Question
Hi Mike,

I start my own tomato plants from seed every year but struggle with them getting tall and thin. I live in a windy place so I had no where with light and coolness to harden them off. Last year I put plexiglass over basement window wells to make a cold frame for hardening off.

My ranch house is too warm to germinate and raise seedlings in the living areas. So I use the basement.
I would like to start broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and pepper plants in my basement which is heated to 60 degrees. I think these temp will be good for starting the cold weather crops.

There is limited natural light, enough to see to walk without lights but not enough to grow plants.

I purchased a heating pad to start my tomato and pepper plants along with a thermostat for the mat.

My question is about lighting. I have no window sills with sufficient light and also not too warm so my tomato and pepper plants don't get tall and flimsy. This is why I plan to use the basement for seedling starting and growing. As for plant lighting how well would a 4 foot florescent fixture with two bulbs that are the T12 warm type work for giving seedlings light for growth of veggies?

If this is not going to work, what do you reccommend?

Thank you Mike for your help!

Sincerely,

Mike

Answer
Mike, the best option is to use gro-lights. These are sold in all garden centers and most home improvement centers. Although they are slightly more expensive, they most closely simulate natural sunlight. Another option is to use one warm glow and one cool glow fluorescent bulb in combination. Although not quite as strong as the gro-lights, they are definitely more effective than using two regular shop lights.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike