DIY Network

Light Stand for Germinating Seeds Indoors From "Ask DIY Gardening" episode DADG-110

DIY's gardening expert Walter Reeves shows how to build a light-stand used for germinating seeds indoors.

Q: I'm starting some seeds indoors. How can I make sure they get the proper amount of light?

A: (from DIY's gardening expert Walter Reeves) A lot of people start plants indoors from seed so that, in the spring, they'll have seedlings to take outdoors for planting. A critical factor for starting seedls indoors is the amount of light they'll need as they germinate. Here's how to build a light-stand from PVC for suspending a grow-light for your germinating seeds. This light stand accommodates a 4-foot fluorescent light-fixture that holds two bulbs, and is perfect for germinating seeds on a tabletop.

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Figure A

Materials (figure A):

1/2-inch, schedule-40 PVC pipe
Connector fittings
Right-angle fittings
T-fittings
45-degree fittings
Metal S-hooks
PVC cement
4-foot fluorescent light fixture
Putting together the PVC pipe to make this light stand is something akin to putting together those tinker-toys you played with as a kid. You'll simply need to cut the pipe the proper lengths, and join them together using the appropriate fittings.

• We used 1/2-inch-diameter schedule-40 PVC pipe. This kind of pipe is available at home centers, and the schedule-40 designation is printed right on the pipe (figure B). For this project, avoid using CPVC pipe or schedule-20 PVC pipe. The schedule-40 is the right weight and strength for this particular piece.
  
  
• To join lengths of PVC together using the various fittings, you'll need to use PVC cement. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the cement inside the ends of the fittings (figure C) and to the outside surface of the pieces of pipe as you join the various components. You'll join the pieces together while the cement is still wet, twisting slightly as you insert the pipe inside the fitting. The cement hardens and joins the PVC elements together almost immediately.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure E
  	Figure F
  	Figure G

• Important: Before gluing together the structure, it's a good idea to do a complete dry-fit to ensure that you have all the parts you need, and that everything fits together properly. After the dry-fit is complete, take it apart and re-assemble, following the same sequence, using glue.

• Using the proper fittings, assemble each of the top section of each of the supports (figure D) using two 9-inch pieces of pipe, a T-fitting, 45-degree fittings and connectors.

• Using the appropriate fittings, connect the top section to two more 9-inch lengths of pipe, then join the front and back legs at the bottom using an 18-inch length of PVC. This completes the support structure (figure E) for one end of the light stand.

• Repeat the steps to build the second support structure for the other end.

• Once both ends are built, join them together with the long bottom-pieces and connectors as shown (figure F).

• Connect the top support (from which the light will be hung) between the T-connectors at the tops of the two end pieces. This completes the basic structure for the light stand. Take the elements apart and then follow the same assembly steps, this time joining the pieces with the PVC cement.

• Before completing the assembly, thread the two metal S-hooks onto the top connector. With the assembly complete, and the hooks in place, you can now suspend your four-foot fluorescent fixture using short pieces of chain (figure G). Make sure that the light is suspended evenly. You can move the light up or down to the needs of your plants by readjusting the chains on the hooks.
  

  Figure H

In addition to starting seedlings, a grow-light like this can be used year-round for growing African violets and other houseplants.

Growing Tip: For starting seedlings, you can use plain cool-white fluorescent bulbs. For flowering plants, use a combination of one cool-white and one warm-white fluorescent bulb. Foliage-only plants do fine with the bluish light wavelengths of the cool bulb, while flowering plants also need some of the reddish wavelengths of the warm-white bulb.

RESOURCES :
The Big Book of Kitchen Gardens: A Guide to Growing Vegetables and Herbs
Time-Life Books Inc.
Website: www.timelife.com

Gardening from Seed: The Keys to Success with Flowers and Vegetables
Model: 0609806653
Author: Thomas Christopher

Starting from Seeds: A Book about Plants
Model: 1404801073
Author: Susan Blackaby