grow, but once they start producing, you’ll have plenty to pick.
Pro Tip: Peppers thrive in a well-draining potting mix and like to dry out a bit between waterings.
6. Strawberries
Who doesn’t love fresh strawberries? Believe it or not, you can grow them indoors under grow lights! They might be a bit of a challenge, but the rewards are oh-so-sweet. Strawberries need about 12-16 hours of light per day. Choose everbearing varieties, which produce fruit throughout the growing season. With the right setup, you’ll be picking your own strawberries year-round.
Pro Tip: Make sure to plant them in a container with good drainage, and keep an eye out for runners (those long stems that try to root themselves).
7. Succulents
Succulents might be the easiest plants to grow under grow lights. They love bright light, so giving them 12-14 hours of artificial light a day will keep them thriving. You can grow a wide variety of succulents indoors, from jade plants to aloe vera and echeveria. The best part? They’re super low maintenance—just water them sparingly and let the grow lights do the rest.
Pro Tip: Make sure your succulents are in a well-draining mix, and avoid overwatering. Too much moisture is their enemy!
8. Houseplants (Snake Plant, Pothos, and more)
If you’re just looking to keep your houseplants healthy, grow lights can help there too. Popular houseplants like snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies all do great under grow lights, especially during the winter months when natural light is limited. They don’t need as much light as some of the other plants on this list—8-10 hours a day should be plenty.
Pro Tip: Rotate your houseplants occasionally to make sure all sides are getting enough light.
9. Orchids
Orchids are a bit of a diva when it comes to light, but grow lights can help you keep them happy indoors. Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most popular varieties for indoor growing. They don’t need intense light, but 10-12 hours of indirect light from grow lights will encourage them to bloom. Plus, they add a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Pro Tip: Orchids prefer a humid environment, so mist them occasionally to keep the air around them moist.
10. Citrus Trees
If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own lemons or limes, grow lights can make it happen. Dwarf citrus trees like lemon or lime are perfect for indoor growing, and they thrive under grow lights. Give them about 12-14 hours of light per day, and in time, you’ll be harvesting your own citrus fruits right at home.
Pro Tip: Citrus trees prefer a slightly acidic soil mix and need regular feeding to stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
Grow lights are your indoor gardening best friend! Whether you’re growing herbs, veggies, or even fruit indoors, a good set of grow lights can make all the difference. Just remember to match your plant’s light needs and keep an eye on watering, and you’ll be rewarded with a flourishing indoor garden. It’s like having a little slice of summer year-round!
Happy gardening!
