The trick is you have to keep the tubes really close (1 to 2 inches) from the plant. So make sure you have an easy way to raise and lower the tubes! I use a combo of tubes and CFLs, but I started with just the tubes- I got just under 2 ounces per plant (vegged forever, so they were pretty big! ). My harvests are usually a bit smaller than that per plant, but I'm a legit California medical user and produce enough for the hubby and me -which is all I need to do.

Maturity time may be a tad slower- a week maybe, but the plants do fine. I found that the cheapie tubes work fine for vegging, but for flowering, try a "GE Kitchen and Bath"- it has a much warmer color. As for how many lights- more is better.

In my flowering closet, I have CFLs mounted between the tubs of plants to give those lower buds a bit more light. I also have tubes mounted on the wall to back-light the plants. As long as the leaves don't actually touch the lights, it's OK.

Look into SCROG or LST as ways to maximize your harvest. Both work well with fluorescent lights. I use weights and bamboo skewers with twist ties to train my plants to grow a flat canopy of buds. My plants are kept small, but are very well budded. Never any pics, sorry. Family says "no" to me posting pics- until legalization and that's not too much longer now!

So get that old shop light out and get growing!


Granny :hippy: