Whether growing marijuana indoors or out, there are a myriad of training techniques available in order to get the best results from your crops. From large commercial cultivators, to small indoor medical or hobby gardeners, there is a match for every gardener. LST or Low Stress Training is perfect for those smaller indoor operations where keeping a low profile with shorter stature plants and the highest yield possible is desired. Lollipop training is another technique producing a top-heavy marijuana plant, with most of the energy geared toward one or two large main buds. This method is great for those showy massive colas for marketing purposes and Instagram photo-ops. With more advanced training methods such as super cropping, one can run the risk of damaging crops beyond repair, but if done correctly will reap high returns in superior product quality. For the more experienced growers, super cropping is a method of damaging the plant to the point of creating enough stress that the plants natural protective instincts kick in, producing some extra resinous rich buds. There is also ScrOG or Screen of Green, which is a great technique for larger indoor operations utilizing many plants in a compact area. Fimming and Topping is generally utilized along with the ScrOG method where the main stems are topped off early in order to equally spread the plant’s energy between more secondary colas, keeping the plants stature low and maximizing yield. With some simple research you can find the perfect training style for your particular cultivation situation.
Low Stress Training Cannabis Plants
Low Stress Training or LST is generally a great training method for smaller boutique or personal use gardening when utilizing a small number of plants. This method gently trains the plants over time to grow low and wide, managing height and offering the flowers more access to light and air circulation. Also good for keeping things discreet as you can control the size and height of the plant’s growth within a small space. This technique will maximize yield and utilize space in the most efficient manner without overstressing the plants. As the plants grow, each branch will be staked or tied in a manner that pulls and widens the branches down and outward from the main stem, opening the plant up to more light and air flow. Slowly and gently tying each branch low and wide as it grows also prevents any excess height or stretching. Strings, stakes and even tomato cages can be utilized for this method as it's a simple technique great for novice growers and will maximize yields when done correctly. Trimming the larger fan leaves as you go is also important to open up the plant and direct more energy toward flower production. This technique can also be used for harvesting buds consistently over time instead of just one crop out, great for a constant supply of bud for personal or medical use. LST is also the precursor training technique for the ScrOG or Screen of Green method and great to practice if one is eventually planning a larger indoor operation.
Lollipop Training Marijuana Plants
If you are a shower and a grower the Lollipop method is the growing technique for you. The Lollipop Training method can help create those massive Instagram worthy, show stopping colas we all know and love. This one is great for sales, marketing new strains for seed banks or just impressing your friends. Lollipopping directs all the plant’s energy towards the top canopy and main stems producing a few large buds or colas. It's a simple technique accomplished by slowly trimming any lower, weak secondary branches as the plant is growing in the vegetative stage. As the lower secondary branches are trimmed away the larger, stronger stems will create a canopy receiving the most access to light and directing the plant’s energy to only these main stems and flowers. The plants will not waste excess energy on the unproductive lower stems that would otherwise be shaded by the canopy. Begin this pruning method before the plant photo flips into flower, removing any underlying small, weak and thin stems. Don't try to trim all the excess branches at once, as this can over stress your plants, causing stunted growth and other problems down the line. Everyday trim a few of the underlying secondary branches at the branch nodes closest to the main stem using clean sharp shears. Start from the bottom up working your way to the middle and interior branches. This will direct all the light and energy to the top flowering buds and open the plant up to maximum oxygen and air flow.
Super Cropping Weed Plants
Super Cropping your weed plants is an advanced training technique best left to more experienced growers. Said to produce spectacular results when it comes to THC and resin production, some growers swear by this technique. Being a very high stress training method, it can produce some super dank, extra resinous THC loaded cannabis but you can also run the risk of over stressing your plants. The science behind this method is by stressing the female plants to their maximum, their natural defense mechanisms kick in and, being toxic to some pests, they start to produce extra THC laden resin as a result. Extremely stressed plants will also switch into fast, high production growth states when they sense they may be under attack, which may be bad for pests, but great for us. Super Cropping entails bending the branches to the point that you break down the stems inner fibers while being very careful not to break off the actual branch or damage the stems outer layer. After bending the branches in this manner, they may wilt and become quite stressed before healing, forming a tough node at the damage point. Tie the branches into their new position and never attempt this technique in the early vegetative stage, only when the stems are strong enough to handle stress, preferably one week pre flip. Though this technique may seem counterintuitive it can supercharge your crop when utilized properly. Treating plants with a supplement such as B1 to help them through the recovery phase can help.
Fimming and Topping Cannabis Plants
Fimming and Topping is similar to training cannabis plants into a canopy style growth pattern by using pruning techniques along with other training methods such as LST. The weed industry being what it is, always with a sense of humor, fimming literally stands for F@ck I Missed One. As this is a very involved and precise pruning technique there are always a few missed shoots in the process. A good method for indoor growers, this pruning technique helps keep plants low in stature while producing high yields off a thick canopy of secondary colas. It's also a great method for pairing with Sea of Green and ScrOG training techniques. Firstly, one starts by topping plants in their early vegetative stage. This entails removing the top shoots of the main central stems creating space and energy for the surrounding secondary stems to expand and thrive. As the secondary stems develop the plant will sprout new shoots between stem nodes, these will then also be trimmed or pinched off, causing two extra shoots to sprout at that same node. In this manner the plant will widen and thicken over time as the trimmed shoots are replaced by twice as many new sprouts. This process can be repeated multiple times right into the early flowering phase, though always being careful not to overdo it at any one time thereby stressing your plants. Be sure to give your plants a few days between trims to heal and recover otherwise it may cause high levels of stress.
ScrOG Training Marijuana Plants
ScrOG stands for Screen of Green, a growing technique utilizing a large, wide mesh screen which is then stretched over the gardens canopy creating a Sea, or Screen Of Green plants. A perfect method for indoor, high production growers, this method allows for many plants to be grown in smaller compact spaces and also prevents plants from growing too high or stretching. A massive sea of colas and maximum yields can be produced using this tried and true technique. You will want to pack as many plants as possible, ideally a WS cannabis strain bred to grow naturally low and stout, into your growing area. This will also depend on the size of pots and growing medium used, generally ten gallon pots being the norm. During the vegetative cycle, start gently weaving those growing branches gently through the mesh screen creating the canopy. Topping and Fimming as you go will also be of great benefit when paired with the ScroG technique, producing a dense, thick canopy of buds come harvest time. This method allows the many secondary budding branches access to maximum light and air flow, preventing any mold from taking hold. It also provides support for the plants as those heavy buds begin to ripen, preventing any breakage and saving time tying or staking individual branches. Be sure to allow for access to the center of your garden for watering and fertilizing with either an automatic irrigation system or enough space for a long watering wand to reach those thirsty plants.
