Best Overall

Mars Hydro TS1000 Dimmable 150W LED Grow Light

Best Bang for the Buck

GE 9W Balanced Light LED Grow Light Bulb

Best Strip

Mosthink Sunlike White LED Grow Light Strips

We may earn tax revenue from the product available on this pageboy and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›

For those who are attempt to cultivatehouseplants , begin plants from seed , orgrow vegetable indoors , natural light is n’t always enough . Though some plant can survive in blue - lighting conditions , many others gain from the plus of plantgrow light .

light source - emitting diode ( LED ) originate lights are ideal for many house gardeners . They are zip efficient and can produce the full spectrum of light wavelength , from infrared to ultraviolet illumination , that plants need to thrive . light-emitting diode grow lighting differs from the standard LED bulb used in home twinkle fixing , and selecting the proper one for a particular projection can be complicated . This guide can avail .

The Mars Hydro TS1000 Dimmable 150W LED Grow Light on a white background.

We research 42 head acquire lights in our search for the serious LED grow lights . After narrowing our options , we tested our top option on our works solicitation over 4 weeks . The list of products we test is show below , and more details are provided in the private review . later on , we ’ll dive deeper into the shopping criteria that can help engraft buff choose the best light-emitting diode grow visible radiation for indoor plant .

How We Tested the Best LED Grow Lights

After research 42 LED grow luminance , we choose the 10 in this scout for hands - on examination . Our natural selection criteria included spark spectrum , balance , actual baron drawing card , and each sparkle ’s type and intended determination . These picks admit option that will fill a diverse chain of mountains of indoor acquire needs , include seed start , auxiliary inflammation for foliation or flowering houseplant , adjustable full - spectrum lighting for intensive hydroponic production , and more .

We set up two separate test areas to prove each model according to its character and capacity . For those designed to render subsidiary light for indoor plants , we used a way with an east - facing windowpane but inadequate natural twinkle for average houseplant , setting up a growing area on the bulwark opposite the window . We made a growing area in our basement with no windows to test the models plan to supply all the light requirements for plants to thrive .

To evaluate each illumination ’s effectiveness , we placed one 6 - inch houseplant per satisfying metrical unit of “ light footprint ” beneath each light . We watered and fertilized the plant as we would typically . Every 3 days , we remark any reflexion , such as leaf color changes , bud or leafage ontogenesis , and change to leaf or prow shape . Each LED grow light in our trial run group proved to be very good for its intended purpose .

The Best LED Grow Light Option: GE 9W Balanced Light LED Grow Light Bulb

Testing Stats

Our Top Picks

The following reviews outline our choices for full full spectrum light-emitting diode turn lights in various categories , with lights available at a range of price point . take on to find out how they execute in our growing mental test and which ones we recommend for dissimilar originate situations .

Our Ratings : Setup:4/5 ; Adjustability:5/5 ; Durability:5/5 ; Coverage:5/5 ; Value:5/5

The spread - panache Mars Hydro TS1000 LED produce light is a panel fixture with 354 tiny LED electric-light bulb . This energy - efficient light apply only 150 watts of actual power , with a PPFD of 743 micromole / m2 / s at a aloofness of 18 in . ( For an in - depth verbal description of this measurement , see the incision onPowerbelow . ) It give rise full - spectrum white light and can promote plant development at every stage of the grow process . The visible radiation are dimmable and have daisy - chain functionality to connect a upper limit of 15 units using only one electric electric receptacle .

The Best LED Grow Light Option: Mosthink Sunlike White LED Grow Light Strips

Use a single lamp to cover 6.5 satisfying foot for the flowering stage and 9 square feet for the vegetative point . This spring up light regulates temperature internally , so it requires no fan , ascertain quiet operation .

From a horticultural and budget point of view , the Mars Hydro TS1000 was our favorite light-emitting diode uprise light . It give rise a large enough weak footmark to maintain nine houseplants in our tryout and give rise excellent ignitor intensity . We envisioned using it to raise garden seedlings in the spring , or to turn veggie indoors in the wintertime .

We test this habitue in the dark basement produce arena , where the works beneath its lighter thrived . The foliage remain thick and inscrutable green in color , there was no leafage drib , and by the end of the month new buds and leaf had set out to grow .

A group of LED grow lights together before testing.

Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila

Locking block made it easy to raise the height of the fastness as necessary , but releasing the ringlet to lour the height required go up a ladder . The dimmer knob was easygoing to access and move around swimmingly . Overall , the quality and performance were fantabulous and the Leontyne Price was fair . However , the fixture ’s industrial visual aspect may be less suitable for in - home growing in the living distance .

Read our full reassessment : Mars Hydro TS1000 Dimmable 150W LED Grow spark

Get the Mars Hydro light-emitting diode uprise light atAmazon , Walmart , orMars Hydro .

The Best LED Grow Lights Options

Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

Our military rating : Setup5/5 ; Adjustability:5/5 ; Durability:5/5 ; Coverage:4/5 ; Value:5/5

The GE BR30 9 - watt get light is actually an conduct light bulb that turns any conventional lamp or light fastness into a grow light . It deliver a PPF ( photosynthetic photon flux ; see the section onPowerbelow ) of 16 micromoles per mo and develop full - spectrum lighting that look white to the heart , with balanced loss and blue wavelengths . What this introductory non - dimmable bulb want in lineament it makes up in versatility . instal one into a clinch light fixture , or use several in a string Light Within repair , then plug into an inexpensive mechanical timekeeper for a wide range of United States . It is a great selection for growing garden seedlings , overwintering tropic plant indoors , or develop a corporation of St. Basil on the countertop .

One bulb insure a .5 - square - foot surface area for flowering plants , or up to 2.25 square groundwork for vegetative growth . The tranquil , effective incandescent lamp produces almost no warmth , so there is no concern about burn foliage or overheating the room .

The Mars Hydro TS1000 Dimmable 150W LED Grow Light on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

We tested the GE raise light bulb in our poorly lit living way mature blank . After instal the bulb into a clamp light source repair , we set it 9 inches above two potted plants and set a mechanically skillful timekeeper ( not included ) to “ on ” 18 time of day a day per GE ’s instructions for vegetational growth .

The plants flourished . They remained a vibrant green color , produced new leave and buds , and retained the sizeable older leaves beneath . We noted that the general direction of the growth was upward toward the light , even though one of the plants was a trailing eccentric . But the leafage and stem bring on the typical shape for the works types , rather than becoming elongated as often happens in lower - than - ideal light .

Get the GE LED grow light bulb atAmazonorWalmart .

The GE 9W Balanced Light LED Grow Light Bulb on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

Our Ratings : Setup4/5 ; Adjustability:4/5 ; Durability:4/5 ; Coverage:4/5 ; Value:5/5

Anyone in need of a compact , lightweight under - shelf grow light will want to consider this versatile set of Mosthink LED originate - light strips . The two 12 - inch downcast - visibility flight strip lights ( 24 LEDs each ) may be configured either side by side or end to conclusion , and they can be mounted with either the included wood screws , bivalent - sided tape , or cable ties . These full - spectrum LEDs bring forth light in the 380 micromillimetre to 800 nm wavelength , like natural sunshine . The built - in 2-/4-/8 - hr timekeeper and 25/50/75/100 per centum dimmer extend customizable lighting to promote plant life health and vigor .

Each cartoon strip elucidate an area approximately 6 inches wide and 18 inches long for a combined total of 1.5 square metrical foot . The moderate light turnout is best for grow and maintaining healthy leafage . Because these light strips accumulate very modest oestrus , there is no jeopardy of burning leaves or damaging nearby surface .

Mosthink Sunlike White LED Grow Light Strips on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

We used the admit double - sided tape to append the Mosthink LED maturate - light strips to the bottom of a shelf on the paries , side by side and spaced 3.5 inch apart . We placed two 6 - in potted plants side by side under the light source , where they rise well . The leafage looked really good , and the plants produced a fair amount of bud and leaves . Overall , this is a fine setup for supplemental lighting .

We really liked the low - profile aim of these idle striptease . At only about a half - inch boneheaded , they just rise above the aerofoil they are mounted on . They did n’t get in the way when we were moving thing around , and they seemed to languish into the background when not in use .

We did not eff the three - way timekeeper , however , because it had a maximal setting of 8 hours or else of the 12 60 minutes we would have preferred . Our solution was to delay the first time until about 4 hours after sunrise , since our elbow room faced east ( sunrise ) and the plants would benefit most from additional afternoon luminousness .

The Spider Farmer SF4000 450W LED Grow Light With Dimmer on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

Get the Mosthink LED grow - light slip atAmazon .

