Gettin' learnt on drying and curing with Ricky

[Uncle Rom]

It's water under the fridge. He's probably up there jammin' the shithawks anyways. At least I can grow good dope now without being interfered with. Bubs needs to pick it up though, but he's getting the hank at drying and what not. Jules is out doing his own thing, but good things come to those at the gate.

Word brother
What goes around is all around

 

[Z71banshee]

So, I’ve read this quite a few times (and quite a few other sites that recommend 60/60) and I was talking with a friend the other day. He thinks I’m absolutely crazy for not drying as fast as possible. While I plan on following what I’ve read from seasoned growers, the 60/60 method, I just want to ask, what’s the difference between slow dry and fast dry? From my experience, the fast dry always results in a “hay” smell and taste.....it works but tastes like shit!
I am ready for my first ever indoor harvest and I am very nervous about drying/curing. Building a drying box today, just have to wait two days for the inkbird humidity controller. Not sure if it’s needed yet, as my basement stays at a steady 64 degrees and 54-58% RH. @ricky_simples , would you think I would need the controller if I have a 4 inch inline fan running in a 2x4x4 box? It is just a booster fan, so the cfm are 90-100. It will be drawing the air directly from the basement.

 

[Couch_Lock]

Some good reading and techniques in this thread. So far I've hung branches for 7-8 days at 66 degrees, 50% humidity.....then I tossed branches in lawn and garden large paper bags for 3-4 more days........opening the bag for an hour a day........

Last run I bought a 5 tiered mesh foldable drying rack instead of hanging in my bedroom closet.........did the paper bag step #2 also......

Likely not ideal, some methods listed above are probably superior. I might try something different this Sept. I did get $15 a gram tho.

 

[Capt. C]

Some good reading and techniques in this thread. So far I've hung branches for 7-8 days at 66 degrees, 50% humidity.....then I tossed branches in lawn and garden large paper bags for 3-4 more days........opening the bag for an hour a day........

Last run I bought a 5 tiered mesh foldable drying rack instead of hanging in my bedroom closet.........did the paper bag step #2 also......

Likely not ideal, some methods listed above are probably superior. I might try something different this Sept. I did get $15 a gram tho.

Nice i would not change a thing with that kind value on the product. I use Tupperware myself after the hang. I think after a while everyone kind of develops what method works best for themselves. Not many pockets left in the country with that kind of value. @Couch_Lock when you use the paper bags do you use the grocery store size or the lawn and leaf bags?

 

[Couch_Lock]

I use Lawn and Garden paper bags, Capt. They are almost 5 foot tall............they dont need to be that big, Beth bought these for our lawn, I stole a few.

Just put a nice size gash (hole) in the bag, maybe two of them. Then, even if you fold it up like an accordion the weed can breathe.

I agree on we all try many things and replicate what works best.............

 

[Cattapilla]

For my next harvest Septemberish, I won't have a cool place to dry my plants. It will be closer to 78 degrees. What would be the best method. My last harvest dried in a very short amount of days, but there wasn't much.

 

[Couch_Lock]

Haha I hung plants the very first ime in our attic. Shit dried in 2 days, it must have been 90 or higher up there in August.

Live and learn.


Catta, if you can't air condition those temps down some you will need to move them to a cooler spot to keep quality high. A basement, an unheated pantry maybe?

 

[Photon Pharms]

