Cannabis Harvesting: How To Trim, Dry, and Cure Your Buds The Right Way

Harvest season will soon be upon us, and for cannabis cultivators, that means work time. Growing your own cannabis at home can be very therapeutic and satisfying, but drying and curing the stuff can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to the whole growing game. Let’s be real. You can expertly grow a beautiful cannabis crop, but you could lose your entire grow if you don’t trim, dry, and cure it correctly.

Have no fear! GreenCore is here! This is our step-by-step guide on how to dry and cure your buds the right way.

Trim Those Trees

When your buds are big and ready, you’ve got two options: wet trimming and dry trimming. Wet trimming means tackling those sugar leaves right after you’ve harvested them. These are the little leaves around the buds. Snip ’em off close to the bud, but don’t go crazy – you want to keep those trichomes intact.

Dry trimming requires waiting until your buds are dry, but not bone-dry. This takes some patience. Once they’re at that sweet spot, start by cutting off the big fan leaves that are wrapping around the buds. You’ll want to leave those frosty trichome-covered leaves on there – they’re like the diamonds of your crop.

Dry trimming is more of a challenge, but it often ends in a smoother final product. That primo taste? It comes from a longer curing time, as sugar leaves hold onto extra moisture, making it easier for the plant to ditch the chlorophyll. The trade-off? Dry trimming brings a more significant mold risk, and those fan leaves wrapping around the bud may make it a bit tougher.

When snipping, use sharp, clean scissors to make clean cuts. Precision is key! You don’t want to damage the buds or lose those precious trichomes. Take your time, work your way around each bud, and admire your handiwork as you go. You want to leave a bit of stem to hold onto, but not too much.

Remember, this is a labor of love, and each snip is bringing you closer to top-notch buds. Put on some Snoop Dogg, chill, and enjoy the ride. And don’t toss those trimmings – they’re still suitable for making extracts, edibles, and kief. So, get comfy, put on some tunes, and give your buds the TLC they deserve!

Dry Your Dank Buds

Drying is easy. It’s all about the drying room setup. Find a cool, dark spot with good consistent airflow. Hang your buds upside down – this helps even drying. Don’t crowd them; give those babies some space. Temperature and humidity are crucial. Aim for around 70°F (21°C) and about 50% humidity. If it’s too humid, you risk mold. But if it is too dry, your buds can get crispy.

Remember, patience is key. Let your buds dry for about a week or so. Check them daily for any mold or funky smells. You’ll know they’re ready when the smaller stems snap, not bend. And those buds should feel dry on the outside but still have a bit of moisture on the inside. Once they’re good to go, it’s time for curing. That’s where you seal the deal on flavor and potency.

Cure Your Cannabis

Properly curing your cannabis is critical to locking in terpenes and cannabinoids. The best way to do this is to put your trimmed buds in an airtight jar, filling it about two-thirds full. For extra flavor and aroma magic, open the jar once a day (referred to as “burping”). This keeps mold at bay and helps the sugars and chlorophyll break down, giving you a cleaner, richer taste.

When you burp your cannabis buds, keep an eye out for any mold or mildew. Toss the bad ones, and put the clean buds back in the jar for even curing. Don’t get down on yourself if you lose some! Every crop will have some waste; even seasoned growers have to accept this. However, if your buds are too dry, don’t fret. Simply toss it in a humidity pack like a Boveda to get them juiced up again.
When that ammonia smell is gone, your bud’s cured and ready to roll.

Keeping Your Kush

To keep your cannabis potent and fresh, you’ve gotta’ store it right. Properly cured cannabis can stay fresh for up to two years before the good stuff like THC and CBD start to dip. Airtight containers, mason jars, glass jars, and humidors are all excellent spots for storing your stash. But the freezer’s a no-go; it’s a buzzkill for shelf life.

Closing Thoughts on Harvest Time

Trimming, drying, and curing cannabis might seem daunting, but don’t sweat it. Through trial and error, you’ll be cranking out tasty buds in no time. If you aren’t already cultivating your cannabis at home, check out our beginners’ guide here.