Good day everybody. It seems to me there's far too much pot out there which has been grown with great potential, only to be a disappointment due to the final phases of the crop. When i hear people complain about how their buds are harsh, or they taste bad, they don't burn well... you get the idea somehow they're buds are fucked up. There are a few reasons why your buds can end up inferior and that's what I'm here to help prevent.
FLUSHING:
Many people don't give flushing enough credit. Many know that it can effect flavor, but it can also greatly impact potency. TOO MUCH NUTES FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS WILL MAKE FOR A HEAVIER HARVEST: BUT PHOSPHORUS SLOWS THC PRODUCTION. This is why sometimes people may say that they don't get high from a particular bag. My flush begins 2 weeks before harvest day. I change my solution in the reservoir every day for these last 2 weeks, and I use plain water with Cal-Mag Plus added for trace minerals. During week one of my flush, I set my ballast at 50% power, and raise it higher above the canopy. After the first week, move the plants to the side of the room and only allow them to receive indirect light. This will dramatically increase resin and terpene production.
HARVESTING:
You'll want to harvest your buds just before lights on. I harvest 6 large plants at a time, and I start cutting individual branches about an hour before lights on. You may choose to harvest your plants by cutting at the base; I do not recommend this, as there are still more nutrients in the stalks of the plant, and as they dry those nutrients will still move through the buds and can result in harsher smoke.
TRIMMING:
When to trim is a matter of individual preference. I trim before drying, partly because it is less messy than afterwards, and also because again, there are more nutrients in the leaves. In addition, as soon as the plant is cut down the stomata on the bottom of the leaves begin to close. This can result in buds holding nutrients. When the buds are manicured first, there are more cuts/openings in the surface of the buds and they will dry faster and in my opinion, smoke smoother. When trimming I advise you to use 2 buckets for trim; one for trichome-covered trim for hash, and the other for discard trim.
DRYING:
After trimming, I hang my plants in my drying cabinet. Check on them daily. Once the buds feel crispy on the outside but the larger stems are still pliable, I remove the buds from the branches and place them on a screen to finish drying. You may also use paper towels if you don't have $5 to spend on the screen. Once the remaining small stems snap easily, the buds are fully dried.
CURING:
Many people confuse curing with drying, but they are totally different. After the buds have fully dried, place them in mason jars about 70-80% full, then seal the jars. Open the jars once per day for the first 3 days, then once a week for 2 weeks, then open it one more time after one month. Your buds are now fully cured! Any overstock should be stored in a cool dark place. light degrades THC. If done properly, these steps should ensure that your buds will smoke smoother, taste better, get you higher, and make you a very happy and productive gardener. Happy farming!!!
FLUSHING:
Many people don't give flushing enough credit. Many know that it can effect flavor, but it can also greatly impact potency. TOO MUCH NUTES FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS WILL MAKE FOR A HEAVIER HARVEST: BUT PHOSPHORUS SLOWS THC PRODUCTION. This is why sometimes people may say that they don't get high from a particular bag. My flush begins 2 weeks before harvest day. I change my solution in the reservoir every day for these last 2 weeks, and I use plain water with Cal-Mag Plus added for trace minerals. During week one of my flush, I set my ballast at 50% power, and raise it higher above the canopy. After the first week, move the plants to the side of the room and only allow them to receive indirect light. This will dramatically increase resin and terpene production.
HARVESTING:
You'll want to harvest your buds just before lights on. I harvest 6 large plants at a time, and I start cutting individual branches about an hour before lights on. You may choose to harvest your plants by cutting at the base; I do not recommend this, as there are still more nutrients in the stalks of the plant, and as they dry those nutrients will still move through the buds and can result in harsher smoke.
TRIMMING:
When to trim is a matter of individual preference. I trim before drying, partly because it is less messy than afterwards, and also because again, there are more nutrients in the leaves. In addition, as soon as the plant is cut down the stomata on the bottom of the leaves begin to close. This can result in buds holding nutrients. When the buds are manicured first, there are more cuts/openings in the surface of the buds and they will dry faster and in my opinion, smoke smoother. When trimming I advise you to use 2 buckets for trim; one for trichome-covered trim for hash, and the other for discard trim.
DRYING:
After trimming, I hang my plants in my drying cabinet. Check on them daily. Once the buds feel crispy on the outside but the larger stems are still pliable, I remove the buds from the branches and place them on a screen to finish drying. You may also use paper towels if you don't have $5 to spend on the screen. Once the remaining small stems snap easily, the buds are fully dried.
CURING:
Many people confuse curing with drying, but they are totally different. After the buds have fully dried, place them in mason jars about 70-80% full, then seal the jars. Open the jars once per day for the first 3 days, then once a week for 2 weeks, then open it one more time after one month. Your buds are now fully cured! Any overstock should be stored in a cool dark place. light degrades THC. If done properly, these steps should ensure that your buds will smoke smoother, taste better, get you higher, and make you a very happy and productive gardener. Happy farming!!!
Also if the plants are flushed properly there shouldnt be many nutrients left in the stems.
: