I don't compress at all just lay the next buds on top, giggle the jar a bit, rearrange with chopstick(s), put more in.
I put my top/main cola/branch in a separate jar by itself.
I keep my main colas on their stalk and as tall as the jars will allow. So my "mains" jar(s) are usually 5-7 stems/branches.
Finally, all the popcorn or small colas I cut down to the individual buds.
You will be surprised how much moisture there is inside those buds.
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