Growing plants with a hydroponic system is becoming a lot more popular for a variety of reasons however it’s important that you understand that there are a number of different items you will require to carry out this effectively. Because you are growing plants in a wholly unnatural environment, you will want to make sure that all the different elements are given to the plants. One of the most important elements of course is light.

Plants take the light and turn it into energy using a process called photosynthesis. This is not just an option, it a necessity and will ensure that you have plants that thrive and give you the results you are looking for. Luckily there are ways to fool plants into thinking that they have been given all the light they need, and for this you will need LED grow lights.

You might already know what an LED is from physics class but if not then LED stands for light emitting diode. Basically it’s a very simple semiconductor which has diodes that have terminals that allow current to flow in just the one direction.

There are many things that need to happen in order for an LED light to work however you will end up with different colors of lighting depending on the gap that is present between the electron chain. The size of this gap changes the frequency and this is how the color is affected. LED lights are used for many purposes other than in hydroponics and you will see them in electrical items such as TV remote controls.

When you grown any plant indoors then you will need to make sure that you provide an excellent light source for your plants because you are not giving them natural daylight. The light that you provide directly affects the plants health and is the difference between poor quality plants and lush healthy plants. Blue lights are used for plants that are very young and need to mature. However orange and red lights are used for those plants that are already fairly mature or are flowering or producing fruits. So don’t base your buying decision on what your favourite color is. This is not how hydroponic lighting works. The color you choose will depend on what type of plant you want to grow.

The problem often experienced with other types of lighting is that fact that they get hot and this can easily damage the plants you are trying to care for. With LED lighting this isn’t a problem you need to concern yourself with. Another benefit is that they have a longer lifespan compared to other lighting.

LED lighting isn’t the only type of light you can buy. There are other options such as HID, MH and HPS. It’s well worth reading up on all the lighting options available to you so that you can become a really great hydroponics expert.

April Kerr often writes for website Gardening Content which is all about gardening and includes details of growing with hydroponics and hydroponic LED lights.