How To Harvest Weed: A Beginner’s Guide To Cannabis Cultivation

how to harvest weed

If there is one thing that most people try to know after searching for the legalities of growing weed, it is about “how to harvest weed?”

If this is something that you are searching for, I have you covered!

You see, weed, or marijuana, is a controversial plant to talk about. You might want to grow it for medicinal and recreational purposes. But the “What if people…” thoughts might put you off! This is because harvesting or growing weed is not like harvesting potatoes. There are several other things associated with the same.

But don’t you worry, my friend! If you are trying to search for the best ways to harvest weed, both indoors and outdoors, you need to look no further! Keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…

Is Growing Marijuana Legal?

Is Growing Marijuana Legal

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, pot, or ganja, is a plant that contains several psychoactive compounds. It can alter one’s mood, cognition, and perception. Marijuana has been used for several reasons and purposes for thousands of years, ranging from medicinal to spiritual.

But its legal status has been a matter of debate and controversy in many countries. So, is growing marijuana legal?

The answer depends on where you live, how much you grow, and what you use it for. In some countries, such as Canada, Uruguay, and South Africa, growing marijuana for personal use is legal or decriminalized as long as you follow certain rules and regulations.

In other countries, such as the United States, Australia, and the Netherlands, growing marijuana is legal or tolerated in some states or regions but illegal or restricted in others. In many countries, such as China, India, and Saudi Arabia, growing marijuana is illegal and punishable by harsh penalties, regardless of the amount or purpose.

Various factors, such as the potential benefits and harms of marijuana use, the social and cultural attitudes towards marijuana, the economic and political interests of different groups, and the international treaties and agreements on drug control influence the legal status of marijuana.

The legal status of growing marijuana is also subject to change as new laws and policies are enacted or revised and further research and evidence are presented.

Growing marijuana is a complex and controversial issue that has no simple or universal answer. The best way to find out if growing marijuana is legal in your area is to consult the relevant authorities and sources, and to be aware of the risks and consequences of your actions. Remember, just because something is legal, does not mean it is safe, ethical, or advisable.

When Should You Plant Weed?

When Should You Plant Weed?

Spring is here, and you know what that means: it’s time to get your marijuana seeds ready for planting outdoors.

This is the most important crop of the year because you can get the biggest harvest of all.

Some old-timers like to plant their seeds on the first full moon of March. They say this way, the seeds get some light at night and don’t grow too tall too fast.

But sometimes, it’s still too chilly in March, and not everywhere has the same weather. If you live in a colder place, your plants will grow slower and suffer from the cold and the wind. They will be weaker and more likely to get bugs and diseases

So, what should you do in this case?

Well, you can wait a month or two longer. A seed that sprouts in a nice climate from April onwards will grow bigger and better than one that sprouts in March in the same place

But growing plants for so long is not easy.

You must watch out for all kinds of things: bugs, diseases, nutrients, transplanting, pruning, training… It’s a six-month-long job requiring constant attention

Things to Keep in Mind

Things to Keep in Mind 

If you want a good quality and quantity of weed there are several things that you need to keep in mind. Want to know what they might be? I have you covered! Here are some of the things that you’ll need:

  • Fertilizers for growth and flowering: You can choose whatever fertilizers you like, organic or chemical. Organic ones, like humus, guano, and flower boosters, will give you a tasty and aromatic weed, but less of it. Chemical ones, like those from specific brands, will give you more buds, but less flavor.
  • Insecticides for insects like whiteflies, mites, or thrips: It’s better to use them as a prevention, so you don’t get any nasty surprises.
  • An anti-fungal product that works well against powdery mildew: Propolix or other chemical products are good, but you have to use them from the beginning.
  • Bacillus Thuringiensis: This is for caterpillars and other worms. Use it as soon as the flowers start to show, which is when these critters start to show up. Around May/June.
  • Stakes or wires to support the branches during the flowering stage.

Soil and Other Conditions to Grow Weed or Marijuana

Soil and Other Conditions to Grow Weed or Marijuana

It’s obvious that this is the most common grow medium, probably because it’s easy to find and has some nutrients already in it. Weed grown in soil is also more delicious and fragrant. And, no, it’s not hard to grow in soil – just plant your (favorite) strain in the soil, and you’re good to go.

That’s it. Of course, there are different kinds of soil, and some are better than others. High-quality potting soil will make your life easier and faster. You might also want to add some extra nutrients to make your weed grow better.

