Hemp Series: How to Harvest and Store Hemp
General

Hemp Series: How to Harvest and Store Hemp

Hemp Series Part 1: How to Harvest and Store Hemp

Hemp is stout and aromatic, with palmate leaves that can be cultivated for various uses. Versatile and resilient, hemp is a thriving, hearty plant capable of growing in diverse climates and soils. Considered one of the most valuable crops for farmers, the plant can be harvested in sections, each serving a purpose, from the fibrous stalks, nutritious seeds, and medicinal flowers.  This article will dive into how to harvest and store hemp!

Here are some of the things that hemp can be used to make:

  • The stalk fibers can be used in paper, textiles, and strong building materials, creating an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials for sustainable living.
  • Hemp seeds and oils can be cultivated to supplement a diet with essential fatty acids and proteins. It is also a leading element in natural skincare.
  • The flowers contain cannabinoids, like CBD, that can alleviate anxiety, relieve minor aches and pains, and control inflammation.

Growing hemp requires knowledge of the plant and what you want to do with it once it’s harvested. Broken into processes, the growth process is a small percentage of hemp care. Read on to delve into how to harvest and store hemp.

Has this article piqued your interest in the many uses of Hemp and its benefits on your health?  Join our in-person class with Dr. Carol Prunty on July 20, 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the farm in Franklin, TN!
Register HERE!

Introduction to Hemp Harvesting: The Optimal Harvest Time

Harvest time for hemp depends on the hemp strain and what you intend to use it for. Typically, hemp grows quicker than other plants, going from germination to maturity in three to four months. Most farmers choose a part of the hemp plant to harvest and allow the rest to return to the ground. However, every part of the plant can be utilized for sustainable living.

For example, the seeds can be harvested when they’ve turned brown or black and feel heavy in your palm. Fibers are harvested directly after the hemp plant blooms, forming beautiful palmate leaves that are rich and green. Oils are more challenging to harvest because THC levels have to remain within legal limits with a higher degree of CBD for medicinal use. The hemp plant’s trichomes (“fuzzy” cells) can indicate oil readiness, turning from clear to white or amber.

Did you know that hemp seeds shatter to return to the ground literally? Harvesting should be done before the plant begins the breakdown process, which begins when the seeds crack. This may require trial and error since each hemp plant follows a subtly varied growth timeline.

Tools, Equipment, and a Guide to Hemp Harvesting

Tools and equipment depend on the size of your hemp crops. While some advanced growers have fields, others begin their crops in planters. For the latter, you need a good, sharp pair of gardening shears, a wheelbarrow, and a cool place with controlled humidity for storage.  Learning how to harvest and store hemp is critical to provide quality products for use.

  • Ensure your shears are sharp and clean, then cut the hemp stalks at the base.
  • Move the stalks gently to the wheelbarrow, then transport a bushel to the storage place.
  • Spread the stalks in a single layer, then leave them to dry for at least one week.

Post-Harvesting Handling Tips: Drying and Curing Hemp

To dry:

  • Dry immediately after harvest to prevent mold and mildew. Don’t let the stalks touch one another, as this could prevent proper drying.
  • Use a well-ventilated drying place with low humidity.
  • Maintain a consistent temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • For better airflow, consider hanging the hemp stalks upside down in a single layer.

To cure:

  • Transfer dried hemp to airtight containers. Glass jars will do.
  • Humidity should range from 55 to 65 percent during the curing process.
  • “Burp” the containers daily for the first seven days, then reduce to once per week for two to eight weeks.

Proper Storage for Hemp

Mold and mildew are the most significant risks to your hemp harvest. For proper storage:

  • Keep hemp in a cool, dry place, like an attic or cellar, because light and heat encourage mold growth and will degrade the hemp’s potency.
  • Containers should be airtight, preventing moisture.
  • You can freeze or refrigerate hemp seeds for long-lasting freshness.
  • Don’t store hemp with strong chemicals, like bleach or daily cleansers. Even if stored in airtight containers, harsh contaminants can affect flavor and aroma by seeping through a container’s miniscule pores.

Proper hemp storage will maintain quality and longevity; you can use it as needed. To preserve cannabinoids, keep your humidity levels at 55 to 65 percent. Hemp can be stored for up to two years. Check for a rancid odor before use and discard if you see signs of spoilage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Hemp Harvesting and Storage

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid during hemp harvesting and storage is improper drying or contamination. When you fail to clean and dry your hemp plants, they can grow mold or mildew, preventing further use.

Other common mistakes to avoid include:

  • Poor ventilation, resulting in moisture build-up which ruins hemp plants.
  • Excessive light or heat, causing the degradation of cannabinoids.
  • Neglected pest control, resulting in infestations.
  • Overpacked containers, creating restricted airflow that leads to moisture issues.

Mindfulness and necessary precautions can help prevent pitfalls in hemp harvesting and storage, preserving the integrity of your hemp plants. Observation, attention, and research are essential.

Ensuring Quality and Potency in Stored Hemp

For harvesting and storing hemp, control is paramount. You have to be attentive to growing patterns, then dry and store properly to maintain the strength and integrity of each part of the hemp plant. Depending on the strain, harvesting and storage times may vary, but the entire process can be a learning curve for novice growers.

Remember that a controlled climate is essential to ensure the quality and potency of stored hemp. Cool, dry, dark places are the best for hemp storage, so pick a spot to keep your cured, contained hemp before you begin the harvesting system.

Summing Up

Harvesting and storing hemp boils down to learning as you grow. Research is paramount, but the process requires attention to minute details, clean, sharp tools, a cool, dry place for storage, and knowledge of what to do with different parts of your hemp plants.

Want to learn more about Hemp and its benefits on your health?  Join our in-person class with Dr. Carol Prunty on July 20, 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the farm in Franklin, TN!
Register HERE!