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Looking to harvest your cannabis crop? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it right.
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Introduction
It’s time to harvest your cannabis plants! Here is a quick guide on how to properly harvest your crop.
The most important thing to remember when harvesting is to be gentle with your plants. You don’t want to damage the buds or leave too much stem on the flowers. Start by trimming away any large leaves that are surrounding the buds. These can be saved and used for making hash or other cannabis products.
Next, Using sharp scissors or a knife, carefully cut the buds off of the branches. Be sure to cut as close to the branch as possible without taking any of the flowers with you. Once all of the buds have been harvested, you can begin trimming away any small leaves or stems that are still attached.
Now that your buds are trimmed and ready to go, it’s time to dry them! Hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place for about 10 days. This will allow all of the moisture to evaporate from the buds, giving you some of the best-tasting and longest-lasting weed around!
The Different Types of Cannabis
Cannabis is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the flower buds are at their peak. Depending on the type of cannabis you’re growing, the harvesting process can be different. Here’s a look at the different types of cannabis and how they’re harvested.
Indica: Indica plants are shorter and bushier than sativa plants. They typically have a shorter flowering time, so they’re ready to harvest sooner. Indica plants are usually harvested by cutting down the entire plant.
Sativa: Sativa plants are taller and thinner than indica plants. They typically have a longer flowering time, so they’re not ready to harvest until later in the season. Sativa plants are usually harvested by cutting off the buds from the branches.
Hybrid: Hybrid plants are a mix of indica and sativa plants. They can have characteristics of both types of plants, so they may be ready to harvest at different times depending on the plant. Hybrid plants are usually harvested by cutting off the buds from the branches.
The Best Climate for Growing Cannabis
The best climate for growing cannabis is one with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Cannabis plants thrive in warm climates with long days and plenty of sun, but they can also tolerate cooler temperatures and shorter days. In general, cannabis plants need about six hours of sunlight per day to grow well.
Cannabis plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, but they will generally do best if they are grown in a greenhouse or other protected environment. This is because cannabis plants are sensitive to the weather and can be damaged by strong winds, heavy rains, or frost.
If you live in an area with a hot climate, it is important to make sure that your cannabis plants do not get too much sun. If the leaves of your plant start to turn yellow or brown, this is a sign that they are getting too much sun and you should move them to a shadier spot. Plants that are grown in too much sun will usually produce lower yields of buds.
In general, cannabis plants do best when the daytime temperature is between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit (21-29 degrees Celsius) and the night time temperature is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius).
The Ideal Soil for Cannabis
The ideal soil for cannabis is a mix of one-third sand, one-third loam, and one-third peat moss. This type of soil is easy to work with and provides the perfect amount of drainage and aeration for the roots. If you cannot find a pre-mixed cannabis soil, you can make your own by mixing together equal parts sand, loam, and peat moss.
Once you have your soil mixed, it is important to choose the right location for your cannabis plants. Cannabis plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. If you live in an area with long summers, you can plant your cannabis directly in the ground. However, if you live in an area with shorter summers or cold winters, it is best to grow your plants in pots so that you can move them inside when the weather gets too cold.
When choosing a location for your plants, it is important to make sure that they will have enough space to grow. Cannabis plants can grow quite large – up to six feet tall – so be sure to choose a spot that has plenty of room. It is also important to make sure that the location you choose is not too windy, as this can damage the leaves of the plant.
Once you have chosen the perfect location for your plants, it is time to start growing!
The Perfect Potting Mix for Cannabis
When growing cannabis, the perfect potting mix will vary depending on what stage of growth your plant is in. Different nutrients are required at different times, and soil that is too rich or too lean can inhibit growth or even kill your cannabis plants. For this reason, it’s important to know what kind of soil to use and when to use it.
There are three basic types of potting mix: starter mix, vegging mix, and flowering mix. Each one is designed for a different stage of plant growth and contains different levels of nutrients.
Starter mix is a lightweight mixture that contains few nutrients. It is designed for young seedlings and clones that have not yet begun to grow vigorously.
Vegging mix is a richer mixture that contains more nutrients. It is designed for plants that are actively growing and putting out new leaves and stems.
Flowering mix is the richest type of potting mix, and it contains the most nutrients. It is designed for plants that are in the flowering stage, when they are producing buds.
How to Plant Cannabis
You can grow cannabis indoors in a soil-less mix of hydroponic media or in containers outdoors. Cannabis is best grown outdoors in a sunny, protected location with well-drained soil. If you are growing in raised beds, make sure the sides are high enough to prevent the roots from escaping and the bed from drying out.
Before planting, till the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. Mix in some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to help with drainage and water retention. You can also add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. If you are growing in containers, use a high-quality potting mix that contains some organic matter.
Cannabis seeds need warm temperatures (about 70°F) to germinate, so if you are planting outdoors, wait until after all danger of frost has passed. Indoors, you can start seeds year-round.
To plant cannabis seeds:
1. Soak them overnight in warm water to soften the shell.
2. Fill planting pots with moistened potting mix and make a small indentation in the center of each one with your finger.
3. Drop a seed into each indentation and lightly press it into the soil so that it makes contact with the moisture below.
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How to Water Cannabis
How you water your cannabis plants is extremely important. Over-watering can lead to problems such as mold, while under watering will cause your plants to become stressed and produce lower yields. Depending on the size of your plant, it will need anywhere from 1 to 10 gallons (3.8 to 38 liters) of water per week. The best way to determine how much water your plant needs is to check the soil around the plant every day. If the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry, it’s time to water the plant. If the soil is still moist, wait a few more days before watering again.
When and How to Fertilize Cannabis
Marijuana, like any other plant, needs a good balance of nutrients to grow properly. While the best way to get these nutrients is through the soil, you may need to supplement your plants with fertilizer at some point during their growth cycle. But how do you know when and how to fertilize cannabis?
The first step is to understand the different types of fertilizer available. The two most common types are chemical and organic. Chemical fertilizers are made from synthetic ingredients and can be either liquid or granular. They are typically less expensive than organic fertilizers and can be found at most home improvement stores. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials such as manure, compost, or fish emulsion. They are usually more expensive than chemical fertilizers, but they are also more gentle on plants and will not burn them if used incorrectly.
Once you have selected a fertilizer, you need to determine when to apply it. The best time to fertilize cannabis is during the vegetative stage, when the plants are actively growing. If you add fertilizer during the flowering stage, it can cause problems with buds developing properly. It’s also important not to over-fertilize your plants, as this can lead to nutrient burn which will damage the leaves.
When it comes to actually applying fertilizer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you follow the directions on the package carefully. Second, always water your plants before applying fertilizer so that the roots can absorb it properly. Third, avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves of your plant, as this can cause them to burn. And finally, don’t forget to flush your plants with plain water once in awhile to remove any excess fertilizer that may have accumulated in the soil.
How to Harvest Cannabis
Cannabis harvesting is the process of removing the mature flowers or buds from the plant. Cannabis plants usually flower for about 6-8 weeks, but this can vary depending on the strain, growing conditions, etc. The best time to harvest is when the trichomes (resin glands) are at their peak maturity – typically around 60-70% milky white and 30-40% amber.
Here are some tips on how to harvest your cannabis:
1. Make sure your plants are ready – check the trichomes and flowering time to determine when to harvest.
2. Cut the branches with a sharp knife or pruning shears, being careful not to damage the main stem.
3. Hang the branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room to dry for 7-10 days.
4. After drying, remove the buds from the branches and trim away any excess leaves.
5. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Drying and Curing Cannabis
After you have cut down your cannabis plants, it is time to dry and cure the buds. Drying and curing are different processes but both are essential to producing great cannabis.
Drying is the process of removing moisture from the buds so they can be properly stored. Curing is the process of slowly allowing the buds to further dry while also allowing them to age and develop more complex flavors.
Ideally, you will want to dry your cannabis slowly in a dark, cool place with good air circulation. Afan or dehumidifier can help control the humidity and keep mold at bay. The cannabis should be cut into smaller pieces and hung from string or a clothesline.
The buds will be ready to cure when they are no longer sticky to the touch and when the stems snap instead of bend. Once the buds are dry, they can be cured in Mason jars or pop-top containers. Be sure to open the containers once a day to allow for proper air circulation. After a few weeks, your cured cannabis will be ready for smoking!
