Can you use regular shop lights for seedlings?
Yes, according to several extension sources. Brightness and distance matter more than the word "grow" on the box.
What the sources say
- Iowa State says grow lights are often not necessary and that full-spectrum LED lights of at least about 3,000 lumens work.
- Mississippi State says shop lights are an economical option at roughly 2,000 to 3,000 lumens or more, and that they must hang close to the plants.
- Utah State says fluorescent shop lights work well and that expensive grow lights are not required.
- The University of Illinois says a simple fluorescent shop light works well. It suggests a mix of cool and warm tubes, or plant-specific lights if you want to spend more. It also says to replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, because incandescents give off too much heat for seedlings.
- Illinois notes that fluorescent tube output declines with use, and some gardeners replace tubes every year.
What to check on a shop light
- Lumens. The listing should state them. As an example of a published figure, Barrina lists its 4-foot, 20 watt T5 LED shop light at 2,200 lumens and 5000K. Two of those over a 24 x 48 inch shelf would be 4,400 lumens in total. Mississippi State's figure is roughly 2,000 to 3,000 lumens or more, so a published number like this lets you compare.
- Colour. Sources mention cool or full-spectrum light. A 5000K white is a common listing.
- Length. Match the fixture to the shelf, not just the tray. See the 4-foot shelf page.
- Hanging. You must be able to raise it as plants grow. See how far above seedlings to hang lights.
- Heat. Illinois says to avoid incandescent bulbs because they give off too much heat for seedlings.
When a dedicated grow light is worth considering
The extension pages above mainly cover seedlings. If you want to grow plants to maturity under lights, the University of Saskatchewan notes that fruiting plants such as tomatoes may want up to four fixtures over a 24 x 48 inch shelf instead of two. A dedicated fixture with a stated output may help there, and the listing's numbers are what to compare.
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension: What type of lights should I use to start seedlings indoors?
- Mississippi State University Extension: LED lights for starting seeds indoors
- Mississippi State University Extension column, "Shop lights are an economical way to sow seeds indoors" (reprinted in the Sequim Gazette)
- Utah State University Extension: Starting vegetable seeds indoors, seeding culture and transplanting (2025)
- University of Illinois Extension: Starting the garden, supplemental lighting for indoor seed starting (2020)
- Barrina: T5 20W LED shop lights 4FT 5000K 2200LM (AAL20), manufacturer page
- University of Saskatchewan: Indoor garden, Little Green Thumbs style
Related
- How far above seedlings should grow lights hang
- How many grow lights for a 4-foot wire shelf
- Seed starting shelf gear shortlist
- How Many Hours a Day to Run Seedling Lights
- Leggy Seedlings: Is It the Light?
- Cool White vs Red-Blue Grow Lights for Seedlings
- LED vs Fluorescent for Seed Starting
- Seed starting shelf light calculator
- Main guide to grow lights for a seed starting shelf