OK, I have two florescent grow lights set up in my new "Grow Closet" and want to do tomatoes, herbs, and possibly keep some of my more fragile indoor plants in there during the harsh Chicago winterÂ

I have a TON of seeds that I want to experiment with but so far, it looks like the list is down to herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, Hatch NM ChiliÂs, and possibly a bell pepper plant. The herbs would be on small corner shelves while the bigger ones would be situated on stacks of Small square milk crates that can be added to or removed as the different plants get taller. (I have mirrors that will reflect the light onto the herbs.)

They will all be in Plastic Pots.

What are the recommendations on timersÂ

Could I just keep the lights on all the time? Should I do it 12 on 12 off? Should I keep to the normal Day/Night cycle??

Does the time differ for different plants? As in do my tomatoes need more or less light then my lettuce or herbs?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!