What Unit of Measure is the Most Important When Discussing Plant Lighting?

People always ask us, in terms of plant lighting, what is the most important unit of measure?  Lumens, lux, footcandles, PAR, etc.?  Well, the answer is PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) and here is a great article from Gavita that explains why:

Lux vs.  PAR

What is the best unit for light, used for plant growth?

Most lighting products are designed for the use of people. These products will use the term lumen and Lux. The term Lux comes from the photometry based on the average sensitivity of the human eye. The maximum sensitivity is around 555 nm (yellow light) and decreases with longer (red) and shorter (blue) wavelengths.

In practice, often still the term Lux is used.But does this apply to today's greenhouse? Plants have a different sensitivity to light of different wavelengths. In green plants, the sensitivity to red light is highest and green the lowest. Therefore, the term Lux is not right for the exposure of green plants. Light sources can be considered as sources of energy particles, which are called photons or light quants.

Why is the term micromoles (μmol) used in the case to specify lamps?

Advanced Nutrients "pH Perfect" Base Nutrients Price Decrease

After two substantial price increases in just 3 months, Advanced Nutrients has reversed their most recent increase on their "pH Perfect" line of base nutrients.  Effective immediately, all base nutrients (Grow, Bloom, Micro, SensiGrow, SensiBloom and Connoisseur) will go back to their 2013 pricing.  We have changed the prices back and are still running our Advanced Nutrients discount special at both locations.

Price Reduction - Active Air CO2 Systems

Hydrofarm's Active Air CO2 Systems are now $114.95, reduced from $145.00.  This is a complete kit that comes with a CO2 regulator (for your 20/50 lb. CO2 tanks), timer and 1/4" air tubing.  Available in an "under 10'x10'" and an "over 10'x10'" size.  CO2 enrichment is a huge addition to your indoor garden or greenhouse, increasing your yields (on average) 20-30% and accelerating overall plant growth.  Before buying nutrients or additives that claim to increase your production, perfect your environment!

Aquafarm - Countertop Aquaponics System

The Aquafarm by Back to the Roots is a great starter system for anyone interested in growing herbs and veggies in an aquaponic system.  Aquaponics is the practice of growing plants in water (hydroponics) but instead of adding nutrients to feed your plants, you have fish in the reservoir/aquarium and their waste feeds the plants (and the plants clean the water).  It is a self-cleaning, self-sustaining growing system.  The Aquafarm includes:

- 3 Gallon Aquarium/Reservoir

- 5 Growing Cups

- Air Pump

- Organic Seeds (Wheatgrass & Genovese Basil from Seeds of Change)

- Grow Stones Growing Media

- Gravel for the Bottom of the Tank

- All-Natural Fish Food & Fish Supplies

- Coupon for a Betta Fish from Petco

This system is perfect for your kitchen counter, classroom or apartment.  If you don't get sufficient light to grow plants, pair it with a Jumpstart 2' T5 Fluorescent system, which comes with a countertop stand and 2 ft. long 24W High Output T5 Fluorescent lighting fixture (also excellent for seed-starting indoors).  If using with your AquaFarm (or if your AquaFarm is in direct sunlight), make sure to use an aquatic backing on your tank to limit the amount of light your fish gets.

The Aquafarm is $59.95, and the Aquafarm and Jumpstart 2' Combo is $114.95.  Additional seed packets are $2.75.

New 2014 Seeds Are In!

Today we received our first batch of 2014 seeds from High Mowing Organic Seeds!  As always, they're 100% organic and non-GMO.  Our picks for this year are:

Copia Tomato - Indeterminate with yellow and red stripes on the outside and awesome marbling on the inside, produces large tomatoes, 85 days.

High Mowing's Gourmet Lettuce Mix - This mix takes the work out of choosing - a great blend of versatile lettuces that are excellent as baby: Black Seeded Simpson, Parris Island, Rouge d'Hiver, Red & Green Salad Bowl, Lolla Rossa.

Moon & Stars Watermelon - This heirloom variety is not only really pretty with a dark rind and yellow "moon & star" spots, it produces large, sweet fruit especially in the hot summers of the northeast. 95-100 days.

Valentine's Day Radish Mix - A mix of round garden radishes in red, pink, purple and white, along with the red and white elongated heirloom French Breakfast radishes.  25 days.

This is a 2-strain pick.  Yellowstone and Cosmic Purple Carrots.  Their interesting colors make them great for farmer's markets or just to add some color to a meal.  Yellowstone carrots tend to get a little longer at 9" (Cosmic Purple get to be about 7") and they are both mature at 70 days. 

Corno di Toro Sweet Peppers - This Italian Heirloom variety is one of my favorites.  Nice sweet flavor, Italian "horn" shape, grows really well in New York, ripens to red in 78 days.

These are just a few of our favorites, stop by to see our full selection or call with inquiries.  We can also special-order any varieties we don't currently carry and bulk seeds for microgreens or large plots.  Check out the High Mowing website to view their full selection.