How to Make a Fixture for Grow Lights

Making your own fixture for grow lights will enable you to grow plants inside year-around. Build a framework that allows you to hang a light at any height. Change out the fluorescent lights for LED or incandescent as you wish, since you can adjust the chain length. Start seeds indoors, or give your houseplants a boost during the darker winter months.

8 sections of PVC pipe, 3/4 inch, 48 inches long
4 sections PVC pipe, 36 inch, 3/4 inch
8 PVC tees, 3/4 inch
8 PVC elbows, 3/4 inch
1 fluorescent shop light, 48 inch
4 S-hooks
#12 chain, 6 feet
1 Cool white 40-watt fluorescent bulb, 48 inch
1 Warm white 40-watt fluorescent bulb, 48 inch
Rubber cement

Instructions

- 1
  To create a square frame with the base a little wider than the top for stability, make one that is 4 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and 4 feet high (or adjust the dimensions to fit your space). Assemble the base by laying out two 48-inch sections of PVC pipe parallel with each other. Slide an elbow on the outer edges. Slide a 6-inch-section of PVC into the other side of the elbows then the top of the PVC tee onto the other end of the 6-inch PVC. Repeat for the other four sides. Slide a 36-inch section into both of the tees to connect one side of the base with the other.
- 2
  Slide four 48-inch-sections of ¾-inch PVC into each of the tees facing upward. Slide an elbow onto each followed by a 6-inch section of PVC pipe, a tee and then the 36-inch sections of pipe to square off the top.
- 3
  Open each connection to apply a small amount of rubber cement to make a temporary hold for your framework, allowing you to take it apart later when it is not in use.
- 4
  Place two S-hooks at the top of the frame. Hook the chains on to the hooks. Slide an S-hook onto either side of the shop light and hook it to the chain. Adjust the height of the chain as needed.
- 5
  Plug in the light, turn it on and place your plants under the light fixture.

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