Getting ready to dry

Question......This is the first time that I'm growing, and therefore harvesting. I'm going to be harvesting tonight and I am wondering if I should trim the leaves from the buds before or after it's dried? And also, how long do I hang it to dry for?

For the most part, whether or not to trim leaves before drying is a preference. IMO more mass increases your chances for mold, AND it's easier to remove hydrated leaves than wilted leaves. I trim before drying.

Ive done both, the ones i left wish leaves were a bit smoother of a smoke due to the slower dry and cure but it was a bitch to trim once everything was dry n shrivled .

Thanks. I was hoping to do it before, so that's what I'll do. How long do you generally dry it for?

Left with* leaves

I had no time to trim or clip the leaves off after I cut down and I regret not waiting. They have been drying for a few days and it is more of a pain to try and get the leaves off now. My last plant I will make sure I do the leaves and trim before hanging to dry. I found bud rot on one of the plants so I cut the bud rot off and cut it down.

Is it ok to cut it down (it's outside) tonight and trim it in the morning before hanging it to dry? I'd do it all tonight but need sleep so I can get up with the kids in morning.

How long it takes to dry depends on your drying area and how you trim it; if you leave the plant whole and just trim the leaves, it will take longer than if you cut it into sections. Trimming the bud completely off the stem and screen drying is quickest but I wouldn't recommend it. I usually snip off managable branches to trim and hang. Typically within 5-6 days they're dry enough to jar up. Some people say wait til the stems snap but for me the buds are too dry by that point. The jar gets is opened and aired 4 or 5 times a day or more, until the buds feel right to the touch.