How to Install Garden Lights

Installing garden lights is a sure way to transform your outdoor space. Whether you're looking to illuminate a garden path or give your yard a fairytale glow, garden lights should be number one on your outdoor to-do list. Below, we’ve covered how to install garden lights yourself, including pathway lights, string lights and more.

Choosing the Right Type of Garden Lights

Several types of garden lighting can help you achieve different effects, from practical walkway illumination to decorative ambient lighting. Choosing the right type of garden lights comes down to what you’re looking to achieve both aesthetically and functionally.

• String lights. String lights are a popular garden light option due to their ease of installation and cozy appearance.
• Path lights. Path lights will illuminate garden paths, sidewalks and any other walkway. They're also great for highlighting the edge of your landscaping or patio.
• Water feature lights. Water feature lights can be placed around or within water features to add a shimmering glow that enhances the natural beauty of the water, fish, rocks and more.

Wiring for Outdoor Lights

Many homeowners get caught up in wiring for outdoor lights and opt for solar garden lights instead. While we are big fans of solar outdoor lights, you shouldn’t choose them simply because you’re unsure how to run wire for garden lights, as the process is likely simpler than you’ve imagined.

Assuming you have a GFCI-protected receptacle nearby, the simplest and safest way for homeowners to install wiring for outdoor lights is a low-voltage system. This system utilizes low-voltage (roughly 12-volt) wiring buried directly in the dirt, allowing you to easily place lights wherever you need them.

Pro Tip: Low-voltage landscape lighting is designed to be safe for homeowner installation, but always ensure connections remain dry and protected from damage.

How to Install String Lights

1. Choose your layout. Before purchasing lights, map out your desired lighting layout to roughly determine what length you'll need.
2. Verify mounting points. Once you've determined your preferred string light layout, verify secure mounting points at each turn. These could be trees, poles or even your home, so long as it's a strong spot where hardware can be installed.
3. Install mounting points where needed. If no secure mounting points already exist, add supplemental mounting posts. You can place these directly in the ground, or put them in planters, with concrete poured around them.
4. Install hardware. Install lag-bolt eyes on each of your mounting points.
5. Measure your space. Once you've established your layout, measure the distance between each mounting point.
6. Choose your lights. Purchase outdoor-rated string lights that span your total distance.
7. Hang the lights. Attach the string lights to your mounting points with hooks. If your string lights won't fully reach the mounting points, use wire rope to secure them.

How to Install Pathway Lights

Because solar pathway lights are generally very simple to install, the steps below focus on installing low-voltage pathway lights instead.

Different low-voltage garden light kits may vary in installation slightly, so always defer to your kit's manufacturer's instructions during installation. Additionally, you may need to modify the provided materials list to accommodate the needs of your lighting kit and property.

1. Place your light fixtures. Install your fixtures along your garden path by sticking them in the ground and using a level to verify they're straight.
2. Wire your lights. Cut your bulk wire to length and attach it to each light. Connect the wire runs to one another with the included connectors, then install the heat shrink around each connection to ensure it's protected from moisture.
3. Install your power supply. Securely mount the power supply near the outdoor receptacle, then attach the wires from the lights to the proper terminals.
4. Test your lights. Plug the power supply into the 110-volt outlet, and power it on. Verify that all lights illuminate.
5. Bury the wire. If all lights illuminate during your test, use a shovel to create a small trench and bury all the wire. Most kits specify a wire depth of around three to six inches.

How to Install Water Feature Lights

Just like your garden path and landscaping, you can liven up a garden water feature with lights. Water feature lighting kits include submersible lights, which illuminate ponds, waterfalls and other popular water features.

1. Plan your project. Determine the type and number of lights you'll need based on the size of the water feature you intend to light.
2. Source your lights. Buy a water feature light kit that works with your needs.
3. Place your lights. Place your lights in and around your water feature to highlight its best features.
4. Connect all wires. Connect your wires securely using the provided water-tight connectors.
5. Mount your power source. Mount the provided transformer near your nearest GFCI outlet, then plug it in.
6. Test your lights. Once plugged in, test the lights to verify each one illuminates. Never adjust lights, wires or connectors without first unplugging the power source.

Garden Lighting Tips

To ensure your garden lighting looks and functions just how you intend, follow these tips for achieving gorgeous garden lighting.

• Hide the light sources. Position your light fixtures in a way that hides the light itself from view. The goal is to see the light, not the light source.
• Choose warmer lighting for a cozy glow. When it comes to outdoor lighting, warmer light tends to look better. Choose lighting that's 2700K or lower to achieve that cozy, yellow glow.
• Don't place solar lights in the shade. Solar lights need ample sunlight to charge. If they're placed in a shady spot, they'll likely only illuminate for a few minutes before dying.
• Layer different types of lighting. The key to getting that luxe feel in your landscape is to layer different types of lighting. Combining string lights, path lights, uplights and more will give it the ambient glow you're after.
• Avoid the runway look. Rather than attempting to flank your walkway with two mirrored lines of light, stagger path lights for a more organic look.
• Use your property to guide your lighting decisions. Unsure of where to place your lights? Use your lighting to highlight things you want to draw attention to. Illuminate steps, shrubs, trees, rock features, waterfalls and more.