Correct harvesting and post-treatment determine the final quality. Timing, techniques and drying for perfect buds.
Post-harvest treatment is crucial for the final quality:
Harvest preparation:
48h dark phase (optional):
- Controversial technique
- Should increase trichome production
- Complete darkness
- Normal temperatures
- Weigh up risk vs. benefit
Tool preparation:
- Sharp trimming shears
- Various sizes
- Isopropanol for cleaning
- Nitrile gloves
- Collecting container for trim
Workplace setup:
- Clean, well ventilated room
- Adequate lighting
- Comfortable working height
- Trim trays or nets
- Entertainment for long sessions
Harvesting techniques:
Whole plant vs. branches:
- Whole plant: Easier, slower drying
- Individual branches: more control, faster drying
- Depending on space and conditions
- Consider the size of the flowers
- Logistics considerations
Cutting technique:
- Clean, straight cuts
- Cut branches into manageable lengths
- Remove large fan leaves
- Use stems as suspension
- Do not damage flowers
Trimming methods:
Wet trimming:
- Immediately after harvest
- Easier to cut
- Faster processing
- Less resin loss
- Faster drying
Dry trimming (dry):
- Trimming after drying
- Slower, gentler drying
- Better terpene profile
- More labour intensive
- Traditional method
Trimming stages:
- Rough Trim: Rough removal
- Detail Trim: Fine work
- Manicuring: Perfection
- Sugar Leaves: Leave or remove
- Personal preferences
Drying environment:
Ideal conditions:
- Temperature: 18-22°C
- Humidity: 45-55%
- Good air circulation
- Darkness
- Clean environment
Drying room setup:
- Suspended room
- Fans for air movement
- Hygrometer for monitoring
- Dehumidification if necessary
- Activated carbon filter for odour
Hanging methods:
- Clothes horse
- Nets or racks
- Tensioned cords
- Special drying racks
- Sufficient space between flowers
Drying process:
Day 1-3:
- Outer leaves become dry
- No major changes
- Keep conditions stable
- Check daily
- Ensure air circulation
Day 4-7:
- Smaller branches become brittle
- Larger stems still pliable
- Flowers feel dry to the touch
- Terpene development important
- Be careful not to dry too quickly
Day 7-14:
- Larger branches become brittle
- "Snap test": branches break cleanly
- Dry on the outside, still moist on the inside
- Ready for curing
- Quality control
Quality control:
Snap Test:
- Break small branches cleanly
- Not only bending
- Shows optimal dryness
- Timing for curing
- Reliable indicator
Moisture check:
- Flowers feel dry to the touch
- No spongy texture
- Outer layer crispy
- Core moisture still present
- Balance important
Mould inspection:
- Check particularly dense blossoms
- Check the interior
- Identify discolouration
- Remove suspicious areas
- Prevention more important than treatment
**Frequent drying errors