A method for integrating at least one very high output (VHO) fluorescent lamp and at least one ballast within at least one fluorescent lamp fixture sealed from the growing environment is disclosed. The at least one ballast is secured within an upper fixture structure between a first cooling duct and a second cooling duct. At least one mid-plate reflector is mounted within the at least one upper fixture structure enclosing the at least one ballast thereby defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The at least one fluorescent lamp is installed in the lower chamber that is sealed from the growing environment by a transparent glass sheet, mounted to either or both the endplates or upper fixture structure. At least one fan is installed to the first cooling duct or the second cooling duct to provide the forced air cooling. The mid-plate reflector benefits from openings above the lamp location thereby providing a vent for heated air around the fluorescent lamp to rise up, away from the lamp, and out into the upper chamber where it is exhausted. The mid-plate reflector further benefits from being solid above the lamp ends or electrodes thereby retaining heat and improving lamp performance. At least one baffle located within the upper chamber directs cooling air provided by the fans through the mid-plate reflector to better cool the lamp, around the ballast to improve ballast cooling characteristics, or both.