Or you can make your own super soil. If you decide to buy soil, we suggest you go for the best brands, or at least those with a good soil mix. They should have things like earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, humic acid, etc.

Can You Grow Weed Without Soil?

Want to try something different? Go soilless. You’ll see some quicker growth (and bigger harvests). And, conveniently, growing weed in soilless mediums is pretty similar to growing it in soil. The only difference is that you’ll have to give the nutrients yourself because soilless mediums don’t have any. Some examples of soilless mediums are coco coir, vermiculite, perlite, etc.

What About Hydroponic Grows? Is it Complicated?

No, hydroponic growth is not complicated. It’s as easy as picking your setup (hydroponic system), getting your nutrients, and sprouting your seeds. And you’ll get some amazing benefits: super-fast growth, huge yields, and super-strong weed.

Sounds good, right? Don’t believe everything you hear because some information can mess up your growth. But with the right setup and care, you can be sure of a plentiful harvest.

What It Needs to Survive and Thrive: How to Grow Weed Plant?

What It Needs to Survive and Thrive: How to Grow Weed Plant?

If you want to grow the best weed possible, you need to know your plant well. Here are some of the main things that a weed plant needs to thrive, and how it works.

Light

Light is the fuel that drives photosynthesis and growth in a weed plant. The fan leaves are like solar panels that absorb light. The more light you give your plants, the more buds they will produce. 

But be careful not to give them too much light. If you grow indoors, keep your lights at a safe distance from your plants, or you might burn them and ruin your nugs. And if your plants get too hot, they will dry out faster and need more water and attention.

Weed plants usually need at least six hours of sunlight a day when they grow outdoors. This is called “full sun”. When they grow indoors, they usually get between 12 and 18 hours of artificial light a day, depending on their stage of growth.

Weed is a photoperiod plant, which means that the amount of light it gets every day affects when it flowers and makes buds. Outdoors, this happens when the days get shorter in the fall. Indoors, you can make this happen by changing the light cycle from 18 to 12 hours a day.   

Water

Water is essential for all plants, including weed. Water provides hydrogen for photosynthesis, and also carries nutrients from the soil to the plant through the roots, and throughout the whole plant.  

Water also helps the plant stay firm and flexible, by creating pressure on the cell walls. This allows the plant to bend with the wind or reach for more light. 

Plants also lose water through their leaves, like humans sweat, to cool down. This is called transpiration, and you can see it as droplets on the leaf tips.  

This may sound obvious, but you only need to water the soil or the medium where your weed plant grows, not the leaves or the plant itself. We suggest that you water a lot, but not too often, rather than a little, but more frequently. This way, the roots can dry out a bit and get more oxygen from the soil. 

Nutrients

A marijuana plant needs several nutrients to grow and flower. The main nutrients it needs are: 

  • Nitrogen: Nitrogen helps a weed plant grow during the vegetative phase, when it makes more mass, stems, branches, and leaves. It is part of chlorophyll, the green pigment that helps the plant use light for photosynthesis.
  • Phosphorus: Phosphorus is important for storing and using energy, as well as for root growth and bud development. It helps the plant take up nutrients and build its structure.
  • Potassium: Potassium helps with many of the plant’s metabolic activities, such as respiration, transpiration, and enzyme activation. It also helps the plant fight off diseases and pests. 
  • Calcium: Calcium is a minor nutrient, but it still plays a role in keeping the plant’s cell walls intact, and helping the plant absorb other nutrients. 
  • Magnesium: Magnesium is part of chlorophyll, and helps the plant make glucose from photosynthesis. Without it, the plant can’t turn light into energy. 

CO2

Plants breathe in CO2 through tiny holes in their leaves called stomata. During photosynthesis, plants turn CO2 into glucose, which they use to grow and flower. 

Some indoor growers use a “CO2 burner”, which is a device that adds a little bit of CO2 to the air, to make the plants grow faster and bigger. But this is usually too much for home growers. 

Wind/airflow

Wind or airflow is good for your plants, because it brings fresh air and CO2, which they need to grow.  

Airflow also prevents mold and diseases, by removing moisture from the inside of the plant, so it doesn’t get too wet. You can also use a technique called scragging, which spreads out the branches and lets more air in.

Wind or airflow also makes your plant stronger and healthier, by making its stalks and branches thicker and sturdier. When a plant bends with the wind, it produces a hormone called auxin, which stimulates growth.

