by Kent Gruetzmacher
The 9 Most Valuable Tools for Ha
For indoor and outdoor growers , harvest time is filled with both excitement and trepidation . When harvest finally arrives , you must pick flowers at just the right time and then dry them to the perfect consistency . To make the most of your buds , you should utilize the best tools during harvest .
Modern cannabis growers have countless options for harvest tools and equipment . For example , commercial producers often utilize technologies like bucking and trim machines to reduce harvest labour . Conversely , home growers who cultivate craft strains often enjoy the process of harvesting and trimming flowers by hand . Whatever your chosen method , there are a few tools that are essential to any cannabis harvest operation . The right harvest tools not only protect the integrity of your crop , but they also greatly lighten your workload .
Heavy-Duty Pruning Lopper
Heavy-duty pruning loppers are a critical part of any cannabis harvest operation . While smaller scissors work great for precision trimming , you need more heavy-duty tools for bucking down plants . Heavy-duty loppers are used to cut branches directly off cannabis plants while they are still in the ground . By cutting directly above where the branch meets the stem , you create a “ V ” that is great for hanging branches on a line . If you are drying using a drying rack , you can use the lopper to break down plants for further processing . Heavy-duty loppers work great for harvesting cannabis because they give you the leverage to cut through thick stalks and stems . Attempting to do this job with other equipment like scissors or a saw could prove quite dangerous .
Drying Rack
Drying racks are essential for a streamlined cannabis harvest . Not only do racks save you space in your drying area , but they also space flowers the correct distance to optimize airflow . As such , drying racks help ensure that your hard work is not wasted on mouldy flowers . Many growers prefer drying racks to drying lines due to ease-of-use . Racks can be conveniently hung in out-of-the-way spaces and moved when necessary . Conversely , drying lines run the length of the drying room — rendering much of the space unusable .
Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers give you unparalleled control over the climate when drying cannabis . Importantly , you don ’ t want your cannabis flowers to dry too quickly or too slowly . Dehumidifiers give you control over humidity levels in your drying room , which can then be adjusted as needed . People who cultivate cannabis in wet climates understand the importance of dehumidifiers . In places like the West Coast , flowers simply won ’ t dry without proper climate control . Too much moisture in a drying room can cause issues with mould and ruin an entire harvest . However , you must also be sure that your dehumidifier doesn ’ t dry out flowers too much . Dehumidifiers are designed for use in both commercial and residential applications . You can get a basic dehumidifier for $ 100 that will remove about 500ml of moisture from the air per day . Looking to larger operations , commercial units can cost upwards of $ 1,500 and remove nearly 70 litres of moisture each day .
20 Maximum Yield