Do you need a grow light once the clocks go back?
Usually, yes, unless you have a very sunny window. University of Minnesota Extension says low light isn't enough to start seeds and medium light needs artificial light (UMN Extension). University of Maryland Extension says a window is seldom enough for seedlings, and suggests 14 to 16 hours a day, 1 to 2 inches under a light (UMD Extension).
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, clocks in most of the US go back an hour. Hawaii and most of Arizona don't change (Old Farmer's Almanac). The days were already getting shorter. A windowsill that grew basil in June gets far less light in December, and the earlier dark makes it obvious.
How much light do food plants need?
University of Minnesota Extension sorts indoor light into three levels: low (50 to 250 foot-candles), medium (250 to 1,000) and high (more than 1,000). It says low light isn't enough to start seeds indoors, and you'd need artificial light to start seeds in medium light. Even in high light, tomatoes and peppers may get leggy without extra light. It lists culinary herbs such as basil and thyme with the high-light plants (UMN Extension).
For seedlings, University of Maryland Extension says natural light from a window is seldom enough. It suggests keeping plants 1 to 2 inches below a fluorescent fixture for 14 to 16 hours a day (UMD Extension).
So do you need one?
- Your spot gets little or no daylight: yes, or choose a garden with a light built in.
- Some window light: herbs and greens will likely need help through the winter. Tomatoes and peppers need much more.
- A sunny window, 6+ hours: herbs and greens may get by. Seedlings still need a light, per UMD.
Keep the light close
UMD's 1 to 2 inches is much closer than most people hang a lamp. So by UMD's numbers, plants under a cabinet strip light need to sit close to it. Check each light's maker page for how close it can go.
What to compare
Watts, how it mounts, and the light color you'll see in the room. Compare them on our grow lights page. An outlet timer from care and tools keeps the hours steady.