I have several questions regarding drying & curing...

Grimsby · Oct 30, 2024

This is my first grow. After caring for this plant for all these months I'm concerned that I might screw it up at the very end. And that would really suck! So here goes...

1. How do you determine when to go from hanging to the jar?

2. I can't keep up with all the trimming. The first 2 pics are branches that broke of too soon. I'm sure that they are too dry. Should I take the buds as off the branch as they are and jar them? Should I put something in the jar the make them moist again?

3. The next is pic is of the rest of the plant. They're still very moist and drying slowly. Temp ranges from 60° to 70° and humidity from 38% to 50%, but it averages about 40%. I haven't had time to trim them at all. What happens if jar them as they are, with the leaves on? Should I give them a rough trim (just get the big leaves) and jar them?

Any help is very much appreciated. I have to get this last part right or I will be very sad.
Thank you

LoveGrowingIt · Oct 30, 2024

Grimsby said:
1. How do you determine when to go from hanging to the jar?

We put them in Grove bags for a month or more before putting them in jars. There isn't a for sure way to know when to stop drying. Experienced growers usually can tell by the look and feel, or by squeezing them. We sometimes put some buds in a jar with a hygrometer and check it after a few hours.

Grimsby said:
2. I can't keep up with all the trimming. The first 2 pics are branches that broke of too soon. I'm sure that they are too dry.

I don't know anyone who likes trimming. We trim some while they're wet and some when they're dry.

Grimsby said:
Should I take the buds as off the branch as they are and jar them? Should I put something in the jar the make them moist again?

You could put them in a jar. Some folks put an apple slice or a carrot in the jar to add moisture. You could also use buds that aren't as dry. Over time, the moisture level will equalize everything in the jar.

Grimsby said:
3. The next is pic is of the rest of the plant. They're still very moist and drying slowly. Temp ranges from 60° to 70° and humidity from 38% to 50%, but it averages about 40%. I haven't had time to trim them at all.

How long have they been hanging? I'd guess that they'll need more than a week to dry--probably 10 days or more.

Grimsby said:
What happens if jar them as they are, with the leaves on?

Nothing much, other than there will be leaves. Which leaves are you asking about? We leave the sugar leaves on our buds, but not everyone does. Fan leaves should be removed.

Grimsby said:
Should I give them a rough trim (just get the big leaves) and jar them?

You could. We remove any remaining fan leaves when we cut the buds off the stem.

Be sure to cure them in the dark to deactivate the chlorophyll.

T_Dub · Oct 30, 2024

I use the paper bag approach often when I don’t have access to a grow tent for drying. The paper bags absorb the moisture more slowly than hang drying and provide a better drying experience before I move them to jars.

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

There are many methods to dry and cure plants, what I am going to explain is just my method of doing it. First off let me say how nugs dry depends on the strain, some dry tight and hard, others dry soft and fluffy. There is many ways of drying...

www.thcfarmer.com

T_Dub · Oct 30, 2024

As far as leaf removal, I find that trimming while the leaves are still wet is easier. If you wait for them to dry, you might want to consider using a Cannabrush. They do a nice job of removing the dried leaves without damaging the buds.

Here’s a video of the Cannabrush in action…..

Grimsby · Oct 30, 2024

LoveGrowingIt said:
We put them in Grove bags for a month or more before putting them in jars. There isn't a for sure way to know when to stop drying. Experienced growers usually can tell by the look and feel, or by squeezing them. We sometimes put some buds in a jar with a hygrometer and check it after a few hours.

I don't know anyone who likes trimming. We trim some while they're wet and some when they're dry.

You could put them in a jar. Some folks put an apple slice or a carrot in the jar to add moisture. You could also use buds that aren't as dry. Over time, the moisture level will equalize everything in the jar.

How long have they been hanging? I'd guess that they'll need more than a week to dry--probably 10 days or more.

Nothing much, other than there will be leaves. Which leaves are you asking about? We leave the sugar leaves on our buds, but not everyone does. Fan leaves should be removed.

You could. We remove any remaining fan leaves when we cut the buds off the stem.

