Although it wasn't cheap, it wasn't as costly as building and heating a greenhouse, and over time I believe the light will pay for itself. I've overwintered plants in sunny windows before, but last year there were just too many for that, and I was concerned for our hardwood floors with all the watering I'd have to do.
With my new toy, I've also got a great spot for starting seeds. I'm having fun with that too. This spring I've started columbine, candytuft, purple coneflowers, johnny jump-ups, and cilantro. Next year I'll start some impatiens instead of buying flats. I was never a big fan of impatiens until living here. With all this shade, they add some needed color. I couldn't find the colors I wanted in seeds this year, and it was too late to mail order them by the time I decided I wanted to start seedlings.
A few weeks ago I took some small divisions from a few things, particularly heucheras, , put them in pots, and put them under the light to give them a jump start on spring. By the time I'm ready to plant them outside, they should have enough roots to keep them anchored in the ground so the evil yard monkeys can't dig them up and carry them away (I hope!) I also started my caladiums to give them a head start on summer. It will still be several weeks before they go outside.
I have a few tropicals down there besides the caladiums - 2 kinds of elephant ears, two variegated angel's trumpets (one is a cutting from the first,) a gardenia, a datura, and a hibiscus. There are a couple of variegated abutilons (orange flowers,) fuschias, begonias, and a number of things I started from cuttings.
I love going down there to putter: water, preen, start cuttings, prune, fertilize, and even deadhead a little. Having my new grow light has enabled me to satisfy my gardening jones even while I'VE been overwintering. I'm now looking forward to getting everything outside in the next next few weeks.
