Lighting device, assembly and method for growing horticulture indoors
A lighting device and assembly which incorporating an independently powered array of at least two types of LED lights that each give off specific wavelengths of light for growing plants. The assembly includes at least two of the lighting devices in conjunction with at least one high intensity bulb commonly used for indoor horticulture, where the assembly is adjustable for dimensional changes in the subject plants as they grow. A timing method for applying specific durations of each type of light which effectively simulate sunrise, daylight and sunset by allowing the plant to awaken naturally, absorb more light during the day and prepare for sleep at night, giving the plant more rest—all leading to more healthy plant growth.
1. A method for growing plants indoors comprising the following steps:
place at least one plant in a dark room;
apply power to at least one sunrise light with a wavelength between 630 nm and 690 nm directed toward the plant for 8 to 20 minutes;
apply power to at least one high intensity light directed toward the plant for 1 to 30 minutes;
remove power to all sunrise lights;
continue power on at least one high intensity light directed toward the plant for 12 hours;
apply power to at least one sunset light with a wavelength between 700 nm and 760 nm directed toward the plant for 1 to 30 minutes;
remove power to all high intensity lights;
continue power to at least one sunset light for 8 to 20 minutes; and
remove power to all sunset lights.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sunrise light requires between 1 and 3 watts.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the sunset light requires between 1 and 3 watts.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the high intensity light requires between 500 and 1500 watts.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the duration of time for each step is controlled manually by a user applying and removing power to each light source.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the duration of time for each step is controlled by a computer system.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the computer system comprises:
at least one computer which communicates timing signals to at least one microcontroller;
at least one microcontroller which timely distributes power to at least one high intensity light and at least one grow light based upon the timing signals it receives from the computer.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the computer communicates wirelessly to the microcontroller by means of at least one wireless host module, at least one wireless repeater and at least one wireless slave module.