Product Description
The SunCalc provides gardeners with the ability to maximize plants growing potential by placing them in optimum light conditions. It measures the amount of accumulated light that falls on a specific location. This provides gardeners with the ability to match a plant’s nursery tag light requirements (full sun, partial sun, etc.) with the actual light conditions as measured by SunCalc. All gardeners need to do is place SunCalc at the desired location, turn it on and 12 hours later return to read the results. Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade or Full Shade.
Why should you measure your sunlight?
o All plants require some level of sunlight in order to grow and thrive.
o Plants capture the energy they need from sunlight and convert it into the food they need to grow.
o This process is called photosynthesis.
o The light spectrum that plants use to support photosynthesis is called Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)
Most gardens and yards have to contend with a multitude of different sunlight “micro climates”. The path of the sun, the effects of shade trees, shadows produced by our home, walks and fences all contribute to variable amounts of available sunlight.
How to Use the SunCalc
- Pick a sunny day: Choose a day when you reasonably expect a full day of clear sunlight.
- Start early: Place the device in your desired garden bed between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Activate: Push the power button on the shoulder of the device; the LEDs will flash sequentially to confirm it has started.
- Wait 12 hours: Leave the device undisturbed to sample the moving sun, shadows, and light intensity.
- Read results: After 12 hours, a single illuminated LED will display your final zone reading. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Light Level Categories
- Full Sun: Achieved when the location accumulates 6 or more hours of direct sunlight.
- Partial Sun: Represents areas getting roughly 4 to 6 hours of sun.
- Partial Shade: Indicates 2 to 4 hours of accumulated sunlight.
- Full Shade: Triggered if the spot receives less than 2 hours of direct sunlight throughout the day. [1]
Specifications & Features
- Memory storage: It automatically saves and holds your last test result for 12 hours until you start a new cycle.
- Power supply: The unit runs on standard alkaline button-cell batteries (typically A76 / LR44 / AG13).
- Weather resistance: Built to handle standard damp garden soil, though it should be brought inside during heavy downpours or when sprinklers run. [1, 2]
