I have used side lighting on many runs found that can increase yields by 15/20% and also help to control plant height. presently using a 240watt QB LED with 2 – 12by12 full cycle led panels for side lighting. If one chooses to run side lighting consider 2 ways: running with your light cycle or run 6hrs per cycle (generally 9am to 3pm for veg) (flower- 10am to 2pm) sidelight increases later branching and bud sites when the plant is using energy for (excessive/strong)lateral branching this affect plants height (less energy going to the top) Now concerning bud size, SL can affect bud size (factor # of bud sites on branching) example “7 to 8 strong branches with 10 bud sites each (common) that’s 70-80 buds !!! good size buds not taking “popcorn” buds, FYI there is another type of lighting called vertical lighting were one places long florescent tubes place under the plant (lay on top of soil) this increased light increase lower branches. this might be pushing it too far! See where Infinity has side lighting also.
Side lighting to increase yields and control plant height?
by hawkman | Mar 13, 2023 | Growing | 2 comments
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I have certainly thought about this many times. I’ve just never wanted to give up the space on the sides. Never enough room for anything. Kind of like the bag your tent comes in.
I have these little 10 inch halos that are LED from some older commercial lights we had lying around , retro fit the to fit over a cola or down low , they do take up space and they do work however they also foxtail the lower buds a snap . 30 watt at 2700 k . 30 watts may seem like not much but when it’s only 2 inches from the bud it’s sufficient as only adding to them . So when I say halo I don’t mean the lighting brand , I mean I took the light apart and hang the actual diodes around the bud like a halo . I’ll have to snap a pic and post it . They are really good for seedlings more than a buds and work great on vegetables before they fruit