Be sure to cure them in the dark to deactivate the chlorophyll.

What's a grove bag?

Galgrows · Oct 30, 2024

T_Dub said:
I use the paper bag approach often when I don’t have access to a grow tent for drying. The paper bags absorb the moisture more slowly than hang drying and provide a better drying experience before I move them to jars.

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

There are many methods to dry and cure plants, what I am going to explain is just my method of doing it. First off let me say how nugs dry depends on the strain, some dry tight and hard, others dry soft and fluffy. There is many ways of drying...

www.thcfarmer.com

That's what i do. Don't assume because there sticky that it's wet.

Grimsby · Oct 31, 2024

I

I got this from Dollar general. I'm not saying it worked as good as the one you suggested. But it did work really well.
Thanks

Grimsby · Oct 31, 2024

LoveGrowingIt said:
We put them in Grove bags for a month or more before putting them in jars. There isn't a for sure way to know when to stop drying. Experienced growers usually can tell by the look and feel, or by squeezing them. We sometimes put some buds in a jar with a hygrometer and check it after a few hours.

I don't know anyone who likes trimming. We trim some while they're wet and some when they're dry.

You could put them in a jar. Some folks put an apple slice or a carrot in the jar to add moisture. You could also use buds that aren't as dry. Over time, the moisture level will equalize everything in the jar.

How long have they been hanging? I'd guess that they'll need more than a week to dry--probably 10 days or more.

Nothing much, other than there will be leaves. Which leaves are you asking about? We leave the sugar leaves on our buds, but not everyone does. Fan leaves should be removed.

You could. We remove any remaining fan leaves when we cut the buds off the stem.

Be sure to cure them in the dark to deactivate the

I hung them on Oct 27th

Grimsby · Oct 31, 2024

T_Dub said:
I use the paper bag approach often when I don’t have access to a grow tent for drying. The paper bags absorb the moisture more slowly than hang drying and provide a better drying experience before I move them to jars.

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

There are many methods to dry and cure plants, what I am going to explain is just my method of doing it. First off let me say how nugs dry depends on the strain, some dry tight and hard, others dry soft and fluffy. There is many ways of drying...

www.thcfarmer.com

LoveGrowingIt said:
We put them in Grove bags for a month or more before putting them in jars. There isn't a for sure way to know when to stop drying. Experienced growers usually can tell by the look and feel, or by squeezing them. We sometimes put some buds in a jar with a hygrometer and check it after a few hours.

I don't know anyone who likes trimming. We trim some while they're wet and some when they're dry.

You could put them in a jar. Some folks put an apple slice or a carrot in the jar to add moisture. You could also use buds that aren't as dry. Over time, the moisture level will equalize everything in the jar.

How long have they been hanging? I'd guess that they'll need more than a week to dry--probably 10 days or more.

Nothing much, other than there will be leaves. Which leaves are you asking about? We leave the sugar leaves on our buds, but not everyone does. Fan leaves should be removed.

You could. We remove any remaining fan leaves when we cut the buds off the stem.

Be sure to cure them in the dark to deactivate the chlorophyll.

Sugar leaves? Are those the ones close to the bud that are loaded with crystals?

Grimsby · Oct 31, 2024

Grimsby said:
Sugar leaves? Are those the ones close to the bud that are loaded with crystals?

When does curing start? After hanging when you put them in paper bag? When you put them in jars?

dextr0 · Oct 31, 2024

Grimsby said:
Sugar leaves? Are those the ones close to the bud that are loaded with crystals?

Yes

Grimsby said:
When does curing start? After hanging when you put them in paper bag? When you put them in jars?

I consider it curing after I hit 62 rh. By then I have them fully jarred and can leave them be without the humidity rising (check every few hours until a few days pass without change). I want at least a few weeks to pass by at that point to call it cured. I like fresh as opposed to long cure as I feel the flavors are better…this is a personal opinion. Some cure longer even up to a few years.

