25. Understanding Plant Training Techniques

Understanding Plant Training Techniques for Cannabis

Plant training is essential for maximizing cannabis growth, controlling plant size, and enhancing yields. By managing plant structure, growers can ensure even light distribution and create an ideal canopy for photosynthesis.

Why Train Cannabis Plants?

1. Increases Yield: Training encourages lateral growth and larger bud production.
2. Improves Light Distribution: Manipulating plant shape allows for even light exposure, reducing the risk of shaded, underdeveloped buds.
3. Manages Plant Height and Shape: Keeps indoor plants within height limits and promotes more manageable growth.

Popular Cannabis Training Techniques

1. Low-Stress Training (LST):
   • Involves bending branches to create a flat, even canopy.
   • Secure branches with soft ties to avoid damage.
   • Suitable for beginners, LST encourages light penetration without major plant stress.
2. High-Stress Training (HST):
   • Techniques include topping, fimming, and super cropping.
   • Topping: Removing the top of the plant to encourage multiple main colas.
   • Fimming: Partial cutting of new growth to create four colas instead of two.
   • Super Cropping: Gently breaking stem tissue to promote larger bud growth; for experienced growers.
3. Screen of Green (ScrOG):
   • Uses a screen to weave plant branches, creating a uniform canopy.
   • Effective for maximizing light exposure and controlling plant height.
   • Ideal for spaces with limited vertical room.
4. Sea of Green (SOG):
   • Involves growing many small plants to flower early, resulting in quick and dense harvests.
   • Best for strains that respond well to short vegetative periods.
   • This method can produce high yields in a compact space.
5. Defoliation:
   • Selectively removes fan leaves that block light to lower bud sites.
   • Boosts airflow and light penetration to promote bud development.
   • Over-defoliating can stress plants, so use this technique sparingly.
6. Mainlining:
   • This technique is a blend of topping and LST to create symmetrical growth and maximize yield.
   • Step 1: Start by topping the plant above the third node, leaving a strong main stem.
   • Step 2: Train branches to grow evenly from a central “manifold” point.
   • Mainlining creates a balanced structure with multiple main colas and promotes efficient energy use, resulting in evenly developed buds and a more controlled shape.
   • Best suited for growers who have time for longer veg periods and are interested in maximizing yield per plant.

Which Training Technique Is Right for You?

Consider your grow space, experience level, and goals. LST, ScrOG, and Mainlining are ideal for beginners, while HST techniques like super cropping suit more experienced growers looking to maximize yields.

Best Practices for Cannabis Training

• Start Training Early: Training is most effective when applied during the vegetative stage.
• Monitor Plant Response: Training can stress plants, so monitor them closely for signs of shock.
• Avoid Over-Stressing: Too much training at once can inhibit growth, so give your plants time to recover.

Conclusion

Plant training is a powerful way to control growth, maximize yields, and ensure even light distribution. Choose the techniques that best suit your setup and goals, and enjoy the rewards of a healthier, higher-yielding cannabis crop.