Quick guide to using the Vilby timer

Vilby has six options for timing the light dark cycle and light cycle. The first number in the numbers below means the time the light is on per day, and the second number describes the number of hours the light is off. For example, 24-0 means that the light is on all the time. 12-12 means that the light is on twelve hours a day and off for the same amount of time. So how do you choose the right time? Every plant is different and so are the needs of the grower, but I'll write a generalization below to get you started if you're completely new to the topic.

Let's start with germination. If the Vilbyn lamp is on, the temperature inside the Vilbyn is often slightly higher than the room temperature. It is therefore well suited for germinating seeds, because many seeds germinate slightly faster in warmer conditions. During the germination phase, I have used a 24-0 photoperiod, where the light is on all the time. This way, the small beginning of the plant immediately receives light and does not grow an extra stem. It is important to keep the soil moist at all times and there is no need to keep the lamp on full power. Many small seedlings are particularly sensitive and drying out the soil can be fatal.

Next comes the growth phase. During the growth phase, plants often grow new leaves, stems, and roots. At this stage, 24-0 or 18-6 is often a good choice for a photoperiod. The advantage of an 18-6 photoperiod is that it allows the plant and the growing space to cool down a bit, which can be important for the plant's well-being, especially on a hot summer day. An 18-6 photoperiod also saves some energy.

If your plant produces fruit, berries or flowers, you can even help them develop by choosing a photoperiod with more darkness. Some plants understand the increasing amount of darkness as autumn approaches and start producing fruit, berries or flowers. Certain plants even require a certain amount of darkness to start the process. Photoperiods that have been found to work at this stage are 12-12 and 10-14.

As the crop matures, you can increase the amount of darkness with a photoperiod of 8-16 if you wish. However, decreasing light may in some cases reduce the amount of harvest.

The last photoperiod is 0-24. In this period, the lamp is off all the time. This photoperiod is good if you dry your crop in Vilby. Of course, you can dry any plants, herbs or mushrooms in Vilby. The fan in Vilby is always on so the light air flow dries the crop gently.

So, the timer can be used, for example, as follows:

Germination: 24-0 and 18-6.

Growth phase: 24-0 and 18-6.

Harvest maturity stage: 12-12 and 10-14.

Drying the crop: 0-24.

18-6 photoperiod. The light is on for eight hours and off for six hours. The green light indicates that the second hour of the dark phase is underway in Vilby in the picture.