Best Spread-Style

Spider Farmer SF4000 450W LED Grow Light With Dimmer

Our paygrade : Setup4/5 ; Adjustability:5/5 ; Durability:4/5 ; Coverage:5/5 ; Value:4/5

Dedicated home gardener looking to upgrade their frame-up may need the power supplied by the Spider Farmer SF4000 LED grow faint . It ’s larger than many grow lights , so one whole can continue a large aerofoil area . For an even bigger setup , the light has daisy - chain functionality , allowing agriculturalist to link up up to 12 luminance .

This Spider Farmer light is powerful , with a maximum PPFD of 2479 micromole / m2 / s at a tallness of 12 inch . Because of this extra power , however , it consumes a mickle of vigor for an LED habitue , requiring 450 watts of electrical energy .

The AeroGarden Bounty LED Grow Light full of herbs on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

We add the Spider Farmer SF4000 in our dark cellar grow country . It was , by far , the magnanimous , heaviest , and most expensive grow light we tested , and it generated the broadest footmark with the most intense light . Compared to our Best Overall pick , this one offered four times as much growing space for vegetative increase , and more than 3.5 metre as much space for flowering and fruiting plants . This would be a great option for anyone concerned in growing tumid quantity of bloom or veggies indoors .

Due to the extraordinary light source saturation and our shortage of smaller plant , we included three 12 - inch potted plant under this light . They took up one third of the available space for direct light but offered outer space beneath their canopies to position low - visible radiation plant , which we did . This was the only light we prove that offer passable intensity and footprint size to grow a multilevel ( verbatim and filtered unclouded ) garden . All of the plant look great from beginning to finish .

Get the Spider Farmer light-emitting diode grow light atAmazon , Walmart , orSpider Farmer .

The AeroGarden Farm 12XL LED Grow Light on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

Best for Herbs

AeroGarden Bounty LED Grow Light

TheAeroGardenBounty is a complete countertop hydroponic gardening organisation . Its base features an machinelike circulating nourishing reservoir that holds a plug tray where the plant grow , the high - resolution presentation , and a restraint panel . The telescope 30 - watt full - spectrum LED grow wanton attaches at the buttocks of the base , so no fixture mounts or other external hardware is necessary . The system only takes about 15 transactions to set up and start turn .

We ready up the AeroGarden Bounty in our wispy living room grow distance . apparatus was uncomplicated and quick , and the instruction were well-heeled to follow . After setup , we only require to supervise the unit , topping off the water and adding works food when inspire . All of our herb seeds stock in less than a week , and by the destruction of the calendar month we were harvesting basil and parsley . The industrial plant grew much faster than we anticipated , and the foliage looked ( and taste ) cracking .

In our experience , this may be the best way to grow culinary herbs indoors . Traditional problems growing herbs indoors include lack of usable sunlight , gawky grow lights that require some sort of external structure for mounting , and dealing with the messes relate with pot soil and piddle . AeroGarden simplify the whole process with a sleek and tidy system that in reality mold . It ’s a pricey pick for anyone who just need a grow lightness , but when contract as a perfect solution it makes a lot of sense .

The Lordem LED Plant Grow Light for Indoor Plants on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

Get the AeroGarden Bounty light-emitting diode produce light atAmazon , Walmart , orAeroGarden .

Best for Vegetables

AeroGarden Farm 12XL LED Grow Light

Our rating : Setup:4/5 ; Adjustability:4/5 ; Durability:4/5 ; Coverage:5/5 ; Value:4/5

grow vegetables indoors was once limited to nursery production , due in part to the high light requirements . The AeroGarden Farm 12XL solves numerous indoor veggie horticulture problems . For starters , it is equipped with a 60 - James Watt full - spectrum light-emitting diode grow light that deliver enough light saturation to support flowering and fruiting , and to penetrate the canopies of tall garden plants such as Lycopersicon esculentum . As a hydroponic system , it also eliminates the motivation for potting grease and reduces overall piss usance compare to soil - based gardening . Plus , the superstructure of the unit , along with the included trellis organization , tolerate the top growth of tall plants , keeping them neatly inside the growing space .

This aquicultural garden requires about an hour of meeting place time , and all the required tools are included . After the social unit is assemble , initial startup can be completed in just a few minutes by follow the prompts on the touch screen . Thereafter , works sustenance is a simple matter of topping off the water sporadically , adding plant nutrient when prompted , raising the height of the twinkle as the plants grow , and snip or tying up plant as needed .

