Grow light schedules for kitchen herbs
Simple on/off timing for countertop kits and clip lights — including studio sleep schedules.
What we’d put on the counter
Plants need a dark stretch. Your neighbors (and your circadian rhythm) need the LED off at night. Set the schedule before you plant.
Default schedule
- On: 14–16 hours
- Off: 8–10 hours
- Start time: Match your morning — e.g. lights on at 7am, off at 11pm, or compress for studios
Studio tip
If the unit has a dumb timer that starts whenever you plug it in, plug it in at the start of your day so darkness lands while you sleep. App-based kits are easier: set exact hours once.
Wattage anxiety
For a 3–6 pod kitchen kit, the included LED is usually enough. Clip-on lamps help soil pots on dim sills more than they help an already-lit AeroGarden-style unit.
Key takeaway Match the dark hours to your sleep. The exact wattage of a small kitchen kit matters less than consistency.
