Do-it-yourself: This is how you can harvest cannabis yourself

Harvesting cannabis is an important step for anyone interested in growing and using this plant. Harvesting requires careful planning, attention and expertise to achieve the best results. From the best time to harvest to proper drying, there are numerous factors to consider. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the cannabis harvesting process as well as practical tips to achieve the desired quality and potency of your final product.

When is the right time to harvest cannabis?

The timing for harvesting cannabis is crucial and depends on a variety of factors, including the specific strain of the cannabis plant, the environmental conditions during growth, and personal preferences and goals the grower has in mind when growing it. It is a complex process that requires thorough assessment and in-depth understanding to achieve the best possible results. A general guideline for the optimal time to harvest is the condition of the trichomes on the cannabis flowers. These tiny resin glands contain the sought-after cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which are responsible for the desired effects [1]. When the majority of trichomes change from a clear to a milky color, this often indicates the flower's peak THC content [1]. This means that now is the time when the plant has finished its flowering phase and is ready to harvest. Interestingly, some experienced growers prefer a later harvest time, when some of the ripe trichomes take on an amber color. This may indicate a higher ratio of cannabinol (CBN) [1]. The choice of the optimal harvest time can therefore depend heavily on individual preferences and the desired end product. To accurately determine when to harvest, close observation of the trichomes under a microscope is often necessary. This allows the grower to accurately assess the ripeness of the plant and determine the perfect moment to harvest. It is a critical step that significantly affects the quality and potency of the final product [1].

A step-by-step guide to harvesting cannabis

Preparation for harvest

Preparing for harvest is a crucial step for any cannabis grower who wants to achieve high quality results. It covers several important aspects, including obtaining the right equipment and creating a suitable work environment. One of the most basic requirements for harvesting is the availability of quality tools. This includes sharp scissors or a precise knife that are used to precisely cut the plant parts without damaging them. Gloves are also essential to protect hands from potential irritants and resins that may be released during the harvesting process. In addition, appropriate containers are required to safely store and transport the cut plant parts. These should be clean and easy to clean to avoid contamination of the crop. It is advisable to use containers made from non-reactive materials to ensure that they do not release unwanted chemicals or residues [2]. Another important aspect of preparing for harvest is organizing the work area. This includes cleaning and disinfecting all work surfaces and tools to minimize potential contamination of the crop [2].

Now the cannabis plant is harvested

The actual harvesting process begins with precisely cutting off the parts of the plant that have the highest concentration of trichomes, usually the flowers. These tiny resin glands contain the sought-after cannabinoids and terpenes. In addition to flowers, leaves with fewer trichomes can also be collected as they can be used to make extracts and other cannabis products. During the harvesting process, it is essential to handle the plants carefully so as not to damage the delicate trichomes [2]. By using sharp and precise tools and working calmly and thoughtfully, growers can ensure that their crop is of the highest quality and that no nutrients are lost [2].

Drying and curing cannabis harvest

After a successful harvest of the cannabis plant, the next step in the process is drying. This process is crucial because it significantly influences the quality of the final product [2]. The dried plant parts must be hung in a controlled environment to ensure even drying. A dark and well-ventilated room is ideal for the cannabis drying process [2]. This not only ensures protection from light, which can degrade the delicate cannabinoids, but also allows adequate air circulation to wick away moisture [2]. A relative humidity between 45-55% is optimal to avoid drying too quickly or too slowly and at the same time minimize the risk of mold formation [2]. The temperature during the drying process is also of great importance. Ideally, the ambient temperature should be between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius [2]. This moderate temperature allows for slow and even drying, which preserves the aromas and active ingredients of the plant. Too high a temperature can cause the cannabinoids to evaporate or decompose, while too low a temperature increases drying time and increases the risk of mold growth [2]. The drying process can take between a week and up to ten days, depending on the environment and the specific characteristics of the plants. It is important to monitor progress regularly and ensure plants are completely dry before further processing or storage [2]. Thorough drying is the key to a high-quality end product with optimal flavors, potency and shelf life [2].

Start of the indoor season

After the harvest season, the indoor season begins, which marks the start of year-round cultivation of cannabis, regardless of the fluctuations in external weather conditions. This method allows growers to precisely control and optimize the conditions for the growth and development of their plants [3]. Planning the indoor season requires careful coordination with the life cycle of cannabis plants, from seed germination to harvest. It is important to consider each step of the growing process to ensure optimal conditions for plants to thrive [3]. This includes selecting appropriate seeds, establishing an efficient irrigation and fertilization system, and implementing an appropriate light source and ventilation [3].

Sources

[1] Royalqueenseeds

[2] Sensiseeds

[3] Royalqueenseeds