So I've been using the Herbs Now drier on this last run. Did a half vs half hang dry/cure, like the way I've done it for years. This machine goes against everything I have learned and been taught about drying, but a good solid handful of people from another site I'm on, that I highly respect their opinion, have been using it and swear by it. So I tried it. At first, once the herb has been dried I could rather easily tell which was which. The machine dried, lacked the smell and was a bit brittle on the outside of the flowers. Fast forward a week in jar, and holy crap!! Not only is the herbs now stuff seem better prepared, the smell is way louder at that point between the two. I would say at about the two week cure mark and the two methods seem to get much closer to the same result. I am insanely surprised. Whole process in the dryer took about 5 days and it was smelly and rolled a nice spliff, vs a solid two plus weeks to get the same on the thr "traditional" dry method. I'm currently waiting on my second and third machine. I was able to load about 6 plus Oz in the machine. So with my normal harvest amount, three should be fine for me,most times. Again, I was a huge skeptic and had to be talked into the purchase, but I am a believer now. Anybody has questions on this, hit me up. I'll do my best to help as it probably is making you ask yourself the same questions I asked too. I personally, still like the convenience of the hang dry method I personally use, but mainly because it allows me to trim and manicure at my pace. The machine, so far I've found, like a light pre manicure of sorts before the dry. Or that's how I did it on recommendations. Anyway, I recommend for the footprint and speed of the dry alone. Was and am, still very impressed with this little thing. And no, before you ask, it is not just a rebranded dehydrator. Not that there's tons of tech going on, but it is a bit more than that.

 

[Photon Pharms]

So I've been using the Herbs Now drier on this last run. Did a half vs half hang dry/cure, like the way I've done it for years. This machine goes against everything I have learned and been taught about drying, but a good solid handful of people from another site I'm on, that I highly respect their opinion, have been using it and swear by it. So I tried it. At first, once the herb has been dried I could rather easily tell which was which. The machine dried, lacked the smell and was a bit brittle on the outside of the flowers. Fast forward a week in jar, and holy crap!! Not only is the herbs now stuff seem better prepared, the smell is way louder at that point between the two. I would say at about the two week cure mark and the two methods seem to get much closer to the same result. I am insanely surprised. Whole process in the dryer took about 5 days and it was smelly and rolled a nice spliff, vs a solid two plus weeks to get the same on the thr "traditional" dry method. I'm currently waiting on my second and third machine. I was able to load about 6 plus Oz in the machine. So with my normal harvest amount, three should be fine for me,most times. Again, I was a huge skeptic and had to be talked into the purchase, but I am a believer now. Anybody has questions on this, hit me up. I'll do my best to help as it probably is making you ask yourself the same questions I asked too. I personally, still like the convenience of the hang dry method I personally use, but mainly because it allows me to trim and manicure at my pace. The machine, so far I've found, like a light pre manicure of sorts before the dry. Or that's how I did it on recommendations. Anyway, I recommend for the footprint and speed of the dry alone. Was and am, still very impressed with this little thing. And no, before you ask, it is not just a rebranded dehydrator. Not that there's tons of tech going on, but it is a bit more than that.

One thing I'd like to add that I believe is the single most important part of the drying and curing process, especially the drying, is that every single person's method will probably be a bit different. Environmental factors like temp, rh, and airflow of area of dry effects the process probably more so than any actual technique. So where I will basically always hang dry and dry trim my flowers on the entire plant, others may find wet trim and breaking the plant down into individual flowers better at their location. So I recommend finding someone who has similar specs to their environment as a first step. That is also why this herbs now dryer is a hit. Most environments can be combated with it in the same manner. Basically only effecting the amount of time rather than the method.

 

[Cattapilla]

@Couch_Lock The coolest space is a closet under my stairs, at 77 degrees. I suppose that I can drop the temperature that week to the high 60s, that will lower the closet temp. I'm in Northern California, and I wish I had a cool basement!

