Home»Cannabis
Last update on June 3 , 2023
Ahhh , the moment we ’ve all been wait for . You have proudly , legally grown your own beautiful , sticky - sweet cannabis plant , sustain it from seed or seedling , and it is ultimately matured and quick for harvest time ! Or hold back … Is it ? If you are n’t sure , then this article is for you ! While the harvest , trim back , and curing practices may vary somewhat from grower to grower , there are definitely some tips and best practice we ’ve learned over the class that I require to share with you .
Read along to ascertain how to regulate when your cannabis plant is ready for harvest . Then , we ’ll go over the process for properly drying and cure your finished cannabis – to ensure it ’s at that thoroughgoing “ just ripe ” stage : not too dry , but not so wet that it may model during repositing ! I ’ll also share peak about trimming , talk about foresightful - term reposition , and lease you in on how we use our cannabis . essentially , everything you involve to know .
If you ’re new to uprise , or simply want to learn we growand tend to our ganja plants , be certain to crack out these articles too :
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HARVEST
How to Determine When To Harvest Cannabis Your Plants
Numerous indicators will signal when your cannabis is nearly ready to harvest . Each industrial plant and strain is unequaled , so thesesigns can vary , but here are some general thing to look for :
Timeis not the best indicant , because this will vary depending on the strain , your fix , originate conditions , and the type of plant . For case , sativa marijuana plants typically have a longer anthesis full point and later destination than indica tenor do . We typically originate sativa - dominant plants , starting seed in previous April to May and typically reap the ganja in October . Autoflowering marijuana plants subsist and uprise in a timing creation of their own … We ’ll talk more about them in a moment .
in person , the most dependable indicator that we pay attention to is the cannabis trichomes .
What are Trichomes?
You know all those shiny , unenviable , rattling - reek crystal you could find all over your cannabis flowers ? Those are trichomes . They play an crucial role in the plants lifelike defence mechanism , and also hold the thing we ’re all after here – cannabinoids .
The real definition of trichome is “ fine outgrowths or appendages on plants , alga , lichens , and sure protist . ” originate from the Grecian word “ Tríchōma , ” have in mind “ growth of hair , ” these tiny microscopical mushroom cloud - looking protuberances look like something out of a scientific discipline fabrication novel . But they are actually the very manufactory that give rise the century of known cannabinoids , terpenes , and flavonoid that make our preferent marijuana sift powerful , unique , and effective .
Monitoring Your Trichomes to Signal When to Harvest Cannabis
While it necessitate a short close look , the visual aspect of the trichomes is the best way to see the degree and condition of your cannabis plant . More specifically , ante up attention totrichome color and opaqueness . Because they ’re so diminutive , you ’ll desire to use ajewelers loupeas a amplify crank to see them . Aaron start keeping an eye on them even before the aforementioned signs start . Throughout the develop Hz , the trichomes will alter from clear to milky and murky , and eventually to amber .
As a general principle of thumb , when the trichomes are very decipherable , the cannabis plant is still immature and the THC is less developed . Harvesting cannabis at this leg may ensue in a more speedy , racy , less smooth and comfortable user experience . When the trichomes change from cleared to fully cloudy , that is when we like to glean ganja . Or even a tad afterward , as name in the “ when in doubtfulness ” act below . This is when the buds are now at a very well - balanced leg of growing .
On the other end of the spectrum , if you lease the hemp continue to get too long and the trichomes turn all the wayamber , the resultant role is often a more unenrgetic , heavy torso high . I do n’t know about you , but I am not a lover of “ couch lock ” ! Some mass favour a more sedate and sleepy vibe . If that is the pillowcase , I suggest you grow strains that are fuck for those attributes in the first position , rather than trying to push your cannabis industrial plant to an overly mature state by keep up the harvest .
When in doubt , harvest cannabis when the plant trichomes are primarily cloudy and a little amber , rather than a mixture of clear and mirky . More growers have the regret of harvesting their flora too betimes as controvert to too late .
Determining When to Harvest an Autoflower Cannabis Plant
image out when an autoflower plant life is ready for harvest is a bit more tricky . They do n’t always misplace their leaves . Their trichomes interchange from clear to cloudy and amber , but not always as obvious or evenly . Yet some oddball strains never sprain amber at all ! It is n’t as easy to confidently say “ Yep , you ’re quick to go ! ” as you would with a even works , so you have tosimply do your best to judge .
Autoflower breeders will normally provide a timeframe , such as 12 week from come to reap . This can aid provide you a general idea of when the plant will be ready , but it is n’t set in stone . We have found that our autoflower ganja plants almost always take a duad weeks longer than predicted . But if the breeder tell “ this plant take in 11 week ” , if you hit the 14th week , it is probable time . chance are , if the bud are prissy and vain , and some of the trichomes are looking cloudy for at least a week , you could pluck it then .
How to Harvest Cannabis
It is best to harvest ganja plants in theearly morning hoursor before your lights turn on . When the time is right , many cannabis agriculturalist simply hack the integral plant down at once . That is sure enough one selection , and something we do with autoflower plants for trusted ! When it comes to our big girl , sometimes weharvest cannabis plants in sectionsinstead . Why ? Well , for a couple of cause …
In our experience , the buds on the upper ramification become ripe and ready for harvest home faster . Therefore , we may choose to slue the chief stalk about halfway up – for remove the top helping of the plant only – or veer off individual upper branches first . This will provide more fourth dimension and sunshine to reach out the lower flower , and allow them to fatten up for another week or so .
Taking the plant in sections also spaces out the timing , effort , and way demand for drying and trimming too . This aid make the next steps a bit more manageable , especially if we are harvesting several magnanimous plants .
What About Flushing?
If you say other websites instruction on how to reap cannabis , you will often see a section about redden the plants prior to harvest . We do n’t even out our plants becausethe way we organically grow cannabisdoes not command it . In contrast , flushing live constitutional soil basically ransack it of the complex ecosystem you exploit so heavily to establish in your soil ! It defeats the aim .
However , many home cultivator and most commercial agriculturist usechemical fertilizers and pesticidesthat get absorbed into into the plant vascular scheme , and in to the bud . Those plant will require a “ flushing ” period . This is where the plant life take root Lucille Ball and grime is repeatedly even out with water for about two weeks prior to harvesting , to help rid the flora of build up up chemicals and salts . If not flush , the bud will burns really harsh and tastes unpleasant . Hmm … I wonder why?If you need instructions on flushing , see this article .
Washing Cannabis
Many outside agriculturist opt to wash their cannabis efflorescence after harvest . It ’s not compulsory , but can in spades be a good thought . ( I signify , you lave your produce before consuming it , correct ? ) Different than flushing ( which cleanses the plants vascular organisation ) , washing involve physically cleaning the flower to absent outdoor air pollutants such asdirt , debris , pollen , toxic wildfire ash , insect , cat after part , razzing debris and other particulate affair – all the material you do n’t require to ingest or inhale !
See this template to learn how to organically wash hemp using lemon juice and baking soda , or with hydrogen peroxide – and then carry on with your normal drying and curing procedure thereafter . Washing does n’t concentrate the character or potency of the peak , and is n’t necessary for indoors arise . We did n’t use to wash our plants , but have bulge to in recent years after several smoky / ash-gray summers and moving to a more dirty , dusty property .
TRIM
When to Trim Cannabis
I could have put this trimming section either here , or after the “ How to dry out ” section to follow , becauseyou can do either!Some ganja farmers importune on cut back their finished plant before they dry – also called a “ wet trim ” or ‘ trimming wet ” . On the other hired hand , many cannabis raiser prefer to expect until they ’re dry . Others sporadically shave in the midsection of the drying appendage , or do a little of both . It really all depend on your schedule and personal preference , which you ’ll develop with time .
lop can be really tedious and clock time - ware , so we go after itwhenever we have a chance!And by “ we ” … I have in mind Aaron . He has more barren fourth dimension in the good afternoon than I do ( which is still limited ) so he ’ll usually take hold of a semi - ironic hanging offshoot to bring on here and there whenever he can , hoping to get it all get hold of attention of before it is time to cure .
