Talking Green: Starting at the beginning. Part 5

Today I would like to talk about the final element needed in starting seeds which is sunlight. When starting seeds indoors, you have a couple of options. You can set the trays by a window to get natural light or you can use grow lights.
Natural light
This is probably the easiest option and the least expensive because all you need is a window which everyone should have. While the seeds are sprouting and still small, a window works fine. But when they get bigger they will actually start to reach for the light. If you are starting seeds where you can't put them outside, this is something that is possibly difficult to get away from. One way to help your seedlings grow up straight (or straighter) is to turn the tray when they start to lean a bit towards the window. One interesting question my sister had was if it matters if the sun isn't out and if the seeds will still get enough sunlight. I assured her that they would be fine. Even on cloudy days there is still sunlight. :)
Grow Lights
This is possibly a better option to help your seedlings grow more like they would outside but it can also be a bit of an investment. Grow lights are basically full spectrum lights. What this means is that they have both the red and the blue spectrum. I have heard that you can copy this by getting two flourescent lights-one blue spectrum (cool white) and one red spectrum (warm white) and place them both above the trays. I have never tried this but apparently it works and can be cheaper than buying special lights. The other cost for grow lights is the electricity used to power the lights which can also add up. I do like grow lights because they help plants look much better and less spindly but I don't like the cost. I also have places with lots of light in the house that keeps the plants from reaching as much.
The positive is that once it gets about +10 celcious that it is fine to put the plants outside in the sun for small amounts of time so they can enjoy the wonderful sunshine. The only downside is that +10 is still a little chilly and the plants will likely not grow too much. They sort of shut down a bit if it is chilly. But taking them outside for short periods of time will also help to harden off your plants which is basically getting them used to the outdoors after being inside in a sheltered environment. Happy Gardening!