All for the Autumn Harvest
Autumn is here, and with it comes the time for harvesting and processing the crop. Together with our experts, we have prepared a selection of gadgets, tools and procedures that may come in handy during this period. Before the plants show us that they are ripe, it is a good idea to have all the necessary processing tools and storage containers ready. You can always improvise, but why underestimate the most important stage of the entire growing cycle and risk losing a valuable harvest?
Harvesting Larger plants can be divided straight away into smaller parts, but in any case the plant can be cut down whole. More robust stems are easily handled by branch shears. For dividing the plant, it is advisable to use protective clothing or at least gloves. First, contamination is avoided, and second, you will save yourself a lot of work cleaning your skin. For cleaning hands, as well as tools, PoKling - resin removal soap is excellent. 
Processing plants
The plants are now divided into individual branches, or offshoots. We are at the first fork in the harvesting process, namely in the method of drying and processing, because some people prefer to dry whole plants and only then trim the flowers to perfection, while another group of growers prefers to process the flowers straight away. We will focus on immediate processing after harvest and only then drying.
After we have separated the leaves from the stem, the flowers are trimmed, as there are still a few leaves hidden in them. Excess leaves retain moisture for longer and the odour of chlorophyll, which we do not want. Scissors with small blades are perfect for cutting tiny leaves or for precise trimming of flowers. For manual trimming, it is more convenient to leave the flowers on the stems and separate them only before placing them into the drying net.
Semi-professional and professional trimmers take care of perfect processing of herbs and flowers without the use of scissors. These trimmers can save you an enormous amount of time. You can place whole flowers into the trimmers, including smaller leaves (we recommend leaving only those that are no larger than the palm of your hand).
Drying plants
The flowers are free of leaves and separated from the stems. Now spread the flowers out in the net so that, if possible, they do not touch each other. Drying nets are a compact and practical solution for quick drying not only of herbs, but also fruit or mushrooms. They do not take up much space and, thanks to the ample air flow, there is no risk of mould. We offer nets of various diameters and sizes. All nets can be easily hung in a room or in a tent, and thanks to the individual tiers, stable drying is ensured. Some nets also include a practical clip fastening, which allows easy attachment or detachment of the tiers as needed.
The flowers are free of leaves and separated from the stems. Now spread the flowers out in the net so that, if possible, they do not touch each other. Drying nets are a compact and practical solution for quick drying not only of herbs, but also fruit or mushrooms. They do not take up much space and, thanks to the ample air flow, there is no risk of mould. We offer nets of various diameters and sizes. All nets can be easily hung in a room or in a tent, and thanks to the individual tiers, stable drying is ensured. Some nets also include a practical clip fastening, which allows easy attachment or detachment of the tiers as needed.
But back to the process. Once the flowers have been placed into the drying net, we must ensure optimal conditions for proper drying. In our case, this means a space without daylight, which degrades valuable material, and we try to gradually reach a humidity of 55%, while keeping the temperature around 21ºC. A small compact Teplo-vlhkoměr VF with external probe will help you with monitoring. The air in the space should be changed continuously using an extract fan with an odour filter (for example Prima Klima PK-Kombo 125-2S - 400 m3/h, fan and filter) and you can also add a smaller circulation fan, but place it so that it does not point at the herbs.
And how do you know when the herb is ready to be moved into storage containers? The simplest trick is to try breaking the flowers. If the stem cracks but does not snap off, then the herb is ready to be moved. Drying usually takes 5 to 12 days, depending on your conditions and the size of your flowers.
Storage and curing
Once your herbs start to crackle, the right time has come for curing care. Storage containers must be clean. For storing herbs, we recommend sealable containers, which create a vacuum inside thanks to negative pressure. This prevents the herbs from losing moisture and odour from escaping. The vacuum containers TightVac are made from health-safe food-grade plastic and are also suitable as a practical kitchen accessory for storing food (coffee, spices, loose-leaf teas).
Once your herbs start to crackle, the right time has come for curing care. Storage containers must be clean. For storing herbs, we recommend sealable containers, which create a vacuum inside thanks to negative pressure. This prevents the herbs from losing moisture and odour from escaping. The vacuum containers TightVac are made from health-safe food-grade plastic and are also suitable as a practical kitchen accessory for storing food (coffee, spices, loose-leaf teas).
Fill the jar or container to a maximum of 75% of its capacity. This will create space for the release of so-called internal moisture. Close the jars and store them in a place where it is dark and around 21ºC. The next day, it may seem to you that the flowers have gained a little moisture. This is caused by the released internal moisture, and what should you do with it? Open the jars for 20 to 30 minutes every day. It does not hurt to shake the flowers around in the jar from time to time. If you keep this up for at least a month, you will be surprised by the aromas and flavours your herbs conceal. Anyone who manages a quarter or even half a year is a true gourmet.
Humidity control
Supporting curing has never been easier. Say goodbye to over-dried harvests or mould. Humidity control sachets work by humidifying the surrounding environment to the required level if it is too dry, and conversely, when the environment is too humid, they absorb water so that the required humidity is achieved.
Discover perfectly balanced humidity and beautifully preserved aroma and flavour of your harvest thanks to Integra Boost sachets, which are safe, salt-free and 100% non-toxic. Your herbs deserve nothing less!
You can find all the products needed for a complete harvest HERE.
If you have any questions or need advice with your selection, our experts are available at info@higarden.cz.
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