What to Keep in Mind While Harvesting Weed?

What to Keep in Mind While Harvesting Weed?

You probably know that different strains of weed need different amounts of time and sun to grow well. Sativas, which come from places near the equator, like a long and sunny summer to get fully ripe.

Indicas, which come from colder and harsher places, are usually faster to finish. But there are exceptions, of course. Some indicas are slow and some sativas are quick.

The best time of day to cut down your outdoor plants is in the morning, before the sun gets too strong. You don’t want them to be wet from dew, but you also don’t want them to be exposed to too much sunlight, which can ruin their flavor.

You can also harvest at night when it’s cooler, but the morning is better because the plants are fresher and haven’t been under the sun all day.

1. Watch the weather 

As your buds get bigger and heavier and the season changes from summer to fall, the weather can change too. Depending on where you live, you might get some cold snaps or rainstorms.

These are not the end of the world, but you do need to pay attention to the weather and maybe decide on the spot when to harvest your plants, balancing their ripeness with the risk of losing them.

2. Harvesting in Lower Temperatures 

According to sources, most weed plants can handle a light freeze—28-32°F for up to three hours—without any problem. But a hard freeze, anything lower or longer, can be a disaster. 

Frost can make ice crystals form in the plant cells, hurting them. The leaves will look droopy and then turn dark and crunchy. The worse the frost, the more damage to the plant.

Remember that plants in pots are more sensitive to temperature changes than plants in the ground, so they are more likely to get frost damage.

3. Rainy Harvests 

Rain is not a big deal by itself, but it depends on how long and how hard it rains. If it’s going to stop soon and dry up fast, you can leave your almost ready plants outside. But if the rain is going to stay, mold is waiting—better to harvest sooner than later.

Covering your plants can help, but the air will still be humid. You can use some tall stakes and a tarp to cover them, but make sure to take them off when the rain or cold is over. In this way, the plants can warm up and breathe.

When to Harvest Weed Plant? 

When to Harvest Weed Plant? 

The type of plant growing determines when to harvest cannabis. Sativa, hybrid, and indica are the three primary kinds of cannabis seeds. Are you curious about the best time to harvest marijuana?

Let me break it down for you!

Sativa strain plants typically take longer to mature and give off a stronger cerebral height. However, Indica plants yield larger blooms and a more sedative, paralyzing high.

When an Indica and a Sativa are crossed, hybrids that enable flowers to have both traits are created. While Sativa cultivars blossom in 10 to 16 weeks (about three and a half months), Indica varieties flower in 8 to 10 weeks (about two and a half months) on average.

The cannabis plant can be found in hybrid form halfway between the two main species. It is important to understand that flowering times might vary based on environmental factors like temperature and duration of day.

Thus, the questions of when and how to harvest cannabis remain unanswered. Knowing what you want to achieve with your cannabis plants can help you decide when to harvest them.

Let’s say you are growing cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Is there a unique method for harvesting cannabis in this case? If so, it is imperative to harvest the plant at the height of its cannabinoid content.

But if you are cultivating cannabis seeds for fun purposes, then it is best to harvest marijuana at its peak maturity.

How to Harvest Weed?

How to Harvest Weed?

Once you’ve decided when to harvest your cannabis, it’s critical to understand how to harvest cannabis plants correctly. It’s simple to harvest cannabis; you just need to cut the stem off at the root. But it’s best not to pull the branch out of the ground since this could damage it and reduce its yield.

It is crucial to properly dry the cannabis after harvesting it before stocking it. Hanging it upside down in a room with lots of ventilation and little light exposure is the best method to accomplish this, like a wardrobe. In order to efficiently dry cannabis, proper ventilation is necessary because it inhibits the growth of mold.

Before you proceed to store it, ensure that you let your cannabis rest for some time. This can range anywhere from three to seven days. This is a great way to ensure that the leaves are dried and ready for you to store.

Wrapping It Up! 

In case you were searching for the best ways on how to harvest weed, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!

More Resources:

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Amazing Flower Street Garden

3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How to Design?

