Hidden Springs Homestead may earn a commission for purchases made after clicking links on this page. Learn More.
Do you want to learn how to use grow lights to start seedlings indoors? They are great for growing vegetables, herbs, and house plants indoors. Since light is the most important factor for growing healthy plants, in this post, you’ll learn what grow lights are, get an understanding of the color spectrum so can choose lights wisely, and you will learn how to build your own grow light stand.
Not only can you build your own grow light system much cheaper than buying one, but starting your own seedlings indoors will save additional money too.
Whether you want to start seeds indoors to get ahead in the spring season, grow indoor herbs, or add additional grow light for indoor plants over the winter. Think of these garden grow lights as an investment. They will pay for themselves in one or two seasons!
What Are Grow Lights?
If you’ve ever tried starting seeds in a sunny window, you know it doesn’t work. ForsSeeds to germinate and grow require 12-16 hours of bright light a day, and it’s almost impossible in a window.
So you can waste a lot of time and money attempting to use a window.
Grow lights, on the other hand, are electric lights that provide a full spectrum of light similar to that of the sun. They can be relatively expensive, but you can build your own system.
RELATED: Even if you’ve never gardened before, this Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Ultimate Guide is for you! Learn everything you need to know from over 60 resources, all in one place, to be a successful gardener, including improving soil, cover crops, warm and cool season crops, organic amendments, fertilizing, watering, garden pests and diseases and so much more.
What Grow Light is Best For Seedlings?
Vegetables or plants need light for the process of photosynthesis. This process is where light, oxygen, and water are converted into energy, and they grow as a result.
Light is measured in spectrum colors of red and blue, with about 5 times as much red as blue. Natural sunlight puts off a full spectrum of color, and grow lights for seedlings are designed to substitute natural sunlight.
Before purchasing grow lights, check their spectrum color of them. It will be something light like this:
- Blue: 400-520 nanometers. This encourages chlorophyll absorption, growth, and photosynthesis
- Red: 610-750 nanometers. The red encourages bloom and flower budding.
The two combined, as I mentioned, promote growth and provide adequate lighting to produce sturdy seedlings. So the best grow light should match or exceed these measurements.
Once you have lights, setting up a grow light stand system is easy.
Here’s how I built mine for less than $200.00 at the time this post was written, and I’ve now used it for over 4 years. Much cheaper when compared to store-bought brands.

Benefits Of Using Grow Lights
Having a grow light system setup is not only for starting seeds for spring gardening, but they also help with additional lighting for indoor plants and growing herbs, and they are great for growing microgreens year around.
Other benefits include:
- Earlier Harvest – by starting seeds indoors before planting season, you can get a jump start on springtime planting
- Better Spacing – working with small seedlings or plants instead of tiny seeds in the garden soil, you will have better uniform spacing.
- Faster Growth Outdoors – it takes days for seeds to germinate. Being able to start them indoors weeks prior will allow your garden to produce sooner, so you will harvest earlier.
- Stronger Plants – using grow lights with proper CFL lights produces stronger, healthy plants.
- Higher Yields – It’s true. Stronger, healthier plants will produce higher yields.
How To Build A DIY Grow Light Stand

Here’s how I built mine up, and it has served me for over four years.
When I first started seed indoors, I was “gunge-ho” to go online and order the best grow light setup I could find. But, due to the cost, I quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be an option being the overly frugal person I am.
I was admiring this awesome 3-tier stand with trays indoor light setup from Gardener’s Supply. But decided quickly to build my own. If your budget allows for this great system, then by all means, go this route! I prefer to use the money elsewhere.
Here is a great list of garden supply catalogs that offer grow light systems too. Take a look.
But if not, and you choose to build your own, here’s what you’ll need…
Supplies and Equipment
I’ve used these lights and had no problems with burnout problems.
1) Sturdy Shelving
I wanted at least 3 shelves, so I searched for inexpensive but sturdy shelf units. After looking online and in all the big box stores and found this 4 tier-greenhouse. I wanted a 4-ft wide system, and these were only 27 inches. So I snagged 2 of them!

I especially like these since they can easily be taken apart and stored when not in use. I’ve used them for over four years now, and they still work great.
I’ve since stopped taking them apart and now store pumpkins and winter squash on them in the winter.

I attached the two of them together using wire ties, so I now have extra space on the shelves. These shelves are affordable, sturdy, lightweight, and easy to move around.
These are actually “miniature greenhouses,” with shelves that are 19 inches, perfect for holding seed trays and providing space for lights and seedlings to grow.
They also came with plastic covers which I didn’t use. But I do have them just in case I were ever to need them.