 

[stanknugzz77]

So I've been using the Herbs Now drier on this last run. Did a half vs half hang dry/cure, like the way I've done it for years. This machine goes against everything I have learned and been taught about drying, but a good solid handful of people from another site I'm on, that I highly respect their opinion, have been using it and swear by it. So I tried it. At first, once the herb has been dried I could rather easily tell which was which. The machine dried, lacked the smell and was a bit brittle on the outside of the flowers. Fast forward a week in jar, and holy crap!! Not only is the herbs now stuff seem better prepared, the smell is way louder at that point between the two. I would say at about the two week cure mark and the two methods seem to get much closer to the same result. I am insanely surprised. Whole process in the dryer took about 5 days and it was smelly and rolled a nice spliff, vs a solid two plus weeks to get the same on the thr "traditional" dry method. I'm currently waiting on my second and third machine. I was able to load about 6 plus Oz in the machine. So with my normal harvest amount, three should be fine for me,most times. Again, I was a huge skeptic and had to be talked into the purchase, but I am a believer now. Anybody has questions on this, hit me up. I'll do my best to help as it probably is making you ask yourself the same questions I asked too. I personally, still like the convenience of the hang dry method I personally use, but mainly because it allows me to trim and manicure at my pace. The machine, so far I've found, like a light pre manicure of sorts before the dry. Or that's how I did it on recommendations. Anyway, I recommend for the footprint and speed of the dry alone. Was and am, still very impressed with this little thing. And no, before you ask, it is not just a rebranded dehydrator. Not that there's tons of tech going on, but it is a bit more than that.

I just picked up an HerbsNOW. This weekend will be my first time trying it out. I have to admit, after decades of hanging whole plants for a nice, slow dry, I am a little bit apprehensive. It has been recommended by some knowledgeable homies, but I am old school and set in my ways. I harvest one play per week, so if it works out, it should be nice. I always dry trim though, so I am not really sure how to go about it with the HerbsNOW. I despise wet trimming. Positive vibes...

~nugzz

 

[Buzzer777]

I just picked up an HerbsNOW. This weekend will be my first time trying it out. I have to admit, after decades of hanging whole plants for a nice, slow dry, I am a little bit apprehensive. It has been recommended by some knowledgeable homies, but I am old school and set in my ways. I harvest one play per week, so if it works out, it should be nice. I always dry trim though, so I am not really sure how to go about it with the HerbsNOW. I despise wet trimming. Positive vibes...

~nugzz

Once you have it down..you will love the convenience..not to mention the finished product. In my low RH environment, the Herbsnow recommended 96 hrs would turn my nugs to dust. I find that 48 hrs +/- depending on strain is just right. Anyone that is considering purchasing one, should really consider the expansion trays since they are usually sold out. The trays themselves are a thing of beauty that allow the removal of the center grates for Larger nugs.

Just like everyone else..I was really apprehensive, ( I am no youngster and it IS hard to change my ways) but I was SO WRONG..This thing rocks!

 

[Photon Pharms]

I just picked up an HerbsNOW. This weekend will be my first time trying it out. I have to admit, after decades of hanging whole plants for a nice, slow dry, I am a little bit apprehensive. It has been recommended by some knowledgeable homies, but I am old school and set in my ways. I harvest one play per week, so if it works out, it should be nice. I always dry trim though, so I am not really sure how to go about it with the HerbsNOW. I despise wet trimming. Positive vibes...

~nugzz

I know exactly what you're going through my friend. Just wait until about hour 60ish when they start getting super dry and every one keeps telling you they're not done, keep em in. Hahaha. I basically wrote that half off, and figured I had done "something" wrong. But I hadn't and it was great honestly. My tip is to wait just a bit longer than you think. With it drying via air, the outside will get super crispy while the inside will still have moisture. I pulled a bit early. I know I know. And then had to burp a couple of the jars for a day or two. No big deal. Good luck to you. If you need any questions answered, feel free to hit me up and I will do the best I can to help you out. It's stressful, and different on so many levels as you are like me, hang dry whole plant for years, so I can here the foot tapping now as you contemplate yanking them early because "fuck, i know this isn't right!!" Hahahaha. Good luck.

 

[Photon Pharms]

Once you have it down..you will love the convenience..not to mention the finished product. In my low RH environment, the Herbsnow recommended 96 hrs would turn my nugs to dust. I find that 48 hrs +/- depending on strain is just right. Anyone that is considering purchasing one, should really consider the expansion trays since they are usually sold out. The trays themselves are a thing of beauty that allow the removal of the center grates for Larger nugs.