When it comes to planting your garden, perhaps you love nothing but the joy of rooting, tilling, and otherwise nourishing your plants and flowers to grow to be amazing and beautiful. Really, you are passionate about gardening, and would not trade the experience for anything. That said, perhaps you have experimented with tons of different types of gardening, from hydroponics to indoor planting. This time around, you are probably curious to take on planting flowers…on the street. While you might find it to be a piece of cake, there is a certain art to it, and we are here to help you out! Read on to learn more in this article on how to design an amazing flower street garden. Pretty soon, you will be well on your way to an excellent garden that you can show off to your family and neighbors. Without further ado, let’s get started! How to Design an Amazing Flower Street Garden First things first, it is necessary to take some time to research just how you are going to start your flower street garden. It is not just a matter of rushing into doing so, but rather taking the time to yield great results. Trust us: in the end, it will all be worth it. Here are three, simple steps to follow: 1. Select your plants and flowers Aside from choosing plants and flowers that look aesthetically-pleasing and color-coded with each other, it is also a matter of choosing some which can co-habit together peacefully. In other words, you need to select plants and flowers that can grow well without having to fight for the same nutrients in the soil, let alone fertilizer. Really, competition can be fierce for some of them, which can end up leading not only to inadequate nutrients being distributed unevenly but also inadequate growth on both parts of the plants and flowers. For instance, zinnias and geraniums go well together, both in terms of being planted together and color-scheming. Another good one to refer to is that of Melampodium and shrub rose, which add that extra pop to your home curb appeal. 2. Keep them orderly Paradoxically speaking, this point is both about keeping your street garden limited just to a few plants and flowers, but also diversifying them for an aesthetically pleasing sight. What do we mean by this? In other words, it is advisable not to go crazy with too many different species of plants and flowers within a given plot of land, considering that, again, they will have to compete for nutrients (which can affect how they grow), as well as create a hodgepodge of all sorts of species which can make it look a bit too disorganized and detract from its attractiveness. That said, a rule of thumb is to plant just a few varieties: we recommend planting no more than ten sorts of perennials, five kinds of shrubs, and two types of trees. Again, strike a balance between color scheme and practicality, and doing so will make all the difference when it comes to the beautiful results of your street garden. 3. Maintain them regularly Finally, it is a matter of just getting around to planting and nourishing your plants and flowers along the side of your street. Besides just the basics of watering and giving them enough sunlight to flourish, you will also have to maintain it regularly with appropriate fertilization and pruning from time to time, especially if you are growing plants and flowers that tend to get quite thick and heavy with foliage and so forth. Hence, for the latter, it is a good idea to have at least a prune tool around to make it easier (and safer) to efficiently keep the plants and flowers under good maintenance. From shears to pole saws to lawnmowers, pruning tools come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so it is essential to know which ones are the best for the type of pruning you need to do. *bonus* Give them love and care. While this point sounds corny, it is important nevertheless to care for your plants and flowers like they are your own children. Doing the basics such as watering, fertilizing, and pruning is a good start, but to take it above and beyond to keep them safe from harsh weather and investing in safety fences to keep out pests and other sources that might otherwise damage, will make the street garden even more lovely and happier. For an idea of what to expect for street gardens, check out this video here: https://youtu.be/qh0ckoAiCek Read also: 5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden Overall, street gardening is an interesting concept that is not a bad idea to consider, should you be passionate about planting flowers, in general. With the right amount of tools and planning, you should be able to create an amazing and attractive street garden to call your own.

