Lesson 1: Natural lighting vs. Artificial Lighting
Proper lighting is critical for good plant growth. This can be provided naturally (via windows, sky lights) or artificially (light stands, plant lights).
Natural Lighting
Goals: 1. Identify potential locations in your home for plants. 2. You will learn to measure the light levels available by using a light meter. 3. You will determine which type of supplemental lighting is most suitable for your needs (both function and aesthetics). 4. Determine if you will use existing shelves, tables, etc. or if you will purchase a professional light cart or make your own.
Supplies: Light meter (Varies in price depending on your source.) Typical prices range from $9.95 to $29.95 with price indicating quality and life expectancy of the meter. I strongly advise you to purchase the best you can afford. A light meter is the only way you can be sure of the quantity of light your plants receive.
Natural Lighting
Plants need light to grow indoors. It is up to us to provide the appropriate light. The amount required is determined by where the plant grows naturally in the outdoors. Forest floor dwellers obviously need less light than those growing in full sun.
The easiest way to determine the amount of light a plant will receive in a specific location is to purchase a light meter. Each meter measures slightly differently. Read the directions carefully to determine how to interpret the information provided by your light meter.
Example: My light meter shows footcandles. [A “footcandle” is the amount of light a candle gives off one foot from the flame.] Less expensive meters usually just indicate "low,” "medium,” or "high.” For the purposes of this class, low lighting is 1,000 to 1,500 footcandles; medium light is 1,500 to 2,500 footcandles; and high lighting is 2,500 or higher footcandles.
Here is generalized information regarding the amount of light available for windows facing different directions. It is important to check the actual light conditions with some type of light meter.
North windows. A window facing north usually provides semi shade or shade conditions for plants growing directly on the windowsills. The presence of trees, buildings, or roof overhangs limit the light coming through the window If there is enough light to read by, you may generally use any shade loving plant in that location.
East windows. These windows receive direct sun only in the morning. This is a good location for flowering plants requiring low to medium light levels.
South windows. This is an excellent location for plants needing high light levels. Some plants may even burn if the window is not shaded with a sheer drapery or partially closed blinds. This location can be hot in the summer.
West windows. This window provides high light levels particularly in the afternoon. Shading may be required for some plants. This location can be excessively hot in the summer.
