Planting seeds

They'll sprout without light, but it doesn't hurt to have it on either. I usually just have it on.

 

mine sprouted without lights and they should but you need to worry about temps. if keeping a light on helps with temps then do it if you have a heating mat use it i live in Hawaii temps are fine here all year round to really worry about cold/frost

 

Light is not necessary until the plant breaks ground. Plants in nature sprout in the dark don't they?

 

I hear this argument quite often. But plants in nature also have daily sunlight. Not arguing just making a comment. I leave my planted seeds in my grow room but with an inverted fabric pot over the cups to block out most of the light. I learned to keep seeds in the dark when germing but always questioned the logic in my mind.

 

I agree that plants in nature have daily sunlight. However, the light itself serves no purpose to a plant if it's underground and hasn't sprouted yet. The only thing a light provides to an un-sprouted plant is warmth.

 

i usually turn my light(125w CFLblue spec) on as soon as the seed/ling breaks through the soil surface ...mac.

 

Room temperature is adequate for germination - I put mine in a drawer. Agreed that the seed is in the dark until it sprouts - so why waste light and electricity.