How to Control LED Grow Lights Without a Built-in Timer

Indoor gardening has never been more popular. With products like the amoyls VerdantGlow S-Shaped 8-Tier Plant Shelf with Grow Lights, you can grow herbs, vegetables, or decorative greenery right in your living space. But one of the most common challenges gardeners face is managing light schedules—especially if their grow lights don’t come with built-in timers.

Should you leave the lights on all day? How many hours of light do your plants actually need? And what’s the easiest way to create a consistent lighting routine without constantly switching your grow lights on and off by hand?

This article will walk you through practical solutions for controlling LED grow lights without timers, including external devices, low-tech hacks, and advanced smart systems.

Why Light Schedules Matter for Indoor Plants

Plants are sensitive to cycles of light and darkness. Just like humans need regular sleep, plants need periods of rest in darkness. Consistent light schedules affect:

• Photosynthesis – Adequate light ensures healthy energy production.
• Growth patterns – Proper cycles encourage steady growth instead of stress.
• Flowering and fruiting – Many plants rely on day length signals to bloom or fruit.
• Energy efficiency – Without scheduling, lights may stay on too long, wasting electricity.

For most houseplants and herbs, 12–16 hours of light per day is ideal. Without timers, maintaining this rhythm requires some creativity.

Solution 1: Smart Plugs with Scheduling Apps

Even if your LED grow light doesn’t include a timer, you can easily add smart scheduling by plugging it into a Wi-Fi smart plug.

How it works:

• Connect your grow light to a smart plug.
• Use the plug’s mobile app (e.g., TP-Link Kasa, Amazon Smart Plug, or Gosund).
• Set schedules (e.g., on at 7 AM, off at 9 PM).
• Automate cycles with a single tap, no manual switching required.

Benefits:

• Remote control via smartphone.
• Integration with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
• Customizable schedules that mimic natural sunlight patterns.

This is the most convenient and modern solution, especially for amoyls VerdantGlow users who want a stylish, hassle-free indoor setup.

Solution 2: Mechanical Outlet Timers

If you prefer a budget-friendly option, a mechanical outlet timer works perfectly.

How it works:

• Plug the timer into your wall socket.
• Insert your grow light’s plug into the timer.
• Set on/off times using the dial or pins.

Benefits:

• Simple, inexpensive, no Wi-Fi needed.
• Reliable—works even if your Wi-Fi disconnects.
• Great for fixed daily schedules.

This solution is especially practical if you want your grow lights to run on the same schedule every day without adjustments.

Solution 3: Manual Scheduling Routine

For growers who don’t mind a hands-on approach, you can stick to a manual schedule.

How it works:

• Turn lights on and off at the same times daily.
• Use alarms or phone reminders to stay consistent.

Benefits:

• No additional equipment required.
• Helps you develop a gardening habit.
• Good for small setups with just one or two lights.

Drawback:

• Easy to forget.
• Inconsistent timing can stress plants.

Solution 4: Smart Power Strips

If you have multiple tiers like the 8-shelf VerdantGlow system, you may want more flexibility. A smart power strip lets you control each outlet individually.

Benefits:

• Create separate schedules for different plant tiers.
• Useful if you grow seedlings on one level and mature herbs on another.
• Extra control without cluttering your space with multiple timers.

Solution 5: Light Cycle Apps + Voice Assistants

For gardeners who enjoy tech, integrating grow lights with smart home ecosystems can be exciting.

• Voice control – Say “Alexa, turn on the grow lights” instead of finding the switch.
• App integration – Connect grow lights to routines with sunrise/sunset simulations.
• IFTTT automation – Trigger lights based on weather or time zones.

This level of automation transforms your indoor gardening into a futuristic experience.

What If You Do Nothing?

Leaving grow lights on 24/7 is a common beginner mistake. It may seem like more light = more growth, but it actually leads to:

• Leaf burn and stress.
• Interrupted respiration cycles.
• Wasted electricity.
• Plants growing weak instead of strong.

Darkness is just as important as light. That’s why establishing a system—whether with smart plugs or simple timers—is critical.

Best Practices for Light Scheduling Without Built-In Timers

• Stick to a consistent daily cycle (14–16 hours of light for most indoor plants).
• Adjust based on plant type – seedlings may need longer light, mature plants less.
• Place your VerdantGlow Shelf near a power source for easier cable routing.
• Combine with cable management strategies (see related blog on cable managing grow lights).

Why the amoyls VerdantGlow Shelf Is Perfect for External Control

Although the VerdantGlow doesn’t come with a built-in timer, it’s designed for flexibility:

• A single main power cord makes it easy to connect to external timers.
• Sturdy frame allows safe mounting of power strips.
• Minimalist design ensures cords and plugs remain hidden, keeping your space stylish.

This means you’re free to choose whichever scheduling solution fits your lifestyle—smart or simple.

Final Thoughts

Not having a built-in timer on your grow light isn’t a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity. By choosing external smart plugs, mechanical timers, or even voice-controlled power strips, you gain more control, flexibility, and reliability than most integrated systems can offer.

With the amoyls VerdantGlow S-Shaped 8-Tier Plant Shelf with Grow Lights, pairing the sleek design with smart scheduling ensures your plants thrive while your home stays modern and clutter-free.

So don’t worry about missing a timer—your plants can still get the perfect light cycle, and you’ll enjoy the process of customizing your indoor garden to suit your lifestyle.