Top 5 Tips for Preparing For Cannabis Harvest

Now that many legal states have cleared the way for recreational users to grow their own stash, harvesting cannabis has become a topic of conversation, as getting it right can make all the difference. According to the latest statistics from New Frontier Data, nearly 10% of cannabis users grow their own plants. And as more states legalize cannabis for recreational use, that number is sure to grow, no pun intended. 

Among those who currently do, more than 60% are men. Homegrowers tend to be a bit younger compared to cannabis consumers overall, with 31% of them aged between 18-34, and 49% aged 35-54. Most homegrowers, around 67%, live in areas where cannabis is legally allowed for either medical or recreational use. Over half (56%) prefer to grow their cannabis indoors, while around 31% grow outdoors, and 10% use greenhouses for cultivation. 

A little extra planning and attention to detail before harvest can mean the difference between good buds and great ones. In this article, we’ll go over five essential tips that will help you prepare for harvest and make sure your plants reach their full potential. From watching the trichomes to setting up your drying space, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get the most out of your homegrown cannabis crop.

1. Monitor Trichome Development 

One of the best ways to know when your cannabis is ready to harvest is by keeping an eye on the trichomes. These tiny, crystal-like resin glands are where the plant stores cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), as well as terpenes, which give cannabis its unique flavor and aroma. 

To check the trichomes, you’ll need a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. As the plant nears maturity, the trichomes change color — starting out clear, then turning milky, and eventually amber. Clear trichomes mean the plant isn’t quite ready yet, milky trichomes signal peak potency, and amber trichomes suggest a more relaxed, couch-lock effect.

2. Flushing Your Plants

Flushing your cannabis plants is a crucial step before harvest that helps remove any excess nutrients or chemicals still present in the plant. This process improves the flavor and smoothness of the final product by removing any residual fertilizers or additives in the buds. 

Flushing typically starts about 1 to 2 weeks before harvest. During this time, you should stop feeding the plants any nutrients and switch to plain or pH-balanced water. This consistent use of plain water forces the plant to use the stored nutrients, resulting in cleaner, better-tasting buds.

3. Optimize Your Grow Room Environment

Optimizing your grow room environment in the weeks leading up to harvest is essential for ensuring the health and quality of your cannabis plants. To achieve success, it is imperative to control temperature and humidity. 

As harvest approaches, lowering the temperature slightly and reducing humidity can help keep mold and mildew at bay, which is especially important for dense buds. Aim for a temperature between 65-75°F and a humidity level of around 40-50%. This environment not only protects against mold but also encourages better trichome production, leading to stickier, more resinous buds. 

In addition to temperature and humidity, adjusting your grow lights can also make a big difference. As cannabis plants near the end of their life cycle, it’s beneficial to mimic the natural outdoor transition from summer to fall since plants need darkness just as much as they need light. 

By slightly reducing the intensity of your grow lights or shortening the light cycle (e.g., moving from 12 hours of light to 10), you can signal to the plants that it’s nearing the end of their growing phase. This will push them to produce more resin, as they naturally try to protect themselves from the changing environment.

4. Pruning and Trimming Techniques

Pruning and trimming are essential steps in preparing your cannabis plants for harvest. Doing this during the final stages of growth helps direct the plant’s energy toward the buds, making them larger and more potent. By removing unnecessary leaves, especially the larger fan leaves, you free up energy that would otherwise go to maintaining non-essential parts of the plant. This allows the plant to focus on developing dense, resin-rich buds. 

When pruning, work on cutting away the fan leaves, particularly the ones blocking light from reaching the lower parts of the plant. Improving airflow and light exposure helps prevent mold and ensures that every part of the plant gets the nutrients and light it needs to grow optimally. 

Be careful not to over-prune, though — removing too many leaves can stress the plant, potentially slowing its growth during this critical period. 

After harvesting, you’ll also need to decide between dry and wet trimming. Wet trimming involves trimming the leaves immediately after cutting down the plant, while dry trimming is done after the buds have dried. 

Wet trimming is faster and prevents leaves from curling around the buds, making them easier to remove. However, it can increase the risk of mold if the buds are not dried properly afterward. Dry trimming, on the other hand, is slower and requires more space, but it allows for a more controlled drying process, enhancing the flavor and aroma of your final product.

5. Prepare Drying and Curing Spaces

Preparing a proper drying and curing space is essential for preserving the potency, flavor, and aroma of your cannabis buds. The drying process should take place in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated room at controlled humidity levels. Ideally, aim for a temperature around 60-70°F and a humidity level between 45-55%. 

Keeping the room dark is important because light can degrade cannabinoids, and proper airflow prevents mold from developing on your buds. You can use drying racks or hang your branches upside down, ensuring that there’s enough space between them for air to circulate. 

The curing stage begins once the drying process is complete, usually after seven to ten days. Curing is a slow process that allows the buds to develop their flavors and preserve terpenes fully. 

To do this, place your dried buds in an airtight glass Mason jar, making sure to fill it to about 75% capacity for more air circulation. Keep the jars in a cool, dark place, and open them once or twice a day during the first week to release moisture and allow fresh air inside. This “burping” process is crucial for ensuring an even cure and preventing mold. 

To keep the curing environment consistent, use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels inside the jars. Keeping the humidity around 60% will allow for a slow, steady drying process, enhancing the overall quality of the buds. 

The Bottom Line: Successful Harvesting Begins with Preparation 

Successful cannabis harvesting truly starts with thoughtful preparation. By utilizing the above-noted steps, you set yourself up for a potent, high-quality yield. 

Additionally, taking the time to dry and cure your buds properly ensures that all the hard work you’ve put into your plants will pay off with a smooth, flavorful product. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key to maximizing the potential of your harvest. As long as you follow these tips and remain thorough in your approach, you’ll be rewarded with buds that not only look and smell great but also deliver the best possible experience.

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.