Make Your Own Seed Starting Light

I love all the goodies in the gardening and seed catalogs, but most of the time, they’re just too expensive. It would be great to start seeds indoors, but I just don’t have a spare $89 for the “value” kit, let alone $189.95.

In typical Brown Thumb Mama fashion, I decided to build my own. After a bit of searching in the garage, I located some 3/4" PVC pipe and connectors, a PVC cutter, and an old fishtank light. The seed starting kit is on the right, full of tomato seedlings.

First, measure the light to make sure you cut the pipe in the right place. Try to get Jackjack's shadow out of the picture--to no avail--because he's "helping."

Cut a piece for the top and for both sides. The PVC cutter has a racheting gear so it cuts through easily.

After cutting, slide the corner pieces on. Don't glue! It will hold together just fine without it. Plus, the chemicals in PVC glue are nauseating.

Lay all the pieces out and fit them together. Allow Neighbor Kitty to inspect your handiwork.

 

  

Repo the pieces for the base from Jackjack. Slide them onto the uprights and cut smaller pieces to stabilize the base.

Put it together and make sure it stands up well. Neighbor Kitty and Jackjack will supervise.

Use a bit of old chain to attach the light to the top piece.

 

  

Slide the light onto the top piece and you are done.

 

Bring your creation inside, set a timer for 12 hours of light, and put those seedlings up on a box so they can soak up the rays!

This article was shared on Seasonal Celebration Wednesday, The Thrifty Home, and Wildcrafting Wednesday.