A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 Starting with indoor plants

I've decided to try my hand at growing some plants indoors that normally aren't, so I've built a light stand to support some florescents. (pics below). There is a great deal of stray light that is leaving my little enclosure and I'm trying to figure out a way to corral it in. I'd like to be able to sew a cover-type-thing that can be slipped over the whole thing and will keep the light "in play." I'm looking for a thick non-translucent white plastic type of material. Does anyone have any idea where I could find such a material or have any other suggestions for my dilemma? Thanks!

I have seen fabric stores carry the heavy plastic to furniture cover.

Hardware stores carry plastic for painting but those were not real thick.

You could get plexiglass and have it cut to fit the side attach the plexi with aquarium sealer or cheaper you can use "GE Silicone Caulking and use plastic for the front.


That is all I can think of for now.

To maximize ambient light for your plants, mirrored surfaces are your best option. Next best are white surfaces. You could use any substance (wood, for example) that you coulk then paint glossy white.

Mirrors... What a great idea for maximizing low winter light levels! Thanks, Will!

Even tin foil works great too!!!!

We have another gardener here,
that gardens exclusively indoors,
with all sorts of plants....

Maybe he'll pop thru and also
give you some pointers......

Hey, Welcome to The Garden Helper's Forum
by the way, we're very glad you found us!!!

What you want, is something like this: Black & White Poly
It's the best stuff their is. I can buy it by the foot at a store near me, so if you can't find any in your area, let me know, and I can get you some. Tinfoil conducts electricity, therefore, I wouldn't recomend it, as you're gonna have hydro, and water near there. Mirrors require frequent cleaning, and also attracks dust. This poly is, in my opinion, the best thing on the market. It's thinck, and easy to work with, it's also very easy to clean. It costs only about $1.50/foot (CDN $$). One foot wide opens up to about 6 feet tall!
Let me know if you need any further help, as this is my SPECIALTY!!
Check out my indoor garden (this was about 6 months ago) My indoor Garden

Uhhhhhhhh, never thought about there
being electricity and water... :rolleyes:

Tinfoil works great for just regular
house plants...

Guess that's why I'm into OUT DOOR plants more!!!

Hey, that is a good looking set up though..
I will be showing it to my husband and mother,
she wants something like that to start seeds in
in the spring time...