High intensity discharge, or HID lighting, was developed in the 1960s as a brighter, more efficient means of light. Outlasting and outshining the regular incandescent lights, the unique qualities of HID lighting has made it highly valuable for many uses, most commonly for gardening. HID lighting provides your garden with a light source most closely replicating the light produced in the outdoors.

The Variety of HID Lighting Sources

HID lights traditionally come in three types: Metal halide, high pressure sodium, and fluorescent light bulbs. Metal halide covers a large part of the natural ultraviolet spectrum, and is a great choice for indoor gardening. Indoor gardens benefit greatly from metal halide, because of the rate that photosynthesis occurs. Plants are at their healthiest when photosynthesis is at its best.

High pressure sodium lights use a discharge of chemical additives in a pressurized tube to create large amounts of light. They are cost-efficient because they give off high amounts of light with low energy output. Plants that produce flowers and fruits benefit highly from high pressure sodium.

Fluorescent lamps were once the most popular form of grow light, before the invention of high pressure sodium or metal halide lights. Although not as effective as the other forms of HID lighting, fluorescent lamps are great for developing plant starts and seedlings. Compact fluorescent lamps are ideal for small growing spaces, and are more energy efficient than regular fluorescents. Look at what best fits your needs, and visit your local or online lighting shop to purchase lights or request help.