Question
My daughter is doing a science fair experiment, untilizing different windows, or tints in windows and comparing plant growth. What info do you have on windows that work or don't work for growing plants.  We are having difficulty finding information for this.

Thanks Russell Zelmar, [email protected].

Answer
Hi Russell,

I don't have any specific research studies to refer you to, but I can give you some general background information.

Although plants use the full spectrum of light (sunlight), they use more from the red and blue portions of the light spectrum. Plant grow lights are designed to enhance artificial light in these color ranges.

There are many different kinds of tint treatments for windows that are designed to block out UV rays and other portions of the light spectrum. All tinted windows reduce the intensity of the light and some reduce certain portions of the color spectrum more than others. I am not an expert in window tintings, however, window manufacturers should be able to tell what portions of the light spectrum are blocked or reduced with their particular product. They should also be able to tell you how much the overall light intensity is reduced by their windows.

So plant growth will be limited as the light intensity is reduced and as light from the red and blue portions of the spectrum are reduced.

That may not tell you what you need to know for a specific tinted window, but at least it gives you the underlying principles involved.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com