Q&A With the Pros:

BARBARA PLEASANT

Gardener, writer for Mother Earth News, and author of several books, including Homegrown Pantry.

QUESTION: What are the best grow lights to use for seed starting? — Marisa Rodriguez

Suitable supplemental lighting is better for starting seeds than the light coming through most windows. A setup of lights will allow you to grow a much wider range of vegetable cultivars, which will make your garden even more interesting. Until recently, most seed starters used inexpensive fluorescent T12 shop lights, with the height of the lights adjusted so the plants were very close to the bulbs — within ½ inch for full-sun plants, such