Hi everyone. So the big twins are ready to pull in a day or 2. So my questions are…
how do you dry them? Indoors or out? Do you hang the whole plant or break it up and hang them in branch bunches? Any tips for me? As a reminder I did an outdoor grow, plants are only a bout 2’tall cause I started a bit late. They are gorgeous and healthy. This was my plan… I’m in FL where it’s very wet this time of year. But I have a generous sized wooden shed that my husband built and it is very dry in there and safe/private. My main question/fear is the temperature. It’s in the 90’same every day so it’s hotter in there. Do I need a cooler space? Can I use a fan and leave the door open a bit for air temperature. And circulation control. I can’t do it in the house. If I can’t do the shed will they dry on the lanaii if. It is pretty well protected from rain but may still be humid. Also how long does it take?
One more question. What’s the difference between drying and curing and do I need to do both?
Sorry for naivety it’s my first time. I know I can read or watch a video but you my friend have been so helpful I’d like to get you feedback! Thanks @bob31, @peachfuzz, @bruinsfan33, @SmoknGranny, @FreakyDeekie, @FloridaSon, @Hogmaster, @Laurap, @Willy, thanks grow buddy’s!
I’m in agreement with drying in a tent if you can @Lindababy . Sounds like maybe an outdoor grow but I just harvested and dried 2 plants in my tent. I kept the RH and temps @bob31 outlined and my plants were dry in 4-5 days. I have a dehumidifier that helped and I needed to control smell so the tent was the best/only option.
Admittedly, I skimmed your post initially so here is my attempt to answer your questions (keep in mind there is great information online and on this site and many more experienced growers that have and will comment).
Drying in a hot shed with high humidity could invite problems. You don’t want a “quick dry” (like two days) but you certainly don’t want an extended 20 day dry either as that could invite mold, mildew, etc.
Most folks remove the branches, trim and hang individual branches to dry.
Drying on the lanai may have same issues as shed but more air circulation…6 of one/half dozen of the other!!
Ideally, you need a humidity controlled area to dry the herb correctly.
DRYING: You dry until small stems snap vs bend then you jar/container up the buds (glass preferred with sealable lid) which starts the CURING of the buds. Curing can take from 2-8 weeks but the buds are smokable when dry and not cured. Curing gives the deep moisture in the larger buds a chance to dry by spreading that moisture back through all of the buds in the jar. It also provided time and conditions for chlorophyll and other nasties to convert to more friendly aromas and flavors.
Personally, I bought a $80 dehumidifier because of the high humidity through my last weeks of flower and drying phase. It has been priceless!!
Thanks everyone! Pretty sure That I know what I’m gonna do now thanks to
everyone’s advise. I have a 10×10 tent. that I can put in the shadiest and
most private party of my yard. And purchase a humidifier in there with it.
And then watch carefully. I think that’s all I can do. Didn’t think ahead
except I did know I didn’t want to grow more than I can handle. (Only grew
4) it was an outdoor container grow.
Are you running A/C now? I found that helps with the humidity up here as well as temperatures. I’m drying in a dark toilet room but a spare bathroom, closet etc should work. Just monitor the temperature and humidity and try to adjust accordingly.
Now the way I’m understanding things is 1) drying is slowly removing moisture from the plant and 2) curing is the aging process to enhance the flavor, smoothness, etc. it’s like cooking a big pot of chili … edible and good on day one, but much better the second day. MJ is the same. However, depending on the WAY that a person cures is where I’ve seen problems after a successful dry. I read the aforementioned article by Robert and I personally will not being canning my buds for the very reasons he stated in the article.
Hope you get this figured out as you deserve the benefits of your hard work and giving heart.
Thanks for all of the advise. And links. I’m sure I know what I’m going to do now. I love asking real people. Cause the guides are great but so specific to hydro aortic soil, indoor, outdoor. Etc etc.
and 2) curing is the aging process to enhance the flavor, smoothness, etc. it’s like cooking a big pot of chili … edible and good on day one, but much better the second day. MJ is the same. However, depending on the WAY that a person cures is where I’ve seen problems after a successful dry. I read the aforementioned article by Robert and I personally will not being canning my buds for the very reasons he stated in the article.