Sunlight Shortage? How to Supplement Light for Maine’s Cloudy Days

If you’ve tried growing cannabis at home in Maine, you already know the weather doesn’t always cooperate - especially when it comes to sunshine. Between long stretches of cloudy days, foggy coastal mornings, and short daylight hours in the fall, your plants might be missing the light they crave. But don’t worry - home growers in Maine can still produce dense, sticky buds with the help of supplemental lighting.

Here’s everything you need to know about making up for Maine’s lack of consistent sunshine.

Why Sunlight Matters So Much for Cannabis

Cannabis plants rely heavily on sunlight for photosynthesis. Without enough light, plants can become:

• Leggy and stretched (tall with few bud sites)
• Slow to grow
• Low-yielding with loose, airy buds
• More vulnerable to mold and pests

In short: not enough light = disappointing harvest. And in Maine, relying on natural light alone especially in shoulder seasons - is often not enough.

When Do Maine Growers Need to Supplement Light?

You don’t always need to go full-grow-light mode. Here are some situations where supplemental lighting makes a big difference:

• Spring starts indoors (March–May): Light levels are still low and days are short.
• Cloudy summer stretches (especially in coastal or inland fog zones).
• Outdoor autoflowers or early-blooming photoperiod strains that need consistent daylight hours.
• Indoor grows in garages, basements, sheds, or grow tents year-round.

Best Supplemental Light Options for Maine Home Growers

Let’s break down the most effective lighting options depending on your setup:

For Seedlings & Clones Indoors

Recommended Product:
Spider Farmer 3x3 LED Grow Light

• Great for small spaces and early-stage plants
• Full spectrum light
• Energy efficient with low heat output

Use it in: closets, windowsills, or on wire shelving units.

For Vegging & Flowering Indoors

Recommended Product:
AC Infinity IONBOARD LED

• Suitable for 2x4 grow tents or small rooms
• Excellent PAR output for veg and flower
• Dimmable and runs cool

Ideal for full indoor grows when sunlight is unreliable or nonexistent.

For Outdoor Boost (Greenhouse or Patio Grows)

Recommended Product:
Barrina T8 Grow Light Strips

• Affordable and easy to install
• Perfect for small greenhouses or lean-to setups
• Chainable with plug-and-play design

Set them up to extend daylight hours on cloudy days or during late-season flowering.

How Many Hours of Light Do Your Plants Need?

Here’s a quick breakdown based on plant stage:

Maine’s natural light often falls short of these benchmarks, especially in early spring and fall.

Tips for Using Grow Lights in Maine

• Use timers to simulate consistent daylight hours.
• Watch for heat in enclosed areas - many LEDs run cool, but enclosed sheds may still overheat.
• Reflective surfaces (like Mylar or white walls) help maximize light use.
• Combine sunlight + LED if you have a bright window, greenhouse, or sunroom.
• Start seedlings indoors under lights before transplanting in late May or early June.

Don’t Let the Gray Skies Win

Just because the sun doesn’t always shine in Maine doesn’t mean your grow has to suffer. With a few smart investments in supplemental lighting, you can give your plants exactly what they need - even during the gloomiest coastal mornings or darkest basement setups.

We’re HomeGrow Helpline, your go-to guide for growing cannabis at home. Whether you’re tending plants in a backyard, greenhouse, or closet, we bring local insight and real solutions. Call or text us at (937) 476-1669.