How Does Photosynthesis Work?

November 12, 2018

If you're interested in gardening under lights indoors, it's good to have a basic understanding of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a reaction to a transfer of energy. Think of a plant’s leaves and green stems as light-energy collectors; nature's very own solar panels.

This philodendron leaf turns light into plant energy.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck

Light hits the surface of a leaf or a green stem, and specific cells convert the light energy into sugars. These sugars move around the plant, driving various biological functions. A major by-product of photosynthesis is oxygen; hence, we breathe. When using indoor grow lights, your goal should be to provide enough light to fuel successful photosynthesis.

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