Many compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) do not require a special ballast, so you can simply use them in your standard light fixtures such as ceiling, spotlights, or floor lamps.

Large CFLs, such as those in the 250-watt range, will require a special fixture and reflector that can accommodate the larger base on the bulb.

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When it comes to keeping houseplants, not every plant will thrive in the same type of container. Some plants, such as orchids, do best when their roots are exposed to the air.

Porous pots are a must for orchids. In general, most orchids prefer high humidity with a very well-drained and aerated potting mix. Many common orchids are epiphytes (air plants) that can’t survive in a wet, heavy potting mix. Look for pots with holes in them to allow orchid roots to reach the air.

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A common newbie mistake is to allow the seedlings or cuttings to remain in their original seed plug or cell for too long. Those tiny 2-inch pots and pods are not meant to sustain your plant indefinitely. Your plants will be most happy when they have room to stretch their roots.

Once the roots of your seedlings or cuttings have grown to the edges of their seed plug or pot and have sprouted three or more true leaves, it is time to bump them up to larger containers.

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You can use any sort of fixture for your fluorescent lamps -shop fixtures are just fine - but you need to make sure they will fit T5 or HO T5 lamp tubes.

Many home-improvement stores will carry a bevy of basic fluorescent lamps, and some may stock fluorescent grow lights. But don’t rush to the hardware store and grab just any fluorescent tube. You should distinguish between fluorescents used for ambient room lighting and those designed for plant growth.

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Small self-contained LED growing units aim to provide both ambient full-spectrum and blue or red spectrum light for plant growth. LED lamps produce only about a quarter of the heat that other high-intensity lamps emit because they can convert more watts into light.

Low heat output also means you can place LEDs close to your plants without the risk of scorching foliage or damaging young seedlings. LED units like this one can be used to grow small succulents, tropicals, or low-growing herbs.

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Plants that are fast rooters, such as angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia sp.), usually do just fine rooted directly into potting soil. They root before they rot.

While you can root your cuttings directly in potting soil, you can also use inert media (peat, coir, soil-less potting mixes). Bioactive soils may contain pathogens that can rot the stem of your cutting before it has a chance to produce roots.

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Miltonia is a low light orchid (200-300 PPF) that sports impressive blooms and a nice fragrance. So if you want to grow orchids indoors, but suffer from only moderate light levels, you can give Miltonia orchids a try.

Some orchids will benefit from high light conditions in summer (or winter if you’re south of the equator) and may fall into two categories, depending on the season. Therefore, you will sometimes see Miltonia listed as a medium light orchid (300-600 PPF).

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Basil is one of the easier herbs to grow, as long as temperatures are on the warm side. Plants should never be exposed to temperatures below 40 F. Basil needs bright light indoors, with direct full-sun exposure for 6 to 8 hours outdoors. Choose cool-spectrum HO T5, CFL, LED, MH/CMH grow lamps.

Basil does not require a lot of space and grows easily in containers. Some varieties are very compact, reaching only 8 inches tall, while others can get much larger. If you have limited space, choose dwarf cultivars.

New BOOK! Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers