When you’re setting up your new greenhouse, don’t forget to pay attention to the kind of light you’ll be using. Lighting is a critical factor in a plant’s development. Choosing the right kind of light will ensure that your plants grow quickly and remain healthy. If you need some help figuring out your best options in greenhouse lighting, here are some tips that will help you make the right choice.

1. The first thing you need to do is figure out the amount of light you will require. The factors you need to consider are the type of plants you’re going to raise, and the size of your greenhouse. Some plants such as flowers and fruit, as well as those that are taller, require more light than others. Outdoor greenhouses generally require 25 watts for each square foot. But an indoor greenhouse will need twice as much light or more.

2. The type of light you choose must be appropriate for the kind of plants you’re raising. The type of light waves produced has a significant effect on plant growth. High pressure sodium lights, for example, are the best if you’re growing flowers and fruit. These give off red light waves which are beneficial for encouraging growth hormones in plants. If you’re growing leafy plants, they’ll thrive under the blue spectrum, which metal halide lighting is best at providing.

3. Don’t let your lighting overheat your plants. Too much heat can kill them. Some lights release a lot of heat when they’re running. For instance, incandescent lighting gives off a lot of heat. They’re not a great option anyway, because the light they give off isn’t enough for most plants to thrive. Fluorescent grow lights, on the other hand, produce much less heat. Before you buy, take some time to figure out the amount of heat that each style of lighting will give off.

4. Choose lighting products that will give you the results you need without using a lot of energy to power them. The most energy efficient greenhouse lights you can buy are known as high intensity discharge. However, they also cost the most money to buy. Another option is LCD grow lamps, which are a popular choice due to their high energy efficiency. They also produce lower levels of heat.

Regardless of the type of greenhouse lighting you choose, it’s important that it not be left on all the time. Lighting should only be used where and when it is needed. Plants need darkness, too, in order to grow properly. Depending on the type of plants you’re growing, you should have the lights turned off in your garden greenhouse for anywhere from six to twelve hours daily.

If you’re a beginner when it comes to herb gardening, you might be worried about which types of herbs you should grow. There are many different herbs available, and some are more difficult to grow than others. However, there are a few varieties that are especially easy for beginners. These are generally more hardy plants that don’t require a lot of fertilizer or special work.

Parsley - A hardy, easy to grow herb is parsley. You can grow curly leaf and flat leaf parsley easily, and they grow wonderfully without you having to give them a whole lot of care. They do well in either light shade or full sun, and they prefer moist soil that is nice and rich. However, it’s important to note that parsley doesn’t do overly well in the heat.

Cilantro - Cilantro is used in many Spanish dishes and has a distinct flavor. This is an annual herb that grows well both in the shade and the sun. You’ll find that it is very easy to care for and it will grow pretty well in just about any type of climate.

Chives - Chives are herbs that will grow in just about any conditions and almost any type of soil. In fact, they barely need any tending to grow. They prefer to have full sun on them, and rich soils make them do better. Chives have a wonderful flavor that is a bit like onions, and are excellent as a topping for baked potatoes. You can use them in a variety of different ways either dried or fresh.

Oregano - This herb is extremely popular, and it goes well with many different types of foods. It is commonly used in tomato-based pasta dishes, chicken dishes, and pork dishes. Hardy in zones 5-9, oregano does well in raised beds, rock gardens, alongside roads or pathways, or just about anywhere! It needs full sun and well-drained soil, but it actually does better in poor, rocky soil.

Thyme - This is an herb that is perennial and easy to care for. It is very hardy and grows into a plant that is much like a shrub. It prefers a lot of sun and a warm climate to grow well, along with well drained but moist soil. If you are growing thyme in the house, you should make sure that you put the plant near the window so it gets the most sunlight.

Basil - This is another herb popular with Italian cooking and can easily be grown indoors. It does not take long for basil to grow and the leaves can even be eaten raw. It does well in many places, but for the best flavor, it needs to have conditions that are hot and dry. The soil should be very rich and a bit moist and it should be kept in full sun. Between waterings, the basil should have time to dry out.

Bay - While this is actually a shrub, bay is a great herb to start out with in your herb garden. It is a very hardy herb and does well in many zones. It needs soil that is rich and not overly wet. However, it does fairly well in most conditions. The best flavor from this herb comes when the leaves have been dried. So, you’ll want to dry the leaves before you decide to use them.

When you grow these herbs, try to pay attention to the climate they like. While they may be hardy and grow in a variety of places, they’ll do the best when you keep them in a climate suited to their needs. So, as long as you consider the zones they grow best in, usually you’ll find these herbs will grow well in your vegetable garden, and they’ll be easy for you to take care of as well.