Welcome back to News Joint Grow Journal. A Prairie State of Mind.

As mention in News Joint Grow Journal 1, when I decided to start a grow journal, I did not want a shitty closet grow. I wanted a legit space to grow the best medicine possible. So obtaining the proper equipment was important, and I was willing to pay for quality. After all, I knew the overall cost of the most expensive grow system still would be cheaper than buying flower from Illinois dispensaries at $60-65 an eighth.

As Homegrown Cannabis Co.’s resident grow expert Kyle Kushman advised, “Start with what you can manage. More watts can be good or bad. Gaining control over your environment, temp, humidity, moisture levels, etc., both day and nighttime is the first step to a successful grow.” So in News Joint Grow Journal 3, I examine the equipment I am using for my first grow and how I obtained what I needed. So in in this journal entry, I examine the equipment I am using for my first grow and how I obtained what I needed. Again, as mentioned in News Joint Grow Journal 1, I have been blessed to partner with Aroma Grow Store in Wheeling, Illinois.

Aroma Grow Store is a 3,700 square-foot facility carrying a large variety of hydroponic and grow supplies. They specialize in medical cannabis, hemp, microgreens, indoor gardening, organic gardening, and sustainable living. For Illinois News Joint’s feature article on Aroma Grow Store, click here.

Aroma Grow Store image

Aroma Grow Store graciously sponsored my 4”x4” Gorilla Grow Tent, Can-Lite air filter, 6” duct fan, clip fan, trays/saucers, fabric pots, FoxFarm Ocean Forest Soil, FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil, FocFarm Light Warrior Soilless Mix, Lotus Nutrients, digital timer, and our most prized possession, a NextLight Core LED Grow Light. If you’re an Illinois patient looking for a grow shop, please stop by and let owner Brian Marks and the staff know Illinois News Joint sent you for a 10% discount off all purchases.

My assembly of the Gorilla Grow Tent was a relatively easy task. The air filter also was easy to install, but I did have some difficultly attaching the 6” duct fan. The duct fan’s shape made it difficult to hang alongside the filter. Once I found a way to properly secure the fan, I attached the duct. I turned on the fan, and everything tested great. I attached the NextLight Core LED Grow Light with two adjustable straps for the final touches.

Overall, I built my indoor grow tent the same night I picked it up, and I had the homegrown setup running in less than two days. I am extremely pleased with my grow area and the equipment from Aroma Grow Store. I can’t wait to pop my seeds and start the journey. In my next journal entry, I will examine my process of my decisions on which strains to run for my first grow and why.

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