QuestionA few weeks ago I started an indoor vegetable garden, hoping to harvest my own veggies over the winter. I am using a "Grow UFO" light, (extremely expensive!), to illuminate the growing area for about 14 hours a day. I've gardened outdoors for many years, so I'm somewhat familiar with a garden's needs, however indoor gardening is new to me. My question is, is it possible for a young tomato plant to get too much light? I have two potted tomatoes, purchased as 6" plants, 3 weeks ago. The plants' leaves began to curl under a few days after I got them; the leaves became mottled and deformed, even stunted. I placed one of the plants outside as a last resort, even though up here in Chicago right now our outside temperature is between 40-65 degrees. In just 24 hours, I noticed leaves beginning to regrow. Now, 3 days later, the plant is in full swing, with healthy green leaves reappearing. Also, my seedlings indoors germinated well, but spinach, lettuce, and green onions are leggy with weak stems. Any insight on this? Thanks!
AnswerI was looking for how close the light was to the plants, and how strong the light was. The professional growers use several lights, and put them practically on top of the plants, usually around 10 inches from the plants. They use cool lights to prevent burning the plants. Yes the plants can get too much light. The plants will get deformed and pale looking. It usually depends on the plants and the natural light that they are getting to determine how long to leave the light on. But all of the needs that the plants have, need to be met for the light conditions to work. The plants will not use the light efficiently if the water, soil, and fertilizer needs are not right. Also temperature and humidity are important. It is possible to grow vegetables indoors, but they will never grow as well as they do outdoors. Too many important elements that they get in the outdoor environment, are not met indoors.
I would suggest if you are have success with the tomato you put outdoors, then put the other plants outdoors as well.
