Fluorescent grow lights have long been popular for mothering and other phases of indoor growing. These effective lights are inexpensive to buy and use little power. T5s, which are tubes, are typically 4 feet long and fit any 4- or 8-bulb T5 fixture.

In fluorescent tubes, the “T” denotes how many eighths in the diameter of the tube. That means the diameter of a T5 is ⅝ inch. Typically, the smaller the diameter, the higher the efficiency. Shop for more flourescents here, also available as T12 and compact bulbs. Fluorescents are good for starting or expanding a grow space.

The length of tubes and fixtures that are 4, 6 or 8 tubes wide provide excellent coverage. Fluorescents are good for propagation and vegging because their spectrum replicates daylight. Newer high-output fluorescents are also good for flowering and fruiting because of more red output. Bulbs change out easily.

Replace fluorescents annually. It’s a good idea to keep some spares, and the bulb cost is low, with even specialty HOs priced less than $7 apiece. Packs of six or eight lower the per-bulb price even more.