How to Harvest Outdoor Pot Plants

If you have grown marijuana plants outdoors and they have finally reached their maturity, it’s time to harvest them. Harvesting your marijuana buds is one of the most important steps in the cultivation process, and it requires a little knowledge and experience to do it correctly. Here is everything you need to know to harvest your outdoor pot plants.

Timing is everything

The timing of your harvest depends on the strain you’re growing, but generally, the flowering period of marijuana plants lasts between six and twelve weeks. When the white pistils or hairs have turned amber, and the trichomes have turned cloudy, you’ll know that it’s time to harvest. It is essential to be patient and wait until your plants have reached their full potential before you harvest.

Prepare your tools

Before you start harvesting, prepare all the tools you’ll need in advance. You’ll need a pair of sharp pruning shears, gloves, trimming scissors, a drying rack, and mason jars for curing. It’s important to have all of these items ready to avoid damage to the trichomes, which can affect the potency and flavor of your buds.

Harvest your plants

To begin the harvest, start by cutting off the large fan leaves at the base of the plant, and then proceed to cut off the branches with the buds. Use your pruning shears to make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle. Handle the plants with care to prevent damage to the trichomes. Once you’ve harvested all the buds, you can start the drying process.

Dry your buds

Drying is crucial to the curing process, and it must be done correctly to preserve the potency and flavor of your buds. Hang your buds upside down on a drying rack in a cool and dark room with low humidity. Make sure there is enough space between the buds to prevent mold growth. It usually takes between seven to ten days for the buds to dry. Check the buds daily, and turn them to ensure that they dry evenly.

Curing your buds

Once your buds are dry, it’s time to start the curing process. Place the buds in airtight mason jars, and store them in a dark, cool, and dry place. Make sure the jars are filled two-thirds full and check the humidity levels regularly. Open the jars once a day to allow for air circulation, and check the buds for any signs of mold or pests. The curing process takes between two and four weeks, but the longer you can cure your buds, the better the flavor and potency will be.

In conclusion

Harvesting your outdoor marijuana plants is an exciting time, and it’s essential to do it correctly to ensure the best quality buds. Timing your harvest, preparing your tools, and correctly drying and curing your buds is essential to success. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy high-quality buds that you can share with friends or keep all to yourself.