Getting ready for your first harvest is a big part of being a marijuana grower. You have to make sure you are growing all the right types of cannabis to get the best results. This includes choosing the right seeds for your strains, choosing the right potting soil, and knowing when to harvest cannabis.
Trichome Color
If you’re growing cannabis, trichome color is one of the most important factors to consider. Trichomes are small crystals that form on the surface of marijuana buds. They are responsible for the production of cannabinoid resin and also house the chemical compounds called terpenes. The trichomes change color and develop in several stages. By understanding these stages, you can decide when it is the right time to harvest your buds.
When your cannabis plants are close to finishing their flowering phase, their trichomes will start to mature and change color. Depending on the strain, this process will occur at different times. This is one of the best ways to determine when a plant is nearing its peak potency.
At the beginning of their development, trichomes look clear, like a glassy substance. As they continue to develop, the trichomes become milky. Usually, the trichomes contain peak levels of terpenes and THC.
After two weeks, the trichomes turn amber. In this stage, the cannabinoid molecules begin to degrade and less THC is present. Nevertheless, these trichomes can still give you a relaxing effect.
Pistils
If you are new to growing cannabis, you may be wondering when to harvest. You’ll need to wait a few weeks before you can start reaping the benefits. Fortunately, there are a few ways to determine when your plant is ready to harvest.
First, you’ll want to look at the trichomes on your marijuana plant. These mushroom-shaped growths contain the bulk of the cannabinoids in your plant. Trichomes are easy to miss with your naked eye, but a magnifying glass is helpful.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the size and shape of the buds. Buds that are tight and firm are usually ready for harvesting. The trichomes on your marijuana plant will change color as they ripen.
It’s important to harvest your marijuana before the trichomes turn gray, as this will reduce the quality of your product. Also, it’s not a good idea to harvest too early, as the plant will begin to degrade after this point.
Autoflower Strains
If you have been thinking about growing cannabis in the near future, you may be interested in learning more about autoflower strains. Autoflowers are a type of marijuana strain that is genetically programmed to flower after a few weeks.
This type of plant offers growers several advantages. One of the most important is that plants are relatively resistant to disease. Compared to photoperiod plants, these cannabis strains are usually smaller and have lower cannabinoid content. In addition, the shorter life cycle allows for quick turnaround times.
In fact, these strains are usually ready to harvest in only eight to twelve weeks. However, this may vary from strain to strain.
The best time to harvest an autoflower is based on several factors. It depends on the particular plant and its genetics. A low-maintenance strain like Northern Lights is a great choice if you want to get rid of body aches and stress.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a high-THC strain, try Gelato. This seed has a high THC content and packs a punch without knocking you out.
Growing Outside
The first step in growing cannabis outside of harvest time is choosing a location. You want to find a spot with enough sunlight. Typically, this is a backyard. But you can also choose a patio, a balcony, or even a roof. Make sure that the area is well sheltered from the wind.
Secondly, you want to make sure that the soil is of good quality. This is important because the cannabis plant will require a lot of nutrients. It will also need to be watered a lot.
Finally, you will want to consider weeds and pests. These are common enemies of a garden. A good way to prevent them is to place tall fences around your garden. Alternatively, you can use gopher wire to keep them from eating the roots of your plants.
Some people prefer to grow indoors. If you don’t have suitable soil for your area, you may be unable to amend the soil yourself. However, there are many websites and books dedicated to the topic.