How to Trim Cannabis
We notice it easy to trim off at least some of the with child , large devotee leaf while they ’re still fairly soaked . remove bulky leave helps promote drying . to boot , as the leaf dry they will curl around themselves and the buds , which makes it more difficult to steal the trimming snipping in there . On the other hand , after the marijuana has dry out , the leftover leaves can become so brickle and loose that they are easy to flick off with the death of your snips or even a toothpick .
When it come to trim , perfection is not the goal . Not in our opinion at least ! We grow for personal economic consumption , family , and Friend . We do n’t need absolutely manicure bud , nor do we have the forbearance for it . Plus , there are trichomes and THC on some of the leaves!Therefore , we hardly bother with attempt to remove the“sugar parting ” – the small ace derive out from the mall of the bud . Yet we do trim away the larger , non - sugary leaf that are bond to the principal root word around the bud .
Cannabis Trimming Tools
In regard totools , I extremely recommendthese preciseness trimming snips . They make the job much well-heeled ! We have several pairs , and use them extensively both for marihuana and in the garden – like for cutting seedling . They even come in a non - stick option .
I also suggest investing in a“trim bin”to trim your cannabis over . It is ergonomic , with magnetic inclination for your arms . The bin has two parts : a screened upper division to catch all the leaf debris that you ’ll likely discard , and a lower compartment that pick up trichomes / keef that fall through the screen . Keep that ! disperse it on top of your bowls , or employ it to infuse homemade canna oil ! ( Post come in on that shortly )
We compost our extra leaf rubble , both in a passive compost mess and in our worm bin . Yep , the worms have it away it!Smart little bugger .
DRY
How to Dry Your Cannabis
After they are cut down , cannabis plants are traditionallyhung upside downto wry . As the cannabis dries , the tetrahydrocannabinol converts from a non - psychotropic state to one that is psychotropic . However , you do n’t want to pelt along the drying process!THC also slimly degrades with drying , and bud that are dried too apace will experience a more substantial decomposition of THC than those that are allowed to dry out more tardily .
An ideal time to dry cannabis is around5 - 7 years . However , the metre it takes to get hold of the ideal dryness ( explain below ) will vary look on your mood and dry location . Also , the condition of your plant will play a part , such as how fatty the buds are , how many rooter leaves are still attached , and so on .
Ideal Cannabis Drying Conditions
It is best to dry out cannabis in atemperate , comparatively dark location . brightness also degrades THC , so keep those drying plant out of direct sunlight ! Goodair flowis also very crucial . You ’ll want to cater a fan to increase melodic line circulation in the way and create a constant light pushover , but annul pointing the fan directly at your works – unless you ’re in a very hot and humid clime . Even then , keep the breeze on the light side .
Theideal humidity level for drying cannabis is about 45 - 55 % . If your humidity is lower than that , keep the sports fan extra low-toned or leave off it on the whole to avoid overdrying your bud . We ’ll babble out more about how to evaluate humidness in just a moment . Serious growers , or those in particularly challenging climates , may practice the assistance of humidifiers , dehumidifiers , heater , or melodic phrase conditioner to achieve that sweet spot .
unreasonable estrus can also dry out out cannabis more quickly . If potential , hang your cannabis to dry out in aclimate - ascertain placement – not in an outdoor shed , service department , or other spot that is prone to uttermost temperature swings . A temperature right wing around70 ° Fis idealistic , though anything from 60 - 80 ° F is adequate .
We dry our cannabis in a spare room in our house along a wearing apparel line , or in the spare shower . It is easiest to break the plant down into offset and spread them out a bit , as defend to hanging the whole damn thing like a dying Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . We usethis combo thermometer / hygrometerin our drying room to assess the conditions .
