TRURO, N.S.
For 16 years, Kevin and Stephanie Scammell ran their gardening supply company Grow & Brew out of their home in Greenfield.
Since 2002, they’ve specialized in hydroponic equipment, indoor gardening supplies and beer and wine brewing kits, but with a desire to offer new brewing services and the possible business growth from marijuana legalization, the Scammells decided it was time to relocate.
“We really wanted to expand on the gardening and brewery services and supplies we provide, but we didn’t have the space to do that before,” said Kevin Scammell.
“There was also a void in the downtown Truro area when it came to growing and brewing. There is lots of foot traffic in the downtown and since opening there are lots of other businesses around here who’ve shown interest in us.”
Now located at 24 Havelock St., Grow & Brew offers its usual indoor growing equipment and supplies, as well as an assortment of brewing kits for craft beers and wines for both brew-at-home and brew-onsite use.
“We’re hoping the new store will present a convenience for the workers and shoppers in the downtown area who might be interested in brewing or growing,” said Scammell.
“Someone can come by on their lunch break, purchase a brew on-site kit, throw their yeast in and not have to worry about it until it’s done. Shoppers can order a pizza across the street, come over here to set up a wine kit, and then head home for dinner. It’s easy.”
While the Grow & Brew always carried at-home brew kits, their new brew-on-site service was a large reason for the move, as the new store has the space for a fermenting area, a wash and sanitization bay for bottles, and a carbonation and bottling station for customers to bottle their homemade drinks.
The upcoming legalization of marijuana was also a part of the move, as the more central location will give in-home growers better access to the supplies needed when the time comes.
“We deal with specialized equipment and growing supplies,” said Scammell.
“So we thought with the legalization of marijuana coming soon, there would be lots of people out looking for our type of fertilizer, lighting, growing mediums and things that you can’t get at a regular garden centre.”
While they are expecting a rise in business from those looking to grow their own marijuana once legalized, the most popular growing trend right now is simple veggies.
“Growing greens and microgreens such as lettuce, peas or beans are very popular as you don’t need much lighting,” said Stephanie.
“People tend to be scared of indoor gardening because of the power bill increase, but you can grow greens like lettuce with just a fluorescent light and a small tray. You can easily get a small indoor gardening setup for around $100.”
While some might think of indoor gardening as a difficult hobby to get into, Scammell said it’s easier than ever to grow your own produce now.
“Getting started is not hard or expensive, the equipment is easy to use and everything is quite user friendly,” she said.
“You can really use any of the stuff we sell to pretty much grow anything, and most of it can be used outside as well.”
