Hi, my name is Mavis and I am slightly addicted to grow lights. They make me do crazy things like plant sugar snap peas in recycled k-cups and totally expect them to grow in January.
With grow lights {and a mild case of cabin fever} anything seems possible.
Especially in January. 
I didn’t really have a plan for me peas when I planted them, but now that their sweet little tendrils are looking for something to latch onto, I think I’ll add a few sticks for my peas to climb upon and leave them under the grow lights as long as I possibly can before moving them to a sunny window.
Hopefully after that, I’ll be able to move the peas to our sheltered front porch to toughen them up. Who knows, maybe they’ll die a horrible death, but maybe, just maybe, my peas will survive and I’ll be able to harvest a handful in early April.
Wouldn’t that be nice. 🙂
This Little Light of Mine… I’m Gonna Let It Shine.
~Mavis
Cynthia L. Parido says
You start your seeds on your washer and dryer! I bet the little seedies like the dryer’s heat. I put up a grow light over my breakfast nook just this year, and I was wondering where other people start their seeds. (I have pictures, but can’t figure out how to include them in this post). It is more visible that starting them in the laundry room so maybe next year I’ll try there.
I am using eggs cartons that I got from Costco to start some of my seeds. They are plastic and have a domed top so there is room for the little guys to grow a bit.
My question is do you think I need to put drain holes in the egg cartons? I’ll be transplanting them into something else when they get big enough. If I do, do I need to protect my heated seed mat?
Any thoughts and suggestions would be helpful. Thank!
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, I would put drain holes in the bottom of your container. You can send your garden photos to dig for yourdinner@ gmail.com {spaces removed}. I’d love to see them.
Ashley says
Hi there! I am new to this and was wondering how many hours a day do you leave the grow lights on? All day?? Two years ago I made an attempt at my first garden. Sadly betwee weak plants and bugs/pests it was a MAJOR fail. I was defeated but I feel ready to give it another try!
Mavis Butterfield says
I leave mine on 12 hours a day. 🙂
Amy says
Add me to the crazy list too… I planted my peas outside in big whiskey barrels last week, just a month early. I’m taking a huge gamble with the warm weather we’ve been having, but that’s ok.
With the plastic egg cartons, just make sure not to over water them without drain holes.
Susan says
You are an inspiration. I too have started the little seed movement…
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!!!
Laura Z says
Aggh!! Now I want grow lights, too!!!
Ashley O says
I know!! I ordered one off Amazon yesterday LOL!!
Lisa Millar says
The seasons around the world are getting weirder and weirder – so anything is possible!!!
Grow little peas!!
Michelle says
I have most of my seeds started and going under the grow lights as well. I live in Phoenix…. still getting close to freezing some nights at my place but maybe in another month get some things out in the garden before summer takes its toll.
Sally De Serrano says
Mavis you can eat the first six inches of the pea seedlings as microgreens in salads, soups, sandwiches etc. They taste great and are easy to grow,- just place pea seeds very close together on seed starter[you can pre-soak the pea seeds for a hour or so if you like]cover lightly with the starter and keep warm until they start to sprout and then place under grow lights. Cut as needed when a few inches tall. They will regrow also for repeat harvests. Enjoy!