DIY Seed Starting Light

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I love all the goodies in the gardening and seed catalogs, but most of the time, they’re just too expensive. Seriously…$159 for a seed starting light? Who has that kind of money to throw around?

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

In my typical “make it, don’t buy it” fashion, I decided to build my own seed starting light. If you look at the contraption above, it consists of a simple support structure for the light and the grow light itself. This isn’t hard to make at all!

After a bit of searching in the garage, I located all the pieces I needed for an inexpensive, DIY seed starting light.

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

Seed Starting Light: Supply List

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

Fluorescent fishtank light (I’ve seen these at thrift stores and yard sales for $5 or less)

3 pieces of 3/4″ PVC pipe

2 L-connectors for 3/4″ PVC pipe

2 3-way connectors for 3/4″ PVC pipe

PVC cutter (I like this one)

Chain or zip ties for securing the light to the support

Seed starting tray (this is my favorite)

Seed Starting Light: Instructions

Cut the top piece that the light will hang from. It should be at least an inch wider than the light itself.

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com
Cut the “legs” of the support in equal lengths that are at least 18 inches long. Having longer legs will give your seedlings room to grow (you can always put the seed starting tray on a box to bring it closer to the light).

For support, cut 4 small “feet” that are 4-6 inches long. They will provide stability and keep your seed starting light from tipping over.

After cutting everything to the correct length, have your helper slide the L-connectors onto the tops of the “leg” pieces.

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

Don’t use PVC glue! The chemicals in it are nauseating, and you won’t be able to take your grow light apart for storage if it’s all glued together.

If you happen to leave for a moment, you’ll return to find Neighbor Kitty inspecting your handiwork.

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

He’ll rub on every single piece of PVC pipe so you know that they all belong to him. 🙂

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

Use a bit of chain (or zip ties) to attach the light to the top support piece.

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

Slip the “feet” into the sides of the 3-way connectors and then put the “legs” into the top pieces. Put the top support piece into the L-connectors and confirm that the structure is stable.

Hook the light over the top support piece and you’re done!

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

 

I set mine up in a sunny window and used a timer so my seedlings would get 12 hours of light each day. In a couple of months, I’ll move the tiny plants to our front yard garden.

DIY Seed Starting Light: BrownThumbMama.com

Hi, Im Pam!

I created Brown Thumb Mama to share my natural living journey, and help you live a greener life. Thanks for being here!

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16 thoughts on -DIY Seed Starting Light-

  1. Wow! I’ve heard of people doing this before, but thought it was to complex for me to do, but you made it look so easy.

  2. i thought that you had to have a “certain” type of light . VERY expensive from what ive seen. well, ive got a fish tank light ,and i had thought about it. guess im gonna give it a shot. thanks for the reassuring. hope it works for all:). thanks again. sue

  3. You can also use Metal Shelving, a shop light and chains (to raise and lower the light). Great use of what you already have. I am so jealous that its nice enough for you to be working outside right now. We are in the 20’s when the sun is shining bright…