How to Tell When Your Cannabis is Dry Enough
If you are able-bodied to dry out your cannabis in an environment with the ideal condition described above , it will in all probability be done in the suggested meter frame of 5 - 7 24-hour interval . To assess if your cannabis is juiceless enough to move on to the heal process , test the humidness level of the buds themselves!You’ll call for a humidness meter , also known as a hygrometer , to do this . The hygrometer will be used during cure as well . For inside jars , we usethese cigar hygrometers .
The goal is to get the humidness of the flush down to about 60 - 65 % by the clip they ’re ready for foresighted term storage . Therefore , I urge tostart the cure cognitive process when your marijuana is in the chain of 62 - 68 % humidity . With humidity over 70 % , the chances of mould build up in storage is far greater ! Additionally , the buds will only get more dry with time .
When you think the hemp is fair dry , clip off a few sample bud . I suggest take a nug from a couple locations on the plant to get a overnice norm . Place the buds inside a sealed jar with the hygrometer inside as well . Close up the jar and get a interpretation . If the humidity shoots to 70 % or greater quickly , they ’re definitely not ready to bring around ! On the other hand , if it is hovering the right way around the sweet situation , provide them to last out sealed in the jolt for 24 hours to get a true reading . If after 24 hours , it is within the butt range , go to curing . If you find the humidity has creeped up , allow the plant to continue to dry out . Check back again in a day or two .
If you have n’t trimmed yet , do so before move on to curing – keeping in mind that may take a few days too , and the skunk wo n’t just stop drying for you in the meantime . Therefore , I suggest trimming in small batches and add together it to sealed jars as you go .
CURE
What is Curing Cannabis
Do not overlook the grandness of curing!Have you ever remark that some marihuana smokes really fluid and savor perfectly amazing , while others are more harsh and flavorless ? Sure , a fiddling bit of that has to do with the strain or growing circumstance … butthe main agent that make weed grand or woeful is : if it was cured properly!No , the tinny stuff is n’t just “ old ” . Old mourning band can still taste good and smooth too ! In addition to the terminal flavor and experience , heal also assure the cannabis will store well long - condition and hold back tone .
Curing is fundamentally a good continuation of the drying cognitive operation , but in a more slow , control environs – such as in seal mason jars – and occurs forup to two month . substance , once the cannabis is ironic , it is n’t necessarily ready to enjoy at its prime yet . Ideally , you should give up the hemp to cure fully before enjoying it . Sure , you could sample some early here and there of course , but extremely fresh bud is not survive to be the same as the material that has been permit to cure .
right curing stop the degradation summons before volatile compound like terpenes and cannabinoids evaporate or transform into less favorable compound . Additionally , cannabinoid synthetic thinking ( the cognitive operation of creating those worthful chemicals ) continues to take place even after harvest !
I alsorecently learnedthat during the cure summons , bacterium works to break down the chlorophyl in the works material . Chlorophyllis what make the plants nice and green in color , but also contributes to a harsh smoke experience . Therefore , less green finish nugs is n’t of necessity a spoiled thing !
How to Cure Cannabis
Once you are able to receive a humidity level of about62 - 68 % , put the trim bud inairtight containers , such as in a sealed mason jar . We usethese half gallon jars . salt away the container in a dark , temperate place . Now , over the following weeks , sporadically burp the jars . By “ eruct the jars ” , I do n’t mean a quick opened - and - close of the hat . go away the lid off for 10 to 15 minutes , and then re - seal the jar . The purpose is to allow some air exchange – to premise oxygen and release moisture or other off - brag substances .
How often should I burp the jar while curing , you ask?Some growers belch their jolt one to two clip per day during the first week or two . It is specially important to belch frequently if your marihuana is on the higher end of that humidity cooking stove , and leave the lids open even longer – up to an 60 minutes . On the other hand , we usually get our nugs down to around 63 % , so we belch a little less frequently . We shoot for for once per day , but sometimes overleap a few days . It is n’t the end of the man .
After the first couple of weeks , a burp just once per hebdomad is great – for the following month . After a full 6 to 8 weeks of cure , you could quash the burping frequency to once per calendar month . At that sentence , you also do n’t need to worry as much about the duration of meter the lids are off . A short burp is ok .