READ MOREDetails
Evacuation Plan

Why You Need A Cold Weather Evacuation Plan

Whether you already have an evacuation plan or are just starting to think about making one, it’s necessary to have different plans for different scenarios. Think about it: does your evacuation plan assume that there will be blue skies and warm temperatures during an evacuation for a fire? A thorough evacuation plan takes many different situations into account. You should be aware of the different types of evacuations that occur, from natural disasters such as forest fires, landslides, tornados, and house fires. And yet, often, people forget to plan for adverse weather conditions, like having to wait in a safety zone in frigid temperatures, pouring rain, or a snowstorm or having to leave through emergency exits with heaps of snow or ice obstructing the way. Checkout Three Prime Reasons You Need A Cold Weather Evacuation Plan: If you already have an evacuation plan and are prepared with emergency tools like the Evacuscape evacuation chair, you’re already ahead of the game, and winterizing your plan won’t require too many tweaks. If you don’t yet have any evacuation plan in place, you can make your cold weather plan at the same time as your warm weather plan. Here are some of the key reasons why it’s essential that you plan for cold weather evacuations. 1. Higher Risk of Fires Between fireplaces, candles, and increased use of heating systems, there’s much more opportunity for fires in the home to occur. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that house fires occur more often in winter than in any other season. The increased risk must be taken into account during emergency planning for everyone’s safety. Plus, you can take the opportunity to ensure your practice has good fire safety tips. 2. Increased Chance for Severe Weather Natural weather-related disasters come at all times of the year. Winter brings freezing cold temperatures and all sorts of precipitation – from snowstorms to ice storms. Storms can last for days, and power outages often occur, leading to further safety issues. It’s essential to know the different scenarios that can occur. For some, it may be safer to stay put indoors, whereas, for others, you may need to leave your home. You May Also Check: All The Colors You Should Wear This Winter 3. Provides More Opportunities for Safety Planning Considering different conditions allows you to prepare accordingly. From simple and easy things like keeping a warm coat or jacket available to quickly grab on your way out to keep you warm while waiting outside to advance planning, like making sure exits are clear of snow and ice and making sure windows that might be used are easily opened when the cold and ice start happening. The whole point of emergency evacuation planning is to ensure people know how to evacuate safely and are familiar with the plan enough that they can remember it in the event of an emergency when feelings of panic are likely to occur. One thing you will probably never hear someone say is that they regretted taking safety precautions like planning an evacuation plan for their family and going over it every once in a while, to ensure everyone is familiar with it. Making another evacuation plan for cold weather allows you the opportunity to go over your plan, talk to your family about it, and keep it fresh in everyone’s minds to keep your family safe and protected this winter. Read Also: How to Maintain a Bright and Beautiful Garden During WinterPrepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving7 Daring Party Drinks to Try This Winter

READ MOREDetails
Rug Layering

Tasteful Or Messy? How To Nail The Rug Layering Trend In Your Home

Rug layering, a trend that has gained popularity in interior design, can be perceived as both artsy and deliberate or, alternatively, as a bit sloppy, depending on the execution and context. When done with care and a discerning eye, rug layering can add depth, texture, and visual interest to a space, elevating it to a more eclectic and personalized level.  The key to artful layers Artful layering involves combining rugs of varying patterns, textures, or sizes in a way that complements the overall design scheme, creating a harmonious and intentional aesthetic. Starting with a Large selection of stylish rugs is the best way to move forward in a stylish and purposeful way by allowing for a dynamic interplay of colors and materials, contributing to a space that feels curated and thoughtfully designed. While a good rug collection is the best way to nail this trend, some thought and artistic design is still required in the process. If not executed thoughtfully, rug layering runs the risk of appearing haphazard or messy. The key to avoiding a sloppy look lies in keeping a sense of cohesion and balance. It's essential to consider the color palette, scale, and patterns of the layered rugs, making sure they work together rather than clash.  Proper placement is also crucial; overlapping rugs in a purposeful manner can create zones within a room, defining different functional areas and enhancing the overall design. Without this intentional approach, however, rug layering may come across as disorganized and lacking in visual harmony.  If you would like to add additional warmth to your home, and perhaps find a way to tie your rooms and decor together, then blankets are a great way to do that. They blend in easily and provide both aesthetic and practical value. Why add warmth with rugs and blankets?  Rugs and blankets play crucial roles in enhancing the comfort, aesthetics, and functionality of a home. Rugs, with their diverse textures and patterns, serve as versatile decor elements that can tie together various design elements within a room. They not only add warmth to hard flooring surfaces but also define and delineate living spaces. Whether it's a luxurious Persian rug in the living room or a cozy sheepskin rug in the bedroom, these floor coverings contribute to the overall ambiance of a home. Similarly, blankets are multifunctional essentials that go beyond providing warmth. They introduce layers to interior design, allowing homeowners to infuse colors and textures that complement their style. Blankets draped over sofas or neatly folded beds serve as both decorative and functional accessories. In addition to their aesthetic value, blankets offer a sense of coziness, inviting individuals to snuggle up during chilly evenings. Together, rugs and blankets contribute to a home's atmosphere, creating a welcoming and personalized space where style meets comfort. Ultimately, the method of rug layering chosen is really dependent on individual taste. For those who appreciate a more eclectic and bohemian look, carefully layered rugs may be considered artsy and avant-garde. The key here is to strike a balance that aligns with the overall design vision and the desired atmosphere of the space. Read Also: Home Decoration At Its Best: 7 Key Ideas To Recreate Your Home Top Home Remedies To Make A Floor Non-Slip Ideas for Modern Flooring Designs for Home Improvement Plans

READ MOREDetails