2) Lighting
What type of light is best for growing plants indoors?
You can find all kinds of specialized grow lights available on the market. These Minios-L Lights are great but a bit out of my budget. If they work for you – great! You’re all set.
I purchased 6 basic 4-ft linkable light fixtures for $20 each – 2 for each of the 3 shelves. They came with a built-in power cord, a pull-chain on/off switch, short chains, and 4 S-hooks for hanging. And then, I added these fluorescent grow light bulbs.
Depending on the number of shelves you have, you may need to get additional S-hooks for attaching the chains. I picked up 2 additional ones for each light. These can be purchased as any local hardware or big box hardware.
Since the time of originally writing this post, I have started using these Barrina Grow Lights. The reason I change is I had trouble with the fluorescent bulbs burning out since they were on for 14-16 hours a day. I felt like they should last more than one season.
By the way, grow lights shouldn’t be left on 24 hours a day. Seedings need time to rest, just as if the sun has gone down.
Tip to Increase Light Reflection
TIP: Since lighting is so important, I wrapped a large piece of cardboard with aluminum foil to help reflect the light. I tacked it to the wall behind the shelves.
I also cut and wrapped pieces to go on each end of the shelves. The front is left open. This allowed the light to reflect brighter and made a big difference in the germination of the seeds.

3) Power Strips
Our old farmhouse was built in 1940, and I’m always challenged with enough electrical outlets. You’ll need several outlets to plug all your lights, mats, and timer into.
I use power strips. These can be purchased with or without a built-in surge protector. The benefit of one with a protector is in the event of a power surge, your stuff plugged into it will be protected by the built-in circuit board.
I use this Belkin power strip all over the house.
4) Timer
How many hours of light per day is recommended for growing seedlings indoors? 14-18 hours. This number was a bit staggering to me when I first learned this.
My frugal self thought, no problem, though. I’ll get up and turn on lights, then turn them off when needed. NOT! This idea was an epic fail.
I am an early riser, but getting up at 5 am to turn on lights, and then remember to turn them off at 11 pm. I am always sound asleep way before 11 pm.
So, unless you are adventurous and don’t need much sleep, you’ll also want to purchase a timer.
I chose this simple 24-hour timer. Set it when to come on and when to turn off – done! You don’t have to think about it.
5) Heat Mats
I’ve read many articles from other homesteaders that say they start seeds indoors without using heat mats and do fine. I didn’t have this experience.
Our home is kept comfortably warm in the winter, but my seeds didn’t germinate very well.
Seeds need a consistent temperature to germinate best, so I use these heat mats. My germination increased tremendously with these.

6) Growing Trays
The last things you’ll need are seed-growing trays. These flat trays work perfectly for seed-starting cells, recycled containers, and soil blocks.
The trays are solid bottom trays that are 10″x20″ without holes designed to keep water from dripping onto the floor and making a mess.
How To Set Up Grow Lights
- Put the shelves together according to the manufactures instructions. Set them up near an electrical outlet, away from high foot traffic and away from cold drafts
- Place bulbs in light fixtures and attach them to the shelves using chains and S-hooks.
- Next, set the timer for the time to come on and turn off. (Remember, 14-18 hours per day).
- Plug lights and heat mats into the power strip(s), and then plug the power strip into the timer. Plug the timer into a wall outlet.
- Place growing trays on shelves, and fill them with seed starter mix and seeds. Keep lights about 2 inches above seedlings as they grow, and water accordingly. Enjoy.
NOTE: If building the whole system at once is challenging, I recommend doing it in phases. I do projects in phases a lot. If you know you want a 3-4 self-system, then go ahead and purchase this upfront.
And then start with only 2 lights and 2 heat mats. Or, however, you need to do it to fit your budget.
So tell me, have you found this affordable and easy to build? Ready to get started building a grow light system for yourself?
DIY Grow Light for Seedlings Setup

This easy DIY grow light for seedlings shelf system is cost-efficient for home gardeners. Perfect for starting seeds, adding additional light to indoor plants, or growing indoor herbs and microgreens.
Materials
- Sturdy Shelves
- 4 ft Lights (choice)
- Heat Mats
- Power Strip
- Timer
- Growing Trays
Instructions
- Put shelving together according to manufactures instructions and place it near an electrical outlet away from cool drafts.
- Carefully attach grow lights with chains and S-hooks.
- Place heat mats flat on shelves.
- Plant seeds in growing trays according to package instructions and place them on heat mats.
- Set timer for 14-18 hours a day, and plug mats & lights into a power strip. Then, plug the strip into your timer.
- Plug the timer directly into the power outlet in the wall.
Notes
Lights should span the length of your shelves. For example, if your shelves are 4 feet wide, your lights should be 4 feet as well. Therefore, it may be necessary to hang two lights per shelf.

Connect with Hidden Springs Homestead!
Be sure to follow me on social media so you never miss a post!

Dianne Hadorn is the owner of Hidden Springs Homestead nestled in the hills of East Tennessee. She is a Master Gardener and enjoys helping others learn how to grow and preserve their own food and sharing tips for living a more sustainable life.
Are those just regular towels you have on the shelves under the heat mats? I’m trying to figure it out since I’d like to do the same. Thank you!
Hi Andrea,
Yes, just basic bath towels. It helps to send the up into the bottom of the tray, instead of escaping out the bottom. The towel also helps to absorb any spills as well.
Hi Dianne, thank you so much for your information that I’ve been reading. I purchased a five tier heavy duty plastic shelving unit to keep inside my house so I can start seeds. I read your information about the grow lights. And thank you for the links. Can I just have one 4 foot light per shelf for growing the plants? And I’m also going to purchase the grow lights which has a red and blue that you have to insert. So what do you do with the lights that you take out of the lamp and I’m assuming it’s easy to put the grow lights to replace them. Thank you again for information and I will continue reading. I did start a container garden on my deck. I have tomato plants, broccoli, bush string beans, and basil. Happy Fourth of July
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reading… You can use 1 light per shelf. But keep in mind your seedlings grow “toward the light” so if the shelves are wide, they will grow at angles or sideways to reach to the light. It can be done though, I would recommend you rotate the seedlings to help them to grow straight. For the bulbs, yes they are very easy to change out. You can either save the original lights or check with your local recycle place or land field to see how to dispose of them properly. I’m excited you have a container garden. They are perfect for small spaces!
Hi Dianne and thanks for the great article!! I am expanding to about 15 4-shelf systems in my basement where the winter temps are about 55F. So definitely need heating mats. Two questions for you: 1) how many lights per shelf? 2) would simple open ventilation work for my environment or should I enclose all the shelves in plastic, with ventilation? I worry about good air exchange with the plastic. Thanks!!
Franca
Sycamorefarmmd@gmail.com
Hi Franca,
Wow! 15 shelves my goodness to have that much space — this is wonderful!!! Both of these are really great questions too. I will attempt to answer them as best and honestly as I can since I have never had a 15-shelf space in the basement. This is more like a “green house” but lacks the sun and outdoor light so if this is your first year with this size, I want to urge you to KEEP a journal of good notes so you can refer back to what worked or doesn’t work. So here goes….
1) This is the easier one to answer. If your shelves are 4-feet long, this is perfect. You should use 4-foot lighting kept about 2-3 inches above the seedling trays. This prevents seedlings on the ends from growing “leggy” trying to reach toward the light if the light is not long enough. My shelves are a bit over 4-feet and all my seed trays are pushed to one side to be well “under the light.”
2) This is a tougher one, as I have not had this much in a basement. This number of shelves is more the size of a small greenhouse. And I’m not sure what you intend to grow indoors. I assume warm season vegetables since you are in MD and your temperatures are pretty cold out and your grow season is shorter. So, I can give you guidance for – what they need and then what I would do.
The mats are going to be great for warming the soil and for germination. But then once seeds sprout, the 55-degree room temperature is a problem for warm season crops. Many need a temperature of 65-70 degrees or higher to grow large enough and strong enough to be transplanted outdoors successfully. But this also means their starting environment should be these same temperatures. So, if I may, I will tell you what I would do if I had this size area:
Yes, you do need to use plastic to control the temperatures around the shelves, but I would not “wrap” the shelves themselves. I would figure out a way to enclose the space as a whole (as in a walk-in greenhouse) in the basement. Nothing fancy, as it is only temporary. But 4 walls and a cover to hold in heat as much heat as possible and then I would put a small heater inside the enclosed area.
You could use pvc, 1×2’s, repurpose shower rods, whatever you can come up, that is frugal, and will hold the plastic up to form walls and ceiling. You may even be able to staple the plastic to your ceiling joists and allow it to hang to the floor. I think staples would be easier This will not be air-tight so it will have adequate ventilation. And then of course, once they get large enough, use a fan to move air to help strengthen them. So they will be strong for transplanting.
So in summary. Your size is great I would love this much space! But the room temperature does need to be kept a steady warm 65 degrees. So however you can best design this space frugally, I would tell you to go for it! I admire your desire to grow food for your family and your question has inspired me. I would love to see pictures of your setup as well as know how it goes. I’m sure you’ll do great!!.
If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.
Happy Gardening,
Dianne
Love this! Way to be creative. I have a DIY set up and it was a fraction of the cost that some other setups are.
I certainly appreciate anyone who is a DIY’er and thanks for sharing what you did. However…the light fixture you chose is rated by the manufacturer for a maximum of 8 hours continuous use and is rated for only 32W bulbs and not the 54W bulbs you chose. I also had my eye on the fixtures and looked them up on the manufacturer’s website and got this info. Tried to get in touch with the manufacturer but their “Contact Us” page must have a glitch so I can’t share an approved model that would better suit 16 hours continuous operation. Please keep us posted, especially about the light fixture. Thanks Again
Thank you Ron for pointing this out. I will definitely look into the light fixture. This is why I love when readers respond – we all learn from each other. It’s wonderful.
Thanks again,
Dianne
This is on my to do list! Before we moved I gave away my old grow lights, now I need a new system!