It has been six days sense my friend began his garden. He has had the lights currently at 24/0 for those six days. Myself, and him were both informed that "back in the day" as it where, people would make the lights as close to a real life environment as possible, so they would keep the lighting at 14/10 or so, and would change with the seasons (starting with beginning of spring till fall) everyday. The 10 hours was created for the plant to "sleep" so it has time to regain energy from the previous 14 hours of growing. I have to say, the plants do look good right now, for 6 days and only 40 watts of light at 24/0, but if the plants will indeed grow faster with the period of darkness during veg, we would, of course, do what the "wise old man" had to say. Any input?
I tried both 24/0 and 18/6 and I had much better results on the 18/6. It seems to me that the rest helped the plants grow out more than when on the 24/7. I think its just a matter of personal opinion!
The two most common light cycles for veg are 24/0 and 18/6. Changing it a little every day will drive you crazy for no measurable gain, IMO. Between the two main cycles there are proponents of each. Most prefer 18/6. I have tried both, and while it wasn't a real scientific test I did not notice any difference in the amount of growth or health of the plants, so I've stayed with 18/6 because it cuts the electric bill 25%. Some believe the plant needs to rest and thus another reason for the 6 of dark.
Thank you for the helpful information, it was much needed. Do people still change their time patterns? For example, if a plant were to be outside throughout the changes in season, there will also be a change in when the sun rises and sets. So, do people still "build up" the amount of light to act as much as an outdoor climate as possible? So after weeks of veg, you finally hit 20/4 (or more), going through spring and summer then reaching fall to flower your plants?
Small descrepincies like that do not seem to matter in the long run. 18/6 Seems to work best for me. 12/12 on flowering
I would try the 18/6 for w while and see if you gain progress faster, if its the same at least you are saving electricity
It may either have been simple luck, or fact, but, when I did turn off my lights last night for 8 hours, 4 new leafs have already began growing (quite fast too!). I'll be doing some more tests for sure.