Another drying question

Hey guys,

Sorry to ask another drying question as seen loads and loads of different post, forums etc about this but I need some direct advice please!
I am growing two autos in a tent, one auto seems to be weeks ahead of the other which makes me think that will be harvested first. Now I read drying needs to be around 15-20c (nearer 15c) and about 60% humidity with complete darkness.
My idea before starting the grow would be to harvest both plants at the same time so can use the tent as a drying room. I need to ensure smell is kept under control and have limited space. As one plant is further ahead, I don't think my plan will work anymore... does it need to be in complete darkness?

I can get a portable AC to keep the room temp between 15-20c but if I hang the further along plant in the tent, obviously the light will still be on for the other plant! I have a controller humidifier so this won't be a problem to keep at 60%.
The other problem I see with this is keeping the tent at 60% humidity to dry 1 plant but then would be problematic for the other plant which would still be flowing!

What do you guys think I can do in this situation?

P.s I do have a home made kiln out of insulation which can be sealed with complete darkness. Do drying nugs need airflow because air doesn't flow in the kiln..

Thanks!

Loaded question. Drying and curing in the dark is recommended but not wholly necessary. If you have a blanket, sheet, or something to partition the tent, that could work. Airflow is vital during drying. Not a lot but you need some at least moving air.

Johiem said:

Loaded question. Drying and curing in the dark is recommended but not wholly necessary. If you have a blanket, sheet, or something to partition the tent, that could work. Airflow is vital during drying. Not a lot but you need some at least moving air.

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Yes, fully loaded
I could partition it off to reduce the light but humidity will still be a problem for the other plant, my tent is 120x60x150 so not huge.
My kiln can have air movement with a small fan inside but wouldn't be exchanging air...

Are you going to trim dry or wet? I wet trim to save on space, and now I'm just using a paper grocery bag to dry. I don't know if it'll work for dry trimming

Johiem said:

Are you going to trim dry or wet? I wet trim to save on space, and now I'm just using a paper grocery bag to dry. I don't know if it'll work for dry trimming

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I haven't decided yet, possibly wet trim due to space. How do you dry successfully in the past keeping temp and humidity optiomal?

Wing it. I keep it in the bag for normally 3-5 days depending on the stems. If they fold over without any snapping sounds, it's not ready. If it breaks it has gotten too dry. When a few stems crack, but not break ,when bent it's time to jar it up. Then comes at least 3 weeks of burping the jar, curing. Then it's ready.

I've got some just about ready for the jar. I'll send you some pics when I get back there this afternoon.

Thank you! I'm still trying to work out where I can keep them thats dark, smell proof (as much as possible with lower than 20c and around 60% humidity. My tent woild be great keeping carbon filter hooked up but that would mean sacrificing my slower plant

Strangely while it's in the bag the smell seems pretty contained, until you fan it for air exchange. It could be that I've gone nose blind, but this strain has a grape-y smell that I don't pick up till I breathe the bag.

So I think I have figured out something. Based on another post, someone thinks my plants are 2 weeks apart which messes with my ideas to dry (hoping both would be harvest same time... lack of knowledge at the time )
I am going to get a reflective tarpaulin sheet to divide the tent. One side will grow the slower plant and the other side will dry the faster plant. Hopefully I can keep the humidity and temp correct but I am not sure! Trial and error this will be! Will let you guys know how I get on!
Thanks

Ideally want to aim nearer 15 degrees for drying, 60% humidity, in which case the lower temp could possibly delay the slower growing lady maturity wise. Dry trim will extend drying time resulting in a smoother nicer tasting smoke.

ZeeeDoc said:

Ideally want to aim nearer 15 degrees for drying, 60% humidity, in which case the lower temp could possibly delay the slower growing lady maturity wise. Dry trim will extend drying time resulting in a smoother nicer tasting smoke.

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I think I have no option but to try and keep around 20c degrees, i can dry trim, I've never done it so hopefully won't be too difficult haha

ZeeeDoc said:

Ideally want to aim nearer 15 degrees for drying, 60% humidity, in which case the lower temp could possibly delay the slower growing lady maturity wise. Dry trim will extend drying time resulting in a smoother nicer tasting smoke.

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Also, I am in no rush so if the slower lady slows a little bit more, its no big issue! One think I need to ensure is keeping the humidity lower in the grow side so hoping the tarp will help

JordanZz said:

Also, I am in no rush so if the slower lady slows a little bit more, its no big issue! One think I need to ensure is keeping the humidity lower in the grow side so hoping the tarp will help

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Hmmm I’m gonna hazard a guess the humidity will be the same either side, let us know though. 20 degrees is ok it will dry quicker, i water them day before chop which will extend dry time, slows things down, just need to make sure adequate air flow. Good luck

ZeeeDoc said:

Hmmm I’m gonna hazard a guess the humidity will be the same either side, let us know though. 20 degrees is ok it will dry quicker, i water them day before chop which will extend dry time, slows things down, just need to make sure adequate air flow. Good luck

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I am going to have a humidifier within the drying section with a fan at the top to extract, buds drying in the middle and a fan at the bottom to circulate (not pointing at bud). If temp is 20c can humidity be higher to like 65 70% to extend drying times?
Thanks

Higher temps and higher humidity will promote mold, airflow needs to be spot on, but yeah would extend drying times if humidity is in that range. If you water the plant before day before chopping will also extend drying time.

JordanZz said:

Thank you! I'm still trying to work out where I can keep them thats dark, smell proof (as much as possible with lower than 20c and around 60% humidity. My tent woild be great keeping carbon filter hooked up but that would mean sacrificing my slower plant

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It's each to their own but I'd wait on the last plant to mature before chopping, an extra week never goes wrong.

Star Dog said:

It's each to their own but I'd wait on the last plant to mature before chopping, an extra week never goes wrong.

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Thanks but I think the slower plant is around 2.5 weeks behind.

Soma style: when you think she is ready ...give her another week

JordanZz said:

Thanks but I think the slower plant is around 2.5 weeks behind.

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Put a pic up dude of both if you can ? I’ve let plants go longer because of waiting for others to catch up, pretty much every grow to be fair, had no probs by doing this. Just curious to see when you say 2.5 weeks behind