Garden centre unveils grow lights range for indoor gardens

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has unveiled its brand new, own brand grow lights range and is bringing the sunshine indoors, giving gardeners the ability to grow and support a wide selection of plants, houseplants and produce from the comfort of their homes.

Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer, Claire Bishop, notes that while a lot of plants can be grown successfully on a bright windowsill, there are some varieties that require more intense light levels than we get in the UK, especially during darker months and in northern parts of the country. Grow lights can also aid gardeners in developing stronger young plants ahead of planting outside in spring, and will allow seeds to be sown year-round instead of exclusively in sunnier seasons.

Priced from just £16.99, the new range is set to be a staple for indoor gardens in 2024 and beyond.

Here are Claire’s top tips for getting the most out of your grow lights and how you can use them to illuminate your indoor oasis.

Tropical touch

Orchid, £12.99; Dobbies Halo Grow Light, £16.99

Grow lights play an important part in houseplant health and Claire suggests using them to give your tropical plants a boost. She says: “Houseplants like Orchids and Ferns that hail from tropical climates will thrive under grow lights as the extra light will help nourish them during darker months. Dobbies’ specialised Orchid grow light (pictured above) has a halo-shaped bulb that sits under the plant’s flowers, which encourages better flowering through targeted light at the leaves and root.

“For best results, turn on your grow light for 8-10 hours a day to mimic natural sunlight. If your Orchid isn’t receiving any natural sunlight at all, it might need a few more hours.”

Grow lights

Dobbies Self Watering Grow Light, £32.99

Dobbies’ new range of grow lights has been designed to enhance gardeners’ ability to grow fresh produce indoors; something that Claire notes will benefit those looking to enjoy homegrown fruit and vegetables year-round. Claire says: “A lot of summer harvest fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes can be sown now under grow lights to start their cropping earlier in the season. If you have a garden, grow lights will help strengthen young plants before planting outdoors, however, they can also be used throughout your crop’s lifespan, making it possible to grow different produce and herbs inside.

“Developing stronger, more advanced young plants to plant on outside after the frosts have finished will increase the amount of your harvest over the season. LED are the best choice for grow your own as not only are they inexpensive but they’re energy-efficient and long-lasting compared to other bulbs, plus have lower operating temperatures, making them ideal for placing close to young plants. Self-watering grow lights will also help you continue growing even if you’re not home.”

Illuminate and decorate

L: Dobbies Bamboo Grow Light, £24.99

R: Dobbies Table Top Grow Light, £49.99

Great for brightening up dark corners of your home, grow lights can brighten up your interiors as well as your plants. Claire says: “Décor enthusiasts will be pleased by the sleek design of the new grow lights as they demonstrate how indoor gardens can quite literally brighten up our homes. Contemporary styles like the bamboo and tabletop grow lights will instantly enhance any shady shelf as well as helping your plants flourish.

“Whatever grow light you use, make sure to research the light intensity requirements of your chosen plants. Check them regularly to see if they’re getting the right amount of light – as a general rule of thumb, a healthy green leaf colour usually means your plants are receiving enough light.”

Claire’s top tips

• Some of the grow-light range include timers to ensure your plants receive the right amount of light. A plug-in timer can be used if required.

• For seedlings, make sure your grow light is on for 16 hours per day.

• If leaves are becoming pale then there may be too much light. Correct this by reducing the number of hours the lights are on.

To explore Dobbies’ new grow lights, available in stores from March 2024, visit www.dobbies.com.