How to Grow Tomatoes And Peppers Under Indoor Lamps
How to Grow Tomatoes And Peppers Under Indoor Lamps
What are other reasons people are doing it?
People are becoming more independant with respect to their food supply. The logistics of not having to travel out to their local supermarket gives enough incentive to set up their own "green room". Other reasons are probably that even though they or even the whole family is seasonably involved in growing their own backyard garden they want to extend it year round. Some people and families find it very gratifying knowing that some vegetables can be grown indoors without a great investment on their part. Once a killing frost devastated their outdoor garden wherever they may live geographycally their new indoor garden can begin or even go on year round.
What does it take to get started?
You first have to pick an area that is available to accomodate a small [or large]table. The table I used measured about 2x3 feet. You can buy a "growlamp" assembly for a descent price or buil your own. You can also visit an article I wrote on AC that has step by step instructions on how to construct your very own that cost me less than $30 at:
I used small 3-inch pots to get them started. I filled each pot with commercial potting soil because any outdoor soil will undoubtedly contain larvae of a host of different insects that would surely have a negative impact on your starter plants. The soil could be baked in the oven at 250 degrees for a half an hour but it is not advisable since steril potting soil costs so little. I usually plant five to seven seeds of both tomatoes and peppers in each pot. I place them about a foot or even less beneath the lamps. They should sprout in a few days. Over watering is not wise. I pick the pots up and if they are very light I water. When the plants reach several inches I use organic fertilizer. I recomend fish emulsion and blood meal but there are others on the market. As the plants reach over a foot they should begin sending out blooms. I use a computer fan which is enough to produce the fruit. I use 4oz. 4th of July Hybrid early tomatoes and Rainbow Bell peppers. I try to be patient.