Keep ahygrometerinside at least one of your containers . you’re able to rotate it amongst jars if needed , or practice a few of them . attempt to put it in a way that is seeable through the face of the container . If the humidity inside the jars begins to climb to 70 % or over , take the bud back out of the jar for a day or two . Spread them out somewhere with good airflow , such as on anherb drying rack , blind , or even on composition board .
When you launch the jars to burp them , take a sniff ! A fragile ammonia aroma is a sign that the hemp is too wet and is start out to fumble . A firm ammonia odor or visible mould are indications that the cannabis was much too wet , and is plausibly now ruin . Yet if you are using a hygrometer , you should n’t run into this issue .
On the impudent side , if your cannabis has become too dry ( less than 60 % ) , you may be capable to aid it – with the assist of theseBoveda packets!Originally designed for the cigar industry , Boveda parcel can be used tore - introduce moistureto too dry cannabis . you may also keep them with your buds during long - terminal figure memory to govern humidness , which may be particularly helpful in live , arid mood . They total in various object humidity floor that they help to achieve or keep , for illustration a 65 % package , 63 % parcel , and so on .
STORE
How to Store Cannabis Long Term
Once your marihuana has finished cure , you may pitch to long terminal figure storage . For us , this take care no different than the cure stagecoach – except that we are n’t opening the jars as often . We store our cannabis in the same half - gallon jars they were cured in . pick out any air - tight container , and store it in a temperate , dark location . It is commend to chop-chop belch the shock about once a month , but we do n’t try that part too much . If you ’re get into your hoard to use it , the jars are being belch plenty then .
You have probably seen that some people do vacancy / seal and even freeze their weed . We do n’t line up this necessary , or even preferred , Just how frozen and de-ice food does n’t taste as salutary as fresh food , we ’d rather keep the buds out – more fresh , and easy to supervise . We also are n’t huge buff of the melodic theme of charge plate tint the bud the whole clip . On the other hand , if you are giving weed off , that is a different story . We do sometimes use plastic then . Either way , I do n’t suggest fully vacuity waterproofing . Sucking all the breeze out of the package totally crushes the bud ! If anything , apply the seal feature only .
In summary , when marijuana is the right way harvested , dry out , cure , and put in , it canstay fresh , tasty , and potent for up to a class – just in time for the next rise season ! Check out the photo above ! That is our cannabis harvest home from last fall , and it is still assess 65 % humidity . The people of colour and chlorophyll will naturally fade , and THC may degrade somewhat , but it still smoke and feel quite wonderful .
mouth of smoking …
ENJOY
Using Your Homegrown Cannabis Harvest
To clarify , we do n’t actually “ smoke ” our ganja . At least not in the traditional horse sense . We use a high - qualityvaporizer . It stir up and delivers the want cannabinoids and terpenes without existent burning of the flush . Combustion ( burning ) the marihuana is more harsh on your pharynx and lung , and it simply does n’t do your bud judge . It totally destroys the flavor , and overheats the cannabinoids and terps to a far less efficient and effective temperature . We also make canna oil and capsule , but that is a whole dissimilar post for another day !
Here is an articleall about vaporizing , which goes over the science and prophylactic behind vaporizing hemp . It also explores the differences between smoke and vaping , between using whole bloom and concentrates , and how to make the most efficient , effective , secure use of goods and services of your herbaceous plant .
In scant , theFirefly 2 + vaporizeris pretty much the best affair on the market . We used the Firefly 2 for many years , and just upgraded to the 2 + when it add up out a duad of month ago . It is the safest for your lungs and organic structure ( no heavy alloy , like other vapes ! ) , can be used for flowers or concentrate , and exudes a controlled and wide - orbit convection heat on every draw – to get the most out of our your bud . No other vape uses that applied science . It is effective , effective , aphrodisiac , and the savour is crazily beneficial – because you are really sample your cannabis at its full potential difference !
How you pick out to ware your hemp harvest is ultimately a personal conclusion . Our thought is : after all that severe work to grow beautiful constitutive homegrown cannabis , why grow around and burn the hell out of it ?
