Growing lights advice?

[JKeys]

I live outside of Boston, and was looking at some growing lights for the winter - usually, there are not many sunny days. I have my plants stationed on a table that spans between a South and West window, and the plants in the middle of this table don't really get a ton of light - these are the ones I'd like to supplement with extra light. Advice would be great for:
-Type of bulb to use
-Good, cost-effective kits
-Usage tips
And any other general knowledge would be awesome!

Thanks.

[isurus79]

It depends on your budget and how many orchids you're supplementing with. LEDs are the best long term option, but cost more up front. High output T-5 bulbs cost less up front, but will need to be replaced every year and will use more energy. Both are your best options.

[Leafmite]

I just went through the entire process in late August of selecting lights, set up, etc. I went with T5 four bulb (6500K 54W), four foot Hydrofarm Envirogro lights that my husband bought off of Amazon. My orchids are growing very well and even budding/spiking under them. The ones that usually have rested in the dim light of Ohio's autumn and winters are putting out new growths. I am glad that I did it.
If your house is cooler, the T5's are nice as they add a little heat in the daytime. Good luck!

[Dcchase]

Hi, I started with 2 HydroFarm jump start kits, with one T5, 2' bulb in each. Really not enough light unless this is just a supplement. This year I increased the lights to 3 T5 2' bulbs on each stand. You can daisy chain up to 4 bulbs. I bought 4 bulb kits and 2 replacement bulbs. ( I didn't know you had to replace them every year) Each came with bulb, reflector and all the cords you would need to have it work alone or daisy chained to other bulbs as I did. I am really pleased with my set up now. I have 2 of these, each next to a west facing window. I researched quite a few systems. This seemed to be less expensive than most and the easiest for me to set up. You can also get this in 4' bulbs and Jump start kits. If I had the room that would have been ideal!
Hope this helps. I purchased from Kelly's Korner Orchids.

[desertanimal]

I also live outside of Boston and just built a custom fixture for 4 LED light bulbs I bought from Ray's orchids. It's just supplemental for the winter and they're still all at the window. I'm sure it will be better than nothing, which is what I had last winter. I went with LEDs for electricity savings and because I could customize a set of lights for my particular grow space.