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Indoor Seed Starting Set Up (DIY Grow Light Table)

Growing seeds indoors doesn't require a lot of money or fancy equipment, but premade grow table kits can be quite expensive. I've saved over $500 by creating a DIY version that works just as well for a fraction of the cost. 

Top: Lee Valley Grow Table
Bottom: My DIY Version

My first few seasons of starting seed indoors I used my Grandfather's "Professional" Light Table - it was a gift from his children one year and cost well over $1,000 at the time. It had three tiers of shelving with adjustable fluorescent tube fixtures that got quite warm. The plastic shelves were removable for easier cleaning. It worked really well and the plants benefitted from the adjustable lights.

My Grandpa's Grow Table - 3 Tiers, 4 Ft Long, Approx $1000 value. 


When I decided to expand, I looked at purchasing a similar light table - the cheapest option for a similar size (4 feet long, three tiers) was well over $700. I figured I could DIY for cheaper, leading me to buy a metal 5-tier shelving unit from IKEA for $~90 and purchased four of the top of the line plant lights - 48'' Sunblaster LEDs. 

My first DIY Grow Table Set up


One four foot Sunblaster LED fixture cost $132, but it was an expense I thought I needed to spend. The more expensive equipment has to be better, right? In the end I paid just over $600 for a four tier light table - the only downside being the shelves and lights were not adjustable (I used Styrofoam under the trays to adjust their height). The only issue was once my plants reached a certain height they no longer fit and would touch the lights, burning the leaves. 

Sunblaster LEDs work really well, I ran them 10-16 hours a day.


That set up worked well for the most part and the plants were happy, but the set up got dirty easily and I saw room for improvement. After many hours of research, I settled on stainless steel industrial shelving units - with fully adjustable shelving. I had originally intended purchasing the units from a restaurant supply store but ended up getting them from Costco even cheaper. In 2020 I paid $114 per 6-tier unit with casters. 

Costco 6-Tier Industrial Shelving - $114

While researching grow lights I came across a discussion online that alleged "grow lights" are not required and it's more of a marketing gimmick... I didn't believe it at first but when Princess Auto had 4ft long LED shop lights for $22 each  I decided to give them a try. To my surprise they actually worked just as well as the Sunblasters for a fraction of the cost. I quickly purchased several more and was lucky enough to grab eight of them on clearance for $19.00 each. 

My first DIY attempt on the Left, 2021 Edit on the Right

So for a 6 tier metal shelving unit with adjustable shelves,  5 of those shelves having 4ft LED fixtures I paid approximately $190. The closest equivalent "Professional" product is a 4ft long 3 tier light table for $750. 

Light Table from Lee Valley, Listed at $749.99

I definitely suggest DIY-ing your own grow table and skipping the premade kits. Mine has been just as productive for a fraction of the cost. 

My 2021 Edit - $22 LED shop lights did just as well as the Sunblasters



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