How to Harvest Outdoor Cannabis Plants

Have you successfully grown your first cannabis plant and are now anxiously awaiting harvest time?  This beginner's guide will help you know when to harvest, how to harvest, and what to do with your harvest once it's ready.

WHEN TO HARVEST CANNABIS PLANTS

If you are growing photoperiod cannabis plants here in the Northern hemisphere, October is generally the perfect time to begin harvest.

Ultimately, there is a lot of variation of when a plant can be considered "the best time." The first step is to ensure you are starting with female cannabis plants that have made it to the flowering stage.

Once you're confident you know it's the right time to harvest; the next step is to take some time and gather your materials before getting started.

Gloves

Jeweler's loupe

Digital scale

Boveda packs

Gardening scissors

Rubbing alcohol

Compost bucket

MATERIALS

PREPARE YOUR DRYING SPACE

After the plant is cut down, it will need to be dried. The drying process helps to remove any moisture that could cause your final product to mold or develop mildew.

REMOVE THE  FAN LEAVES

I prefer to trim these fan leaves while the plant is still growing in the ground. I typically start a few days before I want to harvest and enjoy my time spent out in the garden.

CUT DOWN THE PLANT OR BY BRANCH

Depending on your plant size, you can cut it down branch by branch, starting with the main stem, or cut the entire plant down at once.

Outdoor plants can collect unwanted environmental factors like bugs or debris. A gentle wash in clean water will not harm the plant or its potency, but it can help to remove any unwanted material.

WASH THE PLANT

SWIPE UP TO LEARN HOW TO HARVEST OUTDOOR CANNABIS PLANTS