There are several methods for trimming post-harvest buds – wet or dry – depending on your preferences. Wet trimming is ideal if you want to minimize mold and humidity, while dry trimming keeps excess terpenes intact. In addition, you can prune your plants to maximize yield, using disposable rubber gloves to prevent splatters of water or dirt. In this article, you’ll learn more about the most effective techniques and safety precautions.
Wet Trimming Is Ideal If You’re Avoiding Mold And Humidity
Wet trimming indica dominant strains are the preferred method of harvesting the crop. This technique makes removing fan leaves, and sugar leaves easier, thereby shortening the process. It also reduces moisture and mold growth. Mold can ruin your harvest. It also makes your buds more aesthetically appealing. If you plan to sell your crop directly to consumers, wet trimming will be the best option for you. Read on to find out the benefits and disadvantages of wet trimming.
Wet trimming involves trimming the plant leaves right after harvest. It is considered more efficient and suitable for first-timers. You don’t need to remove extra leaves if you use this method. The process also eliminates the risk of mold and humidity since most moisture and mold problems occur between the stalk and bud. Because of this, wet trimming is ideal for avoiding mold and humidity issues.
Dry Trimming Prevents Excess Loss Of Terpenes
One of the primary advantages of dry trimming post-harvest plants is the preservation of the terpenes. Wet trimming reduces the space needed for drying. It also results in a more compact flower and improves the flavor. Trimming post-harvest leaves, stems, and buds is easy, but removing trichomes can be messy and stain your fingers and clothing. Dry trimming is ideal for processing weed for concentrates, but many growers prefer wet trimming.
Another advantage of dry trimming is that the flowers don’t get spoiled by the drying process. In addition to preventing the excessive loss of terpenes, dry trim keeps post-harvest plants viable for long-term storage. A report published in the journal PLOS ONE summarizes the findings of a study. In addition, it makes it easier for researchers to design future studies. Dry trimming post-harvest prevents excess loss of terpenes while preserving the aroma and flavor of the post-harvest flower.
Pruning To Increase Yield
The main purpose of pruning is to direct the plant’s strength to the parts of the plant that absorb light easily. Large leaves can block the sunlight, preventing it from reaching lower parts of the plant, such as the buds. Leaves and buds are like solar panels for plants, so light must reach them in order to charge them. As a result, post-harvest plants benefit from pruning, which encourages growth and yield. To maximize the benefits of pruning, take note of the timing of your prunes.
While some strains benefit from pruning to create more airflow and light transparency, others may not be so lucky. Some growers even prefer to remove leaves too early to maximize yield. However, this practice could reduce the number of potency buds available in your harvest. For instance, some people prefer to cut off leaves that have a high THC content to increase yields. These leaves contain the most THC. Hence, it is best to wait until harvest time to harvest post-harvest for maximum potency.
Using Disposable Rubber Gloves
Using disposable rubber gloves when trimming post-harvest can be a very risky move. Not only can they be dirty, but they can contaminate food as well. Some of these gloves even contain high levels of toxins. It is, therefore, crucial to use good quality disposable gloves when trimming post-harvest. Disposable rubber gloves manufactured by reputable suppliers have quality control procedures in place to ensure they meet the requirements for post-harvest plant safety at all stages of production.
It is also important to buy gloves of good quality because low-quality disposable gloves tend to have less elasticity. You need to use more muscle force to work with them, which is riskier. Furthermore, if you choose a cheap disposable glove, it is easy to use it repeatedly, increasing the risk of injury to your hand. The best disposable gloves are made of high-quality materials that can withstand heavy use and prevent further damage to your hands.
