Cutters

When harvest time comes, efficiency and precision are key factors. Trim, or pruning, is the process of removing leaves and keeping the flower as clean as possible. Traditional hand shears can be a reliable tool, but if you are looking for a faster and more efficient way to trim flowers, trimmers or shears may be very useful. In this article, we will look at the different types of trimmers and who they are suitable for, and we will also compare the time saved when using shears and trimmers.

Example of time savings: Trimmers for flowering herbs can trim faster than any other tool, which significantly reduces the time needed to process a large harvest. It is important to realise that the choice of trimmer depends on your needs and the scale of the harvest. Hand shears are suitable for small growers and amateurs, while electric trimming machines and manual trimmers for flowering herbs are suitable for larger and commercial growers. Using the right trimmer can significantly increase your productivity and save time when harvesting flowering herbs. Manual and electric trimmers save time by hours; typically, trimming time is reduced by 2-4 times compared with hand trimming with shears.

Hand shears:

Hand shears are a traditional tool for trimming flowering herbs. They guarantee precise cutting and minimal losses. They are suitable for smaller harvests and growers who prefer detailed control. Hand shears are also affordable and do not require electricity.
Example for this group: PF Garden Shears, large curved
More in the category Shears

Manual trimming machines:
Manual trimming machines are a middle ground between hand shears and electric machines. They are easy to transport and provide faster trimming than hand shears. These machines are suitable for growers who need to trim medium-sized harvests.
Example for this group: VF Trimmer 50 cm (19")
More in the category Manual trimmers

Electric trimming machines:
Electric trimming machines are an excellent choice for trimming larger harvests. They are faster than hand shears and require less physical effort. These machines are ideal for commercial growers and people who need to process large quantities of flowering herbs.
Example for this group: VF Table Trimmer, 3 speeds
More in the category Electric trimmers

Industrial trimmers:
These are semi-automatic and automatic machines designed specifically for trimming flowering plants in huge quantities. They are the fastest and most efficient choice for large growers and industrial operations. Trimmers allow automated trimming of up to 16 kg per hour. 
Example for this group: Sunflower Automatic Trimmer L - Light
More in the category Electric trimmers / Sunflower and Master Trimmer

Preparing flowers for trimming is an important step that ensures efficient and clean cutting.

The following steps will help you prepare flowers for trimming:

Harvest at the optimal time: Harvest flowers at the optimal ripe stage, which depends on the specific species and its purpose (for example, medicinal flowering herbs are harvested at a different stage than herbs for textile production). Avoid harvesting too early or too late so that the plants are in the best possible condition. 

Choose a suitable working environment: Trimming should take place in a clean, well-lit and well-ventilated environment. This ensures that the work is comfortable and hygienic, reducing the risk of mould.

Cut away large leaves and stems: Before trimming, remove large leaves and coarse stems. This will make access to the flowers easier and minimise the risk of damaging the flowers with the trimmer. At industrial scale, the machines will take care of this for you.

Prepare your tools: Make sure that you have all the necessary tools and materials ready, including trim, gloves, glasses and a container for collecting removed leaves and flowers.

Clean the plants: If you have plants outdoors and they are dirty, rinse them with clean water and let them dry. 

Start trimming carefully: Begin trimming carefully and proceed slowly. Make sure that you remove excess leaves, but avoid damaging or losing valuable trichomes.

Drying: After cutting, place the flowers on drying nets. In the spaces, monitor temperature and humidity so that you achieve 21°C and 55% humidity. The drying time depends on your conditions; it can take 4-12 days, but even longer. The right time to move them into containers comes when the stem cracks but does not break completely. We do not recommend speeding up drying, as you will lose aroma and flavour.

Store the harvest properly: After trimming, place the flowers in suitable containers or sealable containers to preserve freshness and aroma. Open the containers once a day for 20-30 minutes to release internal moisture.

Be careful with cuttings: Cuttings (removed leaves and flowers) can be used to make oil, tinctures or other products. Be careful not to lose them and use them efficiently. Tools and devices for processing can be found in the category Pressing / Extraction.

Preparing flowers for trimming requires care and attention to detail. Following these steps will help you ensure clean and efficient trimming and keep the quality of the harvest at the highest level.

If you have any questions or need advice on choosing, our specialists are available at info@higarden.cz. 

We also recommend these products: 

• VF Table Trimmer, 3 speeds, electric
• Icer PF pollen separation washer + set of 3 separation bags
• Trim Bin Harvest Cut Tray, complete set

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