DIY Grow Light for Starting Seeds
Every spring I mean to start some seeds indoors for my garden, but each spring comes and goes and I never seem to be able to find enough time to get around to it. This year, however, I decided was the time to finally make it happen.
I got some flats and soil for seed starting and picked out some fun packets of seeds to try but then I was stumped when it came to finding a grow light. I didn't see anything that I liked that was in the price range I was willing to pay so I ended up making the grow light myself. 
The concept I came up with is just a simple frame that holds up a fluorescent work light. I made the plans using 2x4s, but I actually ended up using some scrap wood that I had in my garage that wasn't quite as thick but was free. This is a pretty good project for using scraps and I actually only had to buy the light fixture, bulbs and wooden button plugs for a total cost of about $15.
With the 48" light I can easily fit two flats under the grow lamp. By using button caps to hide my screw holes, I can easily disassemble the frame to store it after spring. The chains on the work light hang from J hooks so I can adjust the height of the light as my seedlings grow. Making the grow light took me less than an hour, not including time for paint drying and I am happy with how it turned out. Hopefully my seeds like it, too!
Supply List:
1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x6 @ scrap at least 2 feet long
1 - 48" fluorescent work light
2 - Daylight fluorescent bulbs
4 - 3/8" wooden button plugs
2" screws
Cut List:
1 - 2x4 @ 53" for top
2 - 2x4 @ 20" for side supports
2 - 1x6 @ 12" for base feet
Frame Assembly:
To start the frame I used a countersink bit to drill two holes on the top of each end of the top piece. I then used 2" screws to attach the top to the side supports.
Base Assembly:
On each base foot I marked out where to drill on one side and where the side support would be positioned on the other side. I used a countersink bit to then drill two holes in each base foot and started the 2" screws in the holes. I then lined up my markings with the side supports and attached the base feet by driving in the screws the rest of the way.
Finishing:
To finish the stand I primed it and then used three light coats of white spray paint. I did not fill in my screw holes at the top of the frame since I wanted to be able to take off the top piece for easy storage. Instead, to hide the holes I spray painted some wooden button plugs and pushed them into the holes. I can then remove the plugs when I need to access the screws for disassembly.
Lamp Assembly:
I drilled two small pilot holes in the bottom of the top piece of the frame for the J hooks at the distance indicated in the work lamp assembly instructions. It was 45" apart for the lamp I used, but if you are doing this check your instructions as they could vary. I started twisting in the J hooks into the holes by hand and then finished tightening them using a wrench.
Once the J hooks were attached I put the bulbs into the light fixture and slipped the chain hooks into the holes at the top of fixture. I finished hanging the light by slipping the chain onto the J hooks.
Once my grow light was done I was pretty eager to plant some seeds. I chose two different types of sunflowers, one that grows really tall and one that is a deep red color. I also planted zinnias in a variety of warm colors and a selection of lettuces. I can't wait for everything to sprout!
Have you started any seeds this year or in the past? Has it worked well for you? What did you plant?
Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 7:24AM | Posted by Lisa | 13 Comments | Share Article | Email Article | Print Article 
Reader Comments (13)
What great timing for you to post this. We were just considering starting some seedlings of our own, and this is a great way to do it. Thanks for sharing!
Sandy- Thank you! I'm glad that you like it and it may be useful to you. Have fun with your seeds!
I LOVE this! I too have been scouring the web for a decent-priced grow light that I like and haven't found anything. Hopefully I can get this made in between soccer games this weekend :)
Jami Lynn- Thank you so much! It is really easy to knock out quickly so I am sure you can get it done. :)
Lisa - thanks for the best and clearest set of instructions/photos I have ever seen. Just built one frame and working on second (to cover four planter boxes). Thanks, Frank
Frank- I'm glad it was helpful! I've been using the set up for a few years now and I still really like it.
So glad you took the time to share this great instructional ... many thanks and a Happy Spring!
Thank you! I am glad you found it useful. Happy Spring back to you!
So happy I found this instruction. Super easy to make with some scraps I found in the garage. A quick note is that it appears to be difficult now to find the right grow light and fixture at local or major hardware stores (I'm in NH). They have the "plant/aquarium bulbs" or blue light bulbs but no fixture that fits them. You have to order the fixture online. At home Depot I did find a grow light that I can hook up to my stand. It wasn't as cheap as I wanted but it is a solution! Thanks again!
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