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A Model For Growth
A year and a half ago, executives at Hartford-based FM Facilities Maintenance predicted revenue at the company could grow from $10 million in 2007 to as much as $400 million in 2009.

Read more on Hartford Business Journal

Hydroponic gardening is a popular method of indoor gardening that can be used in everything from large commercial greenhouses to apartments.  There is certain equipment necessary for hydroponic gardening, which usually includes some type of reservoir to hold the nutrient solution, an aerating pump to keep the fluid moving around and oxygenated, and a means for holding the plant crowns above the solution.  Another major component are appropriate indoor grow lights.  There are a wide variety of hydroponic lights available to help your plants to photosynthesize, grow and mature.  

The Light Spectrum And What It Means To Indoor Plants

When plants are grown outdoors, they rely on sunlight to provide them with a full light spectrum range.  Because there is not enough sunlight available indoors, hydroponic lights are used to imitate what the sun’s light spectrum can do for plants.

Seedlings need light in the blue spectrum in order to grow properly.  Mature plants that are ready to reproduce and form flowers and fruits require light in the red and orange spectrum.  There are certain spectrums that a plant cannot use, such as the green light spectrum, so light bulbs with that spectrum are wasted on plants.  Both of these spectrums, plus others, are readily available in sunlight.  With hydroponic lights, though, this is not always the case.  Many indoor grow lights are created with a focus in one particular spectrum, usually either red or blue, while others are full-spectrum grow lamps appropriate for all stages of plant growth.  What this means is that if you are growing seedlings on to maturity, you may need to have different hydroponic lights on hand in order to give them the appropriate light spectrum they need when they need it.  

Differences in Hydroponic Lights

•MH Lights:  MH stands for metal halide.  These grow lights put out a lot of light for their compact size, which makes them powerful and efficient.  Because of this high output, however, they do require special fixtures for their proper function.  MH lights will often have a boosted red spectrum, but are also available as full spectrum and blue spectrum bulbs.

•HPS Light:  These grow lights are very effective at producing the red light spectrum.  They also boast a long life of up to two years of use.  Like the MH bulbs, the HPS light also produces a very bright light.  These bulbs burn hot, and thus air-cooled reflectors and ducting are needed to keep them from overheating.

•LED Grow Lights:  Although usually more expensive on the initial purchase price, these grow lights offer many benefits and superior lighting to the other lights.  They are very lightweight, a factor when lights are hung overhead, and they produce a brighter light than the other grow lights.  LED grow lights cost less to run because they use much less electricity than other grow lamps, and they offer both the red and blue light spectrums in the same bulb.

Any of these hydroponic lights could be an appropriate choice for your hydroponic system, depending on plant growth stages and budget.

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If you are trying to start your own seeds, you might have discovered some of the challenges in this project. One issue that has to be dealt with is appropriate air and soil temperatures for germination to occur. The other is adequate light, and a third is sufficient moisture.

If all of these areas are at suitable levels, you will have a better chance of your seed having a higher germination rate. If any of these three are missing or at too low a level, however, you will not get any germination from the seed at all. What many growers do to take the guesswork out of seed starting is to use a grow tent, also known as a grow closet. Grow tents essentially work like a perfect little room especially suited to starting seeds. Better grow tents have a reflective inner lining, which helps to spread the light around the entire grow tent and plants held therein.

A great grow closet should feature a black-colored material for the outer layer. This is important, because black absorbs heat and helps to heat up the interior of the grow tent. Depending on the type of seed you are trying to germinate, it needs a particular soil and air temperature in order to achieve germination. You can find out specific temperature needs for seed germination from your local county extension office. Some seeds, such as peas, prefer a cooler temperature for germination, while others, such as tomatoes, eggplant, basil and sweet or hot peppers require much higher heat in order for germination to occur. You can place a thermometer inside your grow closet and make adjustments to the lights and grow heat mats in order to bring the internal temperature to exactly what your seeds need for optimal germination conditions. Of course, the lining and exterior covering of a grow room tent need a frame from which to hang. You will want to find a grow tent that comes with heavy steel tubing for strength and durability.

It is also easier to access the grow closet if it is made with heavy-duty zippers that will not snag and break easily. Air circulation is also a consideration in a grow room tent. You will want to look for duct flanges and the ability to add an exhaust fan and filter to your unit, in order to provide appropriate air circulation to reduce soil-borne diseases that can rapidly spread in a moist, closed-off environment. All of these features are available in the best-quality grow tent styles.