Dealing with issues like powdery mildew and bud rot can be challenging, especially when your cannabis plant is close to harvest. Harvesting earlier than planned can be a practical solution to salvage the remaining healthy buds and prevent further mold or mildew from spreading.
Here are some considerations when deciding to harvest early:
Assess the Remaining Buds: Carefully inspect the remaining buds for any signs of powdery mildew or bud rot. If you find more affected areas, it's a sign that the issues are spreading, and an early harvest is a good idea.
Early Harvest Impact: Harvesting a bit early will likely result in buds that may not reach their full potential in terms of size and potency. However, it's a trade-off to preserve the overall quality and safety of your harvest.
Rinse and Trim: After harvest, rinse the buds gently in cold water to remove any remaining spores or contaminants. Then, thoroughly trim away any visibly affected areas.
Drying and Curing: Proper drying and curing processes are crucial to improve the quality of the buds. Monitor humidity levels and maintain good airflow during drying to prevent mold growth. After drying, cure the buds in a controlled environment with burping to achieve optimal flavor and potency.
Preventative Measures: To avoid future occurrences of powdery mildew and bud rot, review your growing environment and practices. Ensure good air circulation, appropriate humidity levels, and maintain cleanliness to prevent mold and mildew issues in the future.
While early harvesting may impact the overall yield and potency of your crop, it's a practical solution to prevent the spread of these issues and salvage the remaining healthy buds. Proper drying, curing, and storage can still result in a satisfying final product. Additionally, learning from this experience, you can implement preventative measures in future grows to minimize the risk of mold and mildew.