Two LBW LED Grow Lights With Stands on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

In our low-toned - light develop environment , the AeroGarden Farm 12XL do exceptionally well . The seed germinated within 4 days , and the plant grew tight . We harvested lettuce before the month was out . Our love apple plants had produce six sets of leave , and the stems were potent and stocky . Unfortunately , the test flow end about 2 months before we would have an opportunity to harvest tomato , but the light seem to be adequate for high story production .

The AeroGarden Farm 12XL produces tidy sum of full - spectrum lighting for a wide range of plant life types . It ’s quite expensive for “ just a grow brightness , ” but as a full hydroponic system with mobile app connectivity , the price seems about right . The clean-living modern pattern look good in the living space , and it ’s problematic to beat the cheekiness that comes with kitchen - harvested veggies .

Get the AeroGarden Farm light-emitting diode grow easy atAmazon , Lowe’s(24XL sizing ) , orBest Buy .

The Feit Electric GLP24FS 24-Inch 19W LED Grow Light on a white background.

Photo: amazon.com

Best for a Single Plant

Lordem LED Plant Grow Light for Indoor Plants

Our Ratings : Setup:5/5 ; Adjustability:5/5 ; Durability:4/5 ; Coverage:5/5 ; Value:4/5

Houseplant lovers sometimes find themselves with the perfect dapple to display their beauties , but not enough natural light . The Lordem LED plant grow light solves that trouble on a industrial plant - by - works ground . Just extend the telescope steel stakes , insert it into the potting filth , and plug it in . The ring twinkle utter 10 watts of supplementary lighter from 48 full - spectrum white LEDs to support level-headed leaf growth and efflorescence . In addition to the adjustable height , the Christ Within is dimmable and include a built - in robotic timer with 4-/8-/12 - 60 minutes alternative .

These LED plant lights are available individually or in packs of two or three . Each luminousness address a half substantial infantry ( or so 8.5 by 8.5 in , or a 10 - column inch - diameter pot ) of works infinite .

The Gardener’s Supply Company LED Stack-n-Grow Lights full of growing herbs.

Photo: gardeners.com

We inserted the Lordem LED grow light in a 6 - inch potted plant on a shelf in our living way grow area , and then cared for the plant as usual . The flora grew well and seemed to thrive with the 12 - 60 minutes timer andfull - brightnesssettings . The foliage look great , with good colouration and leaf denseness and no yellowing or dropped parting .

The only drawback we encountered was that we had to move out and supersede the brightness for tearing — our habit was to take each of the plants to the kitchen sump for deep watering every calendar week or two to wash down the foliage and mystifying pluck the potting mass medium . Also , we take note that a 6 - inch pot was likely the minimum sizing we would use with this light source in to annul accidents from a top - laborious conformation . All in all , this selection came at an excellent price point and render extremely effective results .

Get the Lordem LED grow light atAmazon .

Young couple (heads not seen) use trowels to dig into a small raised garden bed on Astroturf, surrounded by gardening accessories.

Best with Stand

LBW LED Grow Light With Stand

Our Ratings : Setup:5/5 ; Adjustability:4/5 ; Durability:4/5 ; Coverage:4/5 ; Value:4/5

Where permanently mounted lightheaded fixture or bet lights wo n’t work , a freestanding grow light may be the best pick . This LBW arise light offers the versatility to mark it up anywhere and move it around as needed . The 30 - watt full - spectrum spread - spark fix attaches atop a flexible gooseneck , so it can be point in any direction . The lamp itself comes equip with 48 LEDs and boasts a PPFD rating of 457 micromole / m2 / second at 12 column inch . It easily illuminates up to 2.25 straightforward foot for sprouting , vegetal ontogenesis , and flowering .

The tripod ’s height - adjustment feature allows users to set the light at any altitude between 15 and 48 inch . From a berth on the floor , it is suitable to light up up taller tabletop plant life . At less than 3 pounds , it ’s light to ready up , take down , and relocate .

We plant up the LBW arise lighting on the floor in our low - light living room growing area and position the lamp over a 24 - inch industrial plant stand with three 6 - inch industrial plant . It sense well balanced on the point of view — no danger of unexpectedly tipping over . The pliant gooseneck held firmly in any situation we chose , and the telescoping tripod also held firm without skid down . The Christ Within appeared very bright and spew a good twinkle footmark on our industrial plant accumulation . The plants thrived and grew well through the test time period .

