How to Harvest My Pot Plant

Harvesting a pot plant can be an exciting yet challenging process for growers, especially for beginners. It requires careful planning, patience, and the skills to determine when it's time to cut the plant. In this article, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to harvest your pot plant correctly.

Step 1: Determine When to Harvest

Harvesting your pot plant is a matter of timing. The right timing will determine the potency, flavor, and yield of your crop. Most growers harvest their plants when the buds are mature and ripe. At this stage, the pistils turn brown and retract, and the trichomes are cloudy or amber.

You must also consider the strain you're growing, the conditions it's grown in, and the grower's preference. Indica strains, for example, mature faster than Sativa strains, while some strains require more time to thrive. Therefore, you must know the strain you're growing, its flowering stage, and the expected harvest time.

Step 2: Stop Feeding the Plant in Advance

To prepare the plant for harvesting, you must stop feeding it two weeks before the expected harvest date. This process enables the plant to use up the remaining nutrients and get rid of any remaining chemicals or toxins in the plant's cells. You can also start flushing the plant with pure water during this period to remove any remaining nutrients from the soil or substrate.

Step 3: Cut the Plant and Remove the Large Leaves

Once the plant is ready, you need to cut it down from the stem. If you're harvesting a small plant, you can use scissors, but for larger plants, you need a pruning saw or a sharp knife. Cut the plant just above the soil or substrate.

Next, remove the large fan leaves from the plant, leaving only the buds and small leaves on the plant. The fan leaves do not have any significant cannabinoids, and removing them improves the curing process.

Step 4: Dry the Buds

Drying the buds is a critical step in the harvesting process. It removes any remaining moisture, allowing the buds to cure correctly without rotting or molding. To dry the buds, hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place. You can use a drying rack or a clothes hanger to hang the buds.

The drying process can take seven to 14 days, depending on the humidity, temperature, and the size of the buds. You can monitor the drying process by checking the buds' dryness daily. Dry buds will feel dry to touch and have a crispy texture.

Step 5: Cure the Buds

Once the buds are dry, you need to cure them. Curing is the process of storing dried buds in an airtight container for several weeks. During this period, the buds cure further, removing any excess moisture and developing a better flavor, aroma, and potency.

To cure the buds, place them in a glass jar and seal it tightly. Store the jar in a cool, dark, and dry place. Open the jar every day for the first week to release any excess moisture and allow air to circulate in the jar. After the first week, open the jar once a week for the next three to four weeks.

The Bottom Line

Harvesting your pot plant can be a rewarding experience if done correctly. Knowing when to harvest, stopping feeding the plant in advance, cutting the plant, drying the buds, and curing the buds are critical steps that determine the final quality of your crop. Be patient, follow the guidelines, and enjoy your hard work.