How Do You Harvest Pot Plants?
Harvesting pot plants is one of the most important parts of the cannabis growing process. It involves carefully cutting the plant at the right time, then drying and curing it properly to obtain the best possible results. Here are some tips on how to harvest your pot plants:
Timing
Timing is critical when it comes to harvesting pot plants. The goal is to pick the plants at the moment when the THC levels are at their highest, but before the plant begins to degrade. There are a few indicators that can help you determine the right time to harvest your plants:
Check the trichomes: Use a magnifying glass to inspect the tiny resinous glands on the buds. When the trichomes turn cloudy from clear, it's time to harvest.
Check the pistils: Look at the small hairs on the flowers. When they have turned brown and curled in, it's also a good time to harvest the plant.
Pay attention to the plant's appearance: If the leaves start to yellow and droop, it's time to harvest your plants soon.
The Cutting Process
When it comes to cutting the plants, you want to be careful not to damage them. Here are the steps to follow:
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the plant as close to the base as possible.
Remove any large fan leaves from the plant, but leave small sugar leaves on the buds as they contain a high amount of THC.
Hang the plants upside down in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated area to dry out the buds. This can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days depending on humidity and temperature.
The Curing Process
Curing is the process of preserving the potency and flavor of the buds by removing moisture slowly. Here is how to cure your buds:
Place the dried buds in airtight glass jars or containers. Fill the containers up to 75% capacity.
Store the jars in a dark and cool location, and open them once a day for the first week to remove any excess moisture. Later, once every few days will be sufficient.
The curing process should last between 2 weeks to a month. Once finished, the buds should be properly dried and ready to use in your favorite way.
Conclusion
Harvesting and curing are crucial steps in the cannabis growing process. They can determine the final potency and flavor of your buds, so it's important that you pay careful attention to the process. Follow our tips, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying high-quality bud.