I Went to Mary Fest with ILGM and Learned How to Grow Weed at Home (Even in an NYC Apartment)

I’ve always loved cannabis, but the idea of growing it myself? That felt like something reserved for people with horticulture degrees, backyard greenhouses, or at least a little more space than your average New York City apartment. I didn’t think I had the setup, the time, or the knowledge to pull it off.

Then I got invited to Mary Fest in NYC by ILGM—aka I Love Growing Marijuana—the top-ranked cannabis seed bank in the U.S. They're currently on a nationwide Home Grow Tour, showing up in major cities to educate and empower everyday people to start growing cannabis at home. No judgment, no pressure, just community, knowledge, and a whole lot of inspiration.

I showed up curious, maybe a little intimidated. I’ve never grown my own weed before, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the ILGM team met me exactly where I was. They were incredibly friendly, patient, and clearly passionate about helping beginners like me feel confident. It wasn’t about fancy gear or complicated techniques—it was about making cannabis cultivation accessible for everyone.

Their mission is simple but powerful: "Grow Smarter, Grow Together." They’re creating a space where all growers, from seasoned cultivators to total newbies, can learn, connect, and share their love of the plant.

One of the most exciting parts of the Home Grow Tour was the Airstream RV giveaway! ILGM is not just about providing education and resources—they’re also about giving back to their community in a huge way.

As part of their nationwide celebration of home cultivation, they’re offering the chance to win an Airstream Bambi—a fully-equipped, mobile grow hub.

It’s the perfect way to take your cultivation journey on the road. For more details on the giveaway and how to enter, check out the full scoop here. 

Whether you're just starting out or have a few grows under your belt, this prize is a game-changer. Imagine having a home on wheels, ready to grow no matter where you are. How amazing is that?

One of the first things I learned is that growing cannabis from seed is surprisingly accessible - and it doesn’t require high-tech equipment or a backyard garden.

Seeds need warmth, moisture, and light to sprout, which means you can even start them on your windowsill, using natural sunlight.

In fact, you don’t need to go all out with expensive grow lights and fancy setups at first. Start small, be patient, and work with what you’ve got.

The ILGM team showed me how simple it can be to start with even just plastic cups to germinate the seeds. This was a game-changer for me! It was a simple, low-cost way to begin. As long as I kept the environment warm and gave the seeds enough light, I was on my way.

The ILGM team showed me how simple it can be to start with even just plastic cups to germinate the seeds. Growing really can be accessible to anyone!

What stood out to me most was how this journey was about patience and practice—just like life. I didn’t need to fear making mistakes; instead, I learned that the process is all about trial and error. With the right resources, advice, and a little persistence, I could keep improving and building my skills along the way.

So, could a New Yorker with no backyard and only a windowsill actually grow cannabis? Absolutely. With patience, the right resources, and an expert community on my side, it was more than possible, it was exciting. 

ILGM’s Growing Guides have got you covered. Check them out here to get your growing journey started.

And the best part? ILGM has an incredible resource section that provides all the advice, tips, and support you need to succeed as a home grower. From step-by-step guides to FAQs and helpful blog posts, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. Plus, their team is always available to help guide you through any questions or challenges along the way. Check out their resources here to get started. Your plant-filled future awaits!

This article was created in partnership with I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM) as part of their U.S. Home Grow Tour. While this piece is sponsored, all opinions and experiences shared are authentic. At High Herstory, we only collaborate with brands whose missions align with our values—and we stand by every word.