My first...but many questions!

[Westcoastgirl]

Hey there people! So glad to join and get some great input! So my first outdoor grow is going really well, got two that have been in the ground since late April early May. They have been budding for about 6wks and we've had an incredible Sept. but i think the rain is coming. We have been covering with a tent at night since budding began to protect against any rain or deer. How long should I leave before harvesting? Thanks in advance. These pics are 2days old.

[oldskoolgrower]

Depending upon the strain you've got at least a couple of weeks to go. Get yourself a 30x magnifier like a jeweler's loupe. When half to two thirds of the trichomes are turning amber it's generally considered ready to pick. You can pick early if circumstances force you to. The yield will be less and the buzz will be more heady instead of couchlocking. That is not always a bad thing though.

[Westcoastgirl]

Thanks for the tip. Im not sure what strain they are. Its supposed to rain for the next week, should I be keeping covered with the tent in the daytime? Maybe with the windows zipped open? I don't know if the lack of daylight will harm them or not? Was hoping to leave them 2 more weeks if I can.

[oldskoolgrower]

Mold can be a concern if there is a lot of rain but it's really your call. Rain isn't a bad thing unless they get so wet that mold/mildew sets in. Good luck with your grow...they are close. Let us know how they turn out

[Westcoastgirl]

Great! I'll just take it one day at a time. A couple good pics from today, wish I knew what strain....any ideas?

[oldskoolgrower]

It's impossible to tell from just looking at it really. Even if you can smoke the finished bud it's really hard to say what strain you've got other than generalization as to indica/sativa. If I had to guess I'd say you've got an Indica or hybrid there but I wouldn't bet my paycheck on it. How tall is it?

[Westcoastgirl]

There about 4ft.

[doindia]

buds can get wet, looks nice, i would guess maybe 4 more weeks but like someone else said, its pretty impossible to be able to tell

[puffpuffere]

The first reply was a good one. You need to get a magnifier (jewelers loop). I usually harvest mine when the trichomes (crystals) are about 1/4th amber. If you don't have a magnifier just go by when most all of the hairs turn brown.

[Westcoastgirl]

Thanks everyone for the input, I sure hope 2 weeks is all it needs. I feel lucky we haven't had our first frost yet here but I dont think i have 4weeks thats for sure. Maybe it will kick into gear and get a move on! I will watch the trichomes for sure.