Harvest/Curing Guide

[Kind-Smoker]

This guide is directly from www.highgrade-seeds.com, I did not write this, but as I was looking for this information before, I thought I would add this guide. ALL rights and props go to High Grade, fully and completely. I have read our forum rules, and am not aware of any infractions, but if there are any, please pm me and I will delete this promtly! I hope it helps!
http://www.highgrade-seeds.com/harvesting.html -is the link to the High Grade harvesting guide, and thier genetics rock btw! (Purple cindy >.>)




WHEN SHOULD I HARVEST MY BUDS?

The easiest way is to follow the breeder's recommendations on flowering time. On average most indicas can be harvested around 8 weeks after the flowering cycle has been initiated while sativas take longer and can be closer to 9 weeks or more.

Another way is to allow most of the pistils on the buds to turn reddish/brown. The earlier you harvest your buds the less prolonged and less heavy the high will be.

HOW DO I HARVEST MY BUDS?
The best way to harvest your frosty buds is to cut the branches down and trim all the leaves off being careful not to cut any pistils off from the buds. Once trimmed you can place your buds on a screen or hang them up on a string to start the drying process.

THE DRYING PROCESS
The two things to keep in mind during the drying and curing process is DARK, COOL & DRY. The longer the drying process is the sweeter and tastier your bud will be.

Buds should be allowed to dry in a temperature about 65F-70F. The room should be kept dark at all times and should have good air circulation. You should be able to exhaust the air in the room to avoid moisture build-up. Else you stand the risk of inviting mold which will ruin your entire crop!
This initial drying stage will be over when the outer part of the buds should start to feel dry but the inside is still somewhat moist. This can be anywhere from 3 days to 10 days depending on how large and dense the buds are.

BROWN BAGGING
When your buds are crisp on the outside but still pliable on the inside it is time to place them in paper bags. Just fill a paper bag with the manicured buds, enough to cover about few inches. Loosely place the buds over each other and do not pack down the buds too tightly. For better air circulation cut a few small holes in the bag above the level of the buds for ventilation. Loosely fold the top of the bag over a few times and place in cool dark place.
The the buds should be turned in the paper bags at least once a day in the first few days. It is at this time that the buds can be more compacted together and the bag folded down tighter. The entire process from harvest to these first smokable products should take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on your climate. Some smaller buds can be smokable as early as a few days after drying (though perhaps still slightly damp at the core).



MASON JARS
A final curing stage involves placing your buds in mason jars and allowing them to cure in a sealed environment. Simply transfer your buds from the paper bag to the mason jars and loosely pack in them in. Seal the jar and place in a cool dark environment. It is very important In this early jaring stage to check the buds once a day and allow the jars to stay open for about 1/2 hour a day for the first week then less often as time progresses.

WATCH FOR MOLD! Mold can destroy your entire harvest if left unchecked and must be dealt with immediately. Remove and dispose of any moldy bud(s). The rest of the buds in that jar will need to be air out in a drier environment for a while.

SMMMMMMMOKIN!! Your buds are now ready to be enjoyed! They should be completely dry and the stem in the middle of the bud should snap. The consistensy of the buds should be like popcorn...dry but still pliable. Now your buds can be safely sealed and stored for an indefinite period of time. The fragrance of your buds also will develop while curing as will the potency as more and more time progresses.

[Zeeb]

Get a picture of mold so people can tell.

[Anony]

+rep.
Not a bad write up for beginners, but theres a lot more detail it could go into.