Should You Water Cannabis Plants Before Harvest?

Cannabis plants need proper care and attention to produce high-quality buds. Watering is a crucial aspect of cannabis cultivation. It is essential to water your plants adequately during the vegetative and flowering stages to ensure they have sufficient nutrients and moisture to grow. However, as harvest approaches, there is some debate around whether or not you should continue to water your cannabis plants. This article will explore the reasons behind the debate and the best practices for harvesting cannabis plants.

What Happens When You Water Cannabis Plants Before Harvest?

One of the primary concerns around watering cannabis plants before harvest is the chance of causing issues with the final buds' taste and aroma. When you water your plants close to harvest time, it can make them more susceptible to developing mold and rot. Additionally, watering can cause the trichomes on the buds to swell, potentially affecting their potency and flavor. Some growers believe that allowing the plants to dry out before harvest can result in a smoother smoke and more flavorful buds.

The Benefits of Watering Cannabis Plants Before Harvest

Despite the concerns above, some growers recommend continuing to water your cannabis plants right up until the day of harvest. Doing so helps to flush out any remaining nutrients in your plants while also increasing the size and weight of your buds. When you water your plants over the final weeks, you help to remove any chemicals and nutrients that could negatively affect the final product's taste and aroma. Additionally, you can give your plants a boost of energy, leading to denser and more potent buds.

How to Decide When to Stop Watering Your Cannabis Plants

Ultimately, whether or not you should water your cannabis plants before harvest will depend on several factors, including the strain of your plant, the size of your buds, and the current humidity levels in your grow room. If you're growing a particularly mold-resistant strain and keeping the humidity levels low, there's less of a risk of mold development, so you may feel comfortable continuing to water your plants. On the other hand, if you're growing in a particularly humid environment, it may be best to stop watering your plants before the final few weeks to avoid any issues with mold or rot.

You should also consider the size of your buds when deciding when to stop watering. If your buds are still small and not fully formed, you may want to continue watering to help them grow. However, if your buds are already dense and heavy, adding more water could cause them to split and become damaged.

Conclusion

Deciding whether or not to water your cannabis plants before harvest can be a tricky call. Ultimately, the decision will depend on several factors, including your plant's strain, humidity levels, and bud size. If in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid watering your plants too close to harvest time. By doing so, you'll help to ensure your plants produce flavorful, high-quality buds that are free from mold and other issues.