Revolutionize Your Cannabis Grow with Advanced Training Methods
1
0
When it comes to cannabis cultivation, training your plants is a vital step in maximizing yields and promoting bushy growth. By implementing various techniques such as topping, pruning, and low-stress training, you can significantly improve the overall health and yield of your plants. In this section, we will dive deep into the different training techniques and how they can benefit your cannabis grow.
Topping:
Topping is a technique that involves cutting off the main stem of the plant, which forces it to grow two main colas instead of one. This results in a bushier plant with more bud sites, ultimately increasing your overall yield. To top your plant, use sharp pruning shears to cut the main stem just above the fourth node, leaving two new shoots to grow in its place.
Pruning:
Pruning is the process of selectively removing certain parts of the plant to promote growth and improve the quality of your buds. Removing lower branches can redirect energy to the top of the plant, resulting in larger, more potent buds. It can also help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
Low-Stress Training:
Low-stress training (LST) is a technique that involves gently bending and tying down the branches of your plant to encourage lateral growth. This technique can help to create a more even canopy, allowing more light to reach the lower branches and improving overall bud development. To perform LST, use plant ties to gently bend the branches down and away from the main cola, creating a more horizontal growth pattern.
Super Cropping:
Super cropping is a technique that involves gently squeezing and bending the stems of your plant to create a small amount of stress. This stress response can help to strengthen the plant and encourage lateral growth. To perform super cropping, gently squeeze the stem between your thumb and forefinger until you feel a slight give. Then, gently bend the stem at a 90-degree angle, being careful not to break it.
Mainlining:
Mainlining, also known as manifolding, is a technique that involves creating a symmetrical plant structure with an even canopy. This is done by removing all lower branches and growth tips, leaving only the top two nodes of the plant. The two top nodes are then trained to grow outwards, creating a “Y” shape. This technique encourages even light distribution and maximizes bud development, resulting in higher yields.
Defoliation:
Defoliation is the process of removing some or all of the fan leaves from the plant. This technique allows for better light penetration and air circulation, which can result in larger and denser buds. However, it is important to be cautious when defoliating, as removing too many leaves can stress the plant and negatively impact its overall health.
Lollipopping:
Lollipopping is a technique that involves removing all lower branches and leaves from the plant, leaving only the top canopy and main colas. This technique helps to redirect energy to the top of the plant, resulting in larger and more potent buds. It also helps to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of mold or mildew.
Scrogging:
Scrogging, or Screen of Green, is a technique that involves using a screen or net to train the plant to grow horizontally. The screen is placed above the plant canopy and the branches are woven through it as they grow. This technique helps to create an even canopy and allows for better light penetration, resulting in larger and more evenly developed buds.
FIMming:
FIMming, or “fuck, I missed,” is a variation of topping that involves removing only a portion of the main stem. To FIM your plant, use sharp pruning shears to cut off the top of the main stem just above the fourth node, leaving behind 20-30% of the stem. This technique promotes bushier growth and can result in more colas, as the plant will produce multiple branches at the site of the cut.
Monster Cropping:
Monster cropping is a technique that involves taking a cutting from a flowering plant and rooting it to grow into a new plant. This technique can result in a higher yield and more robust plant, as the cuttings are taken during the flowering stage when the plant is producing more hormones. However, it is important to note that monster cropping requires more time and effort, as the cuttings take longer to root and require a longer vegetative stage.
These advanced training techniques require more skill and experience than the basic techniques, and should only be attempted by growers who are comfortable and confident in their abilities. However, when done correctly, these techniques can result in even higher yields and more potent buds.
Expected Yield Increase:
By implementing these training techniques, you can expect a significant increase in your overall yield. Studies have shown that topping and pruning your plants can increase yield by up to 25%, while LST and super cropping can increase yield by up to 15%. However, it is important to note that the expected yield increase will depend on the number of plants and size of the grow space.
In conclusion, training your cannabis plants is an essential step in maximizing yields and promoting bushy growth. By implementing techniques such as topping, pruning, and low-stress training, you can significantly improve the overall health and yield of your plants. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your specific grow. With the right knowledge and tools, you can achieve a successful cannabis harvest that is both high-quality and high-yielding.