Just like everyone else..I was really apprehensive, ( I am no youngster and it IS hard to change my ways) but I was SO WRONG..This thing rocks!

Yeah, i agree, I forgot you have to buy them separately. As they're always in. We'll the ring part. I scrog a lot, so removing the grates was the only way I was getting it, you know. I stand them up, and spiral them around until it's full, then take the medium tall to small sanders, if that makes sense and repeat. Seems to work well for me. Yeah, I have a lower rh here as well, inside anyway, so I don't make it to 96 either. But yes, the extra trays are a must.

 

[stanknugzz77]

I utilized the HerbsNOW dryer for the first time today. Wet trimming sucks even more dick than I recalled haha. Also, these were some of the smallest buds that I have harvested in a while and they almost didn't fit in between the trays. Removing the center was right on the edge of necessary, but not really. I was a little bit surprised by how short the trays actually are. Should I just put my trim in a paper grocery bag? It has been too long since I have had to deal with wet trim haha. Hopefully everything works out well. None of it feels like I am doing the right thing right now haha. Positive vibes...

~nugzz

 

[Capt. C]

I utilized the HerbsNOW dryer for the first time today. Wet trimming sucks even more dick than I recalled haha. Also, these were some of the smallest buds that I have harvested in a while and they almost didn't fit in between the trays. Removing the center was right on the edge of necessary, but not really. I was a little bit surprised by how short the trays actually are. Should I just put my trim in a paper grocery bag? It has been too long since I have had to deal with wet trim haha. Hopefully everything works out well. None of it feels like I am doing the right thing right now haha. Positive vibes...

~nugzz

I just ordered one of these things as well. Wow this thing really has the potential to save some time and to have more convenience in the drying process. I am sure i will be hollering for help soon

 

[Photon Pharms]

I utilized the HerbsNOW dryer for the first time today. Wet trimming sucks even more dick than I recalled haha. Also, these were some of the smallest buds that I have harvested in a while and they almost didn't fit in between the trays. Removing the center was right on the edge of necessary, but not really. I was a little bit surprised by how short the trays actually are. Should I just put my trim in a paper grocery bag? It has been too long since I have had to deal with wet trim haha. Hopefully everything works out well. None of it feels like I am doing the right thing right now haha. Positive vibes...

~nugzz

Yeah brown bag or box the trim. You can also spread out on the very very bottom. That, I believe it's white or grey, tray that's smooth with no holes. I know what you're going through, hahaha.

 

[Deebs]

So I have been kicking this around for some time also...The only real difference I see from a dehydrator is temp? Am I missing anything? I've got my presto dehydrator on low drying some things, hit with an IR thermometer, 82F. Thinking about splicing in a rheostat I bet I can get that in the low 70's. As long as temp is the only difference I think i can do this cheaply. From those using the herbsnow are there other factors im not taking into play here? could someone hit theirs with a IR gun?

 

[stanknugzz77]

Yeah brown bag or box the trim. You can also spread out on the very very bottom. That, I believe it's white or grey, tray that's smooth with no holes. I know what you're going through, hahaha.

Thank you for holding my hand and walking me through this haha. I am ridiculously terrified of change in my old age. Especially since, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". As I get older though, I just need everything to be a lot more "set it and forget it". My OCD has been downgraded to apathy haha. During the summer months, my drying room is just another part of the grow where I am fighting with the environment to dial every aspect to where I want it to be. I will most likely still hang dry full plants during the fall and winter months. Positive vibes...

~nugzz

 

[Couch_Lock]

Also ordering an Herbs Now dryer, on Friday. Sometimes I quick dry as I'm outta head stash, in these instances the HerbsNOW would be perfect.

I'd guess the humidity sensor INSIDE this thing is more accurate then a hygrometer placed into it. Not much else seperates this from a food dehydrator other then directional air flow.