Grimsby · Oct 31, 2024

T_Dub said:
I use the paper bag approach often when I don’t have access to a grow tent for drying. The paper bags absorb the moisture more slowly than hang drying and provide a better drying experience before I move them to jars.

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

There are many methods to dry and cure plants, what I am going to explain is just my method of doing it. First off let me say how nugs dry depends on the strain, some dry tight and hard, others dry soft and fluffy. There is many ways of drying...

www.thcfarmer.com

Will a cardboard box do the same thing?

Grimsby · Oct 31, 2024

How do you measure the humidity? I have a thermpro in the closet. It stays close to 40%+ or -.

7munkee · Oct 31, 2024

40% is too low. You will get a hay smell. I have the same issue. I can't raise my humidity much past 50% so what I have learned to do is to hang them for four or five days and when the leaves are almost dry, I put all the branches in a tote and leave the lid cocked. The humidity inside will rise. Just re arrange the branched one or twice a day to ensure even drying. It's not ideal but works in my situation. You retain most of the herb smell. In fact, if you have a cool enough spot (55-65 degrees) you can leave the branches in the tote for a week or two then trim and jar at your leisure.

MisterDunk · Oct 31, 2024

Grimsby said:
When does curing start? After hanging when you put them in paper bag? When you put them in jars?

Curing starts as soon as they are chopped. The goal is to dry out the water in a way to allow the cure to progress with minimal shock. Curing is breaking apart the starches.

Farmville · Oct 31, 2024

Get a humidifier from the store like a vortex or I think that’s how it’s spelled. They’re decent for a dry room. Get it to 60 % and then your temps are decent enough where it’ll buy you a couple weeks from when they’re ready to get them in the jar

MisterDunk · Oct 31, 2024

Farmville said:
Get a humidifier from the store like a vortex or I think that’s how it’s spelled. They’re decent for a dry room. Get it to 60 % and then your temps are decent enough where it’ll buy you a couple weeks from when they’re ready to get them in the jar

I hang wet towels in my closets, have to rewet every day. 55 to 65 humidity is my range so far.

Farmville · Oct 31, 2024

MisterDunk said:
I hang wet towels in my closets, have to rewet every day. 55 to 65 humidity is my range so far.

A humidifier would be more automatic so there’s less room for error.

Grimsby said:
This is my first grow. After caring for this plant for all these months I'm concerned that I might screw it up at the very end. And that would really suck! So here goes...

1. How do you determine when to go from hanging to the jar?

2. I can't keep up with all the trimming. The first 2 pics are branches that broke of too soon. I'm sure that they are too dry. Should I take the buds as off the branch as they are and jar them? Should I put something in the jar the make them moist again?
View attachment 2313304 View attachment 2313305

3. The next is pic is of the rest of the plant. They're still very moist and drying slowly. Temp ranges from 60° to 70° and humidity from 38% to 50%, but it averages about 40%. I haven't had time to trim them at all. What happens if jar them as they are, with the leaves on? Should I give them a rough trim (just get the big leaves) and jar them?

View attachment 2313306

Any help is very much appreciated. I have to get this last part right or I will be very sad.
Thank you

You should also get a humidifier op

MisterDunk · Oct 31, 2024

Farmville said:
A humidifier would be more automatic so there’s less room for error.

You should also get a humidifier op

humidifier will add some nice heat too. My towel wetting work for pure cure bud is subpar.

Farmville · Oct 31, 2024

MisterDunk said:
humidifier will add some nice heat too. My towel wetting work for pure cure bud is subpar.

Don’t feel any way way out if you got to do what you got to do. I don’t got a dehumidifier in my dry room and my bud still turns out good. I get by using the dry setting on my ac

I have several questions regarding drying & curing...

I have several questions regarding drying & curing...

Grimsby

LoveGrowingIt

T_Dub

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

T_Dub

Grimsby

Galgrows

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

Grimsby

Grimsby

Grimsby

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

Grimsby

dextr0

Grimsby

Drying, Curing, and Storage (paper bag method)

Grimsby

7munkee

MisterDunk

Farmville

MisterDunk

Farmville

MisterDunk

Farmville

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