Hang them upside down in a dark room, they are dry when you bend a stem and it snaps. Then put them in a jar and open it several times a day to let air in for 10 or 15 minutes. Do that for a couple of weeks.
Does it have to be a dark room? I was planning an outdoor grow and was hoping just do be able to hang them from tree branches or something. I don't really have a structure where I can dry them conveniently...
Thats a good idea. Approximately how long would I have to let them hang in the box before they would be ready for smoking (or curing??)
The box may work, if it doesn't rain or get blown away. You'll want holes in it for ventilation, depending on you humidity, should dry in a week or so.
it all depends on how long until they are done drying.... could be 1 week... could be 3 weeks. check them daily... also waiting until the stem snaps sometimes isnt the way to go. i just finished drying mine and the stem still would bend but the buds are too dry... they are very crispy! so just watch out. heres my short thread i asked about drying and buds getting too dry.... http://forum.grasscity.com/absolute-beginners/145997-drying-my-lowryders-think-they-might-dry.html