Drying:
Get Growing in 2026
The best way to teach yourself about curing is to grow a Mother Plant, flower clones, harvest, and store some for the long-term. Grow another clone two months later, and when that clone is harvested, compare its fresh-bud smoke to the four-month-old batch smoke; that will really show you what curing is.
● Separate room
● Dark with Airflow
● Hangers with hooks or sturdy old school metal hangers.
● I like to cut my branches in a way that leaves“ little hooks,” which allow for easy hanging.
● If not in a super-sealed room, ambient temperature and humidity will affect the drying time.
● Generally, 4-7 days based on bud size and weather conditions.
● The larger the bud and attached stem, the longer it takes.
● We want to hear a good, solid“ stem Snap” when breaking a dry stem.
○ Signals that enough moisture has been removed to begin smoking the buds.
○ How dry you get your harvest is up to you.
○ I prefer long-term storage on the drier side, so I do not need to worry about mold or mildew issues.
Cure / Storage
Don’ t Freak Out! Curing is real, but it’ s not some mystical unicorn you cannot tame! Let’ s just be real. Most people“ utilize” their dry buds long before any noticeable curing takes place. Also, most people don’ t keep mothers and grow clones, so there is rarely any side-by-side batch comparison of the same variety of plant to determine when the best time is for“ You” to smoke that specific variety of plant / flower. I can also guarantee that the next variety you grow will cure out with a different taste and flavor from your current batch.
In reality, the buds are curing from day one of harvest until you smoke them. You have cut them off from life; now, oxygen and light can further break down the cannabinoids. It takes a very long time for the process to break down good buds into Bad buds, so enjoy as you please.
Your plants are fully ready to smoke and enjoy as soon as that stem snaps. What determines cure time is when“ You” think that variety of cannabis is the“ Most” enjoyable. I like to do this in non-airtight, food-grade containers, and when the plant develops the smell and consistency I like. I then transfer it to stainless steel C-Vaultz.( No, I am not sponsored by them. They are the originals, and the best.)
Four different varieties of dried cannabis.
I love fresh buds, but I also love longer-cured batches; I cannot say which is better, as every variety will express itself differently postharvest.
Tune in next month. Meanwhile, have Fun and Get Growing!
As always, please feel free to come out to Emerald Garden’ s Growers Club if you’ d like to talk to me in person and get advice on your grow. It’ s every Tuesday to Thursday from 4-8 p. m. at 6532 Blue Ridge Cutoff.
Scan the QR code to see more of Gerry’ s How-To videos. Gerry is also available at Emerald Garden Grow Supply for Free personal grow consultations. He’ s happy to help walk you through your grow from seed to harvest!
Gerry Donovan, the owner of Emerald Garden Grow Supply, Raytown, MO, says,“ I am not a plant Biologist nor a Chemist. I do not have any formal cannabis plant education, as that was a non-existent thing before today’ s world. I do, however, have a passion for cannabis, which words fail to describe. I’ ve traveled throughout Europe, including Amsterdam, Spain, and Canada, where I not only ventured into the world of seeds and genetics but also continued my quest to learn as much as I could about Growing the Plant. I continue to expand my knowledge via grow seminars and cultivators’ conferences and, most importantly, through simple discussions with other growers. Over the last 22 years, I’ ve developed my own Grow Methodology through trial and error with love and passion. I hope to guide you on the pathway to enjoying the best cannabis you have ever consumed— your own homegrown!” Cannabis – Education – Wellness.
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