The only part of this luminousness that we did n’t love were the loose - hanging index cord and the semi - industrial look of the lamp itself . The power electric cord hang innocent below the lamp and could become a trip peril . We used a cable tie to secure the loose cord to the unsloped part of the tripod to eliminate the cord tension at the top of the meeting place .

Get the LBW light-emitting diode grow lightheaded atAmazon , Walmart , orAliExpress .

Best Fixture

Feit Electric GLP24FS 24-Inch 19W LED Grow Light

Our Ratings : Setup:4/5 ; Adjustability:4/5 ; Durability:4/5 ; Coverage:5/5 ; Value:5/5

Even low - light source plant want supplemental lighting in certain setting . The Feit Electric 24 - inch 19 - James Watt LED grow light is a swell choice for turn low- and medium - light flora in the vegetative stage . This grow light emits 19 Isaac Watts of full - spectrum light in a wider area than many of the other lights we tested . The two 24 - inch light thermionic tube are space 3.5 in apart , illuminate a total area of about 2 straight feet . The temperate light intensity is idealistic for cultivating jungle cacti , ferns , ZZ plants , and other crushed - light species . The tough polycarbonate fixture is durably built for use in humid arena .

We installed the Feit Electric grow - light fix on the underside of a ledge in our living room growing area . The Christmas cactus , pothos , and snake industrial plant we aim under it uprise slowly , as expected , and expose a nice deep - green hue .

This light was light to instal , offered daisy - chain connectivity for up to five linked lights on the same outlet , and had a notably sturdy build . Gardeners who need a boost of additional light will apprize the quality and energy saving provided by this one . However , this would not be the right-hand choice for those who desire to stimulate flush and fruit production as it lacks the high intensity needed for those applications .

Get the Feit Electric LED grow light atAmazonorAce Hardware .

Best for Seed Starting

Gardener’s Supply Company LED Stack-n-Grow Lights

Our Ratings : Setup4/5 ; Adjustability4/5 ; Durability:4/5 ; Coverage:5/5 ; Value4/5

The LED Stack - n - Grow Lights arrangement from Gardener ’s Supply Company is an first-class choice for gardener who require to kick - start their come - start cognitive operation . Its modular and drug user - well-disposed plan gain it a fantastic option for novice and experienced growers .

The organization ’s full - spectrum go bulbs allow for the essential light spectrum needed for seeds to germinate and young plants to flourish . One of the Stack - n - Grow organisation ’s standout feature is its scalability . The base whole can be effortlessly expanded with lend - on tiers , take into account gardeners to increase their spring up space as ask . This adaptability micturate it an excellent investiture for those who plan to scale up their horticulture projects over time .

gather the unit was straightforward once we find the directions ( we had to download them from the web site ) . The social unit must be placed on a level open and anchored to the wall to ensure maximal stability . We started all of our spring vegetables under the light and love the ability to conform the tallness of the lights as our seedling rise .

Although we like the light , the cost is higher than that of simpler , non - modular grow light . Despite this , the benefits of orient growth weather condition , expandability , and energy efficiency introduce a compelling case . The Stack - n - Grow brightness organization is a reliable and good instrument for anyone serious about seed starting , providing a controlled environs for seeds to thrive into healthy plants .

Get the Gardener ’s Supply Company lead Stack - n - Grow Lights atGardener ’s Supply .

Jump to Our Top Picks

Types of LED Grow Lights

LED grow lights come in a variety of form . read about the most popular ones can avail shopper choose a suitable character for anindoor garden .

Spread-Style

Spread - panache light-emitting diode luminosity have many low case-by-case lights spread out over their integral airfoil expanse , which makes them effective in provide Christ Within to a large numeral ofplants . The two main subcategories of spread lights are quantum board and wanderer - style .

Chip on Board (COB)

cow dung on gameboard ( COB ) lights feature a identification number of lilliputian light-emitting diode localize close together on a individual chip , resulting in a individual herculean point of light . While the center point of the arena they cover receives optimal lighting , they do n’t offer the same level of widespread , equal insurance coverage as spread - style LEDs .

Since they ’re so hefty , COB Inner Light often breathe more heat than other types of LED and may require the habit of fan to cool down the surface area . They use full - spectrum blank LED diodes and bring home the bacon cryptical canopy penetration than dispersed - manner LED .

Traditional

Traditional LED grow lamps are usually thick , making them a safe choice for little spaces . They use LEDs that allow for average power and typically have multicolored light-emitting diode that cover the full spectrum of color frequency , unlike white LEDs . This give their light a colorful appearance that indoor growers might or might not like .

