Properly planning and designing a drying room is one of the least considered and most important parts of any cultivation facility.
It is important to provide stability when designing a drying room. This promotes an ideal environment and allows for the gradual release of moisture from the flowers. The key components to control are air circulation, temperature, light (or a lack there of), and humidity.
Moisture Removal
Patience is one of the most critical factor in the drying process. Moisture needs to be removed, but not aggressively. The whole process of drying is best done on average over a fourteen day cycle at a steady pace to protect the crop from losing its color and potency. A dry that is rushed will reduce the quality of the end product, as well as remove or damage any terpene content. When the moisture is removed too quickly, the chlorophyll that remains in the plant decomposes, causing the dreaded “hay” or ammonia-like smell. In addition, if the crop is not dried effectively you are at risk for biological growth, such as black or grey mold.
Humidity Control
When designing a dry room, Anden recommends that you pair a dehumidifier (For Example: Anden A130) with a steam humidifier (Anden AS35FP). By pairing these components you are able to consistently maintain the environment in the “sweet spot” for drying. Not too fast; not too slow. This allows for an actual cure rather than simply moisture removal.
This set-up also simplifies humidity control. The humidity control (Anden 5558), which comes with our steam unit, has the ability to control the dehumidifier as well. This control can easily determine which unit is needed so it will add moisture, or start dehumidifying to maintain the correct environment. Since you are only using the singular humidity control, you will never have a situation where the two components are fighting each other.
Careful consideration of how to properly finish your crop can make all the difference in its profitability.
If you are planning on building, retrofitting, or modifying an existing drying room, reach out to one of our experienced representatives who can help determine what your individual needs may be.