Step 15. Harvest and Dry your Buds (1-3 weeks)
Now you get to see the real fruits of your labor. Job well done.
When the hairy bits, called trichomes, around your buds start to change color from a white to an amber hue, you know it's time to harvest. You'll carefully cut the buds from the plants and prepare for the drying process.
There are two ways to go about it:
Hang Upside Down
This is a popular method, and you'll do this directly after cutting the plants. You'll notice the little leaves will shrivel up, and you can remove the larger ones. Work delicately around the buds to keep them, and their THC content, intact.
Use Drying Nets
You'll cut them down similarly to the method above. Instead of hanging them upside down, though, you'll use a net material instead.
Somehow, we've found the buds to look nicer this way than with the method above. This could be why businesses often use this method in commercial settings. However, we've also concluded that the THC content may drop with this method.
How Do We Know When They're Ready?
Are the small branches bendable? If you can easily bend them, they need more time. Instead, if you find they break off, chances are the plant is done drying.
Do you live in a climate with high humidity? It could take longer for your plants to dry, so don't fret and wait it out. An additional heater could help your cause.