Firstly, I shall introduce myself. I am jotpunkie (as I bet most of us are), and I just last week germinated my first tomato seeds. Four went in, 3 germinated, and 2 are alive and growing (in a single pot) today. They are currently planted in some store-bought potting soil and lit by two fluorescent lights.
1 x 12w Ring Lamp
1 x 20w Cool White 12" Over-head (once provided lighting for my closet-space)
1 x Fan blowing at lowest speed (just added!)

It began only as an experiment and I am currently undecided about what I shall do with them. I have a couple of options:
  • Wait till plant matures enough, then transfer outdoors.
  • Buy some lights!


The former is pretty uninteresting, so assuming I were to do the latter:
How little could I be looking to spend in order to get decent results, without raising any flags to my parents (with whom I still reside) about my project?

Could someone point me in the direction of a light or place to look for lights and certain lights for which I should be looking? I have a budget of about $250, which I know can get me one great light. But will it be loud, or power-consuming? Should I go with a DIY LED setup? I need some guidance, as these aren't the only constraints: I leave for college in about a month and needless to say I will not be transferring my potted plant to my dorm; it, along with any lighting, will probably instead be transferred to a friend's house.

Let me repeat, this is simply an experiment as plants and biology et al. interests me. Thanks!
jotpunkie Reviewed by jotpunkie on . Closet Tomato Plant Firstly, I shall introduce myself. I am jotpunkie (as I bet most of us are), and I just last week germinated my first tomato seeds. Four went in, 3 germinated, and 2 are alive and growing (in a single pot) today. They are currently planted in some store-bought potting soil and lit by two fluorescent lights. 1 x 12w Ring Lamp 1 x 20w Cool White 12" Over-head (once provided lighting for my closet-space) 1 x Fan blowing at lowest speed (just added!) It began only as an experiment and I am Rating: 5