What to Consider When Choosing an LED Grow Light

The following sections detail some of the most significant qualities to keep in mind when shopping for the best light-emitting diode grow lights for your need .

Light Spectrum

Natural sunlight features all the colors on the electromagnetic spectrum . Some LED light can reproduce only certain colour frequencies , while full - spectrum whitened LED lights produce all the chromaticity necessary for every level of the produce process .

Power

It ’s a bit difficult to compare light-emitting diode grow lights because manufacturers use a variety of metrics to value the power of their lights and the amount of lightness they breathe . The brightness level of light-emitting diode lighting is measured in lumen . Seedlings require more or less 2,000 lumens per square foot to fly high , while flowering plants may involve as much as 10,000 lumens .

While lumens measure visible ignitor , biologist often use photosynthetic photon flux density ( PPF ) or photosynthetic photon flux density ( PPFD ) to measure light intensity level in term of the light thatindoor plantswill actually steep . PPF is evaluate in μmol / second ( or micromoles per second ) , which is the number of photon of light let loose every second . PPFD is also measure out in micromole / m2 / s and measures the denseness of light distributed per square meter per second . The higher the PPF and PPFD , the more effective the sparkle should be .

Heat Output

One of the danger of using a grow light is that the estrus emitted by the bulbs can damage plant life . However , LED lights give off very piffling heating plant relative to the amount of luminosity they give rise . But they do produce some estrus , so many models are equipped with make - in cool down system to check right temperature rule .

Some guide lights have aluminum heat energy sink , and others total fit with rooter . A unit of measurement with a lover might be loud , so shoppers will want to factor noise level into their choice when selecting a grow light .

Coverage and Wattage

To take the proper plant turn light , first establish how much coverage is needed . To do this , group the plants together and measure the square footage they take up . Most rise luminosity will clearly list the coverage they provide .

To establish how much electrical energy a lighter consumption , look for its “ actual power haulage ” or “ actual superpower usance . ” This is measured in watts and give a skillful indication of the light ’s power . Bulb wattage is not a in effect indicator because LEDs are designed to be vigour efficient .

Connectivity

Many LED develop lights are design to link to other units to cut through big country , which is typically referred to as “ daisy - chain connectivity . ” Products with this potentiality simply plug into each other and then plug into one sales outlet , which understate the number of cords required for setup .

FAQs

The follow questions and result about LED plant lighter can provide shoppers with additional information .

tacky light-emitting diode get light for vegetable wo n’t perform at the same level as those used by professional grower . Professionals generally use gamy - intensity discharge lamps ( HID ) or fluorescent fixture , though the diligence is shifting to favor light-emitting diode . Because of their get-up-and-go efficiency , LED are a better choice for family manipulation .

When comparing the mightiness of various grow lights , look at the “ genuine power draw ” or “ actual power phthisis ” in watts . loosely speaking , grow lights should use 32 Watt per square metrical foot of grow space at the infrangible minimum , though 50 to 80 W per straightforward foot is ideal . The real brightness of LED lights is measure in lumen rather than watts , which is another way of measuring weak intensity . Vegetables typically require 2,200 lumens per square animal foot , while other industrial plant loosely need approximately 1,375 lumen per square foot .

conduct light should generally be at least 12 inches above your plant to prevent leaf burn .

LED grow lights are more DOE efficient than high - pressure sodium ( HPS ) Inner Light . They also utter less heat , which means exploiter need n’t worry as much about temperature regulation .

Meet the Testers

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product quizzer with a background in the nursery and landscape gardening industry . For more than 20 years , he has pout , edge , planted , pruned , school , water , and quicken beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and write limited review about the latest outdoor might equipment , hand peter , lawn - care products , and other outdoor - live good .

Debbie Wolfe is a photographer , author , and free-lance writer in various corner . She has contributed hundreds of home , garden , and craft articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers , including HGTV , Real Simple , Forbes Advisor , The Spruce , The Home Depot , Walmart , and Mother Earth News . She is the author of two DIY book : Do - It - Yourself Garden Projects and CraftsandCrafting with Herbsfrom Skyhorse Publishing . Her examination approach is straightforward and budget - minded .

Additional research provide by Savannah Sher .

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

We ’ll aid you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few plenty on your terrace , a raised bed , or an in - basis plot out back — and pick out the correct plants for your soil and neighborhood .