Lighting Off topic but still relevant - autocob big plants and training

[IraqJack]

So should I remove the bud sites in the middle of the canopy that are quite low? I am not sure they will develop in to much of a bud/cola.

Personally, I would only use LST, in extreme circumstances only would I top, ie; running out of ceiling, etc. You'll only hurt your yield. Your goal should be to spread the plant out to max out light penetration by bending the plant over. It will help. You can also do the reverse. If there are any weakly growing lower branches you can remove them. But again since Autoflowers are on a race to the finish line it's better to not stress the plant by cutting. Imo.

 

[IraqJack]

so you avoid cuts on autos. Does that mean you only pinch off leaves when it comes to autos? I have done cut and pinch and notice no difference with the plants I have grown to date.

And you defoil around week 3 of flower. I thought it was best to do it all before flowering starts. That's what I read about lollypopping I think it was. And the plant in the pictures above have had some medium defoliation done on it twice in the last couple of weeks where I removed a lot of the leaves and stems from underneath. That way during the first weeks of flowering the plant is not wasting energy on parts that are going to get removed anyway. And it lets the primary bud sites get more light etc at the start of flowering.

I do have a trellis. It was just not in the pictures. My two big plants ready to start flowering are about ready to get on this trellis.
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It seems you already have your own theories. That's fine. There are people who will say do this, do that, and can show their success. I don't top autos. There is no need in my honest opinion. I only remove fan leaves that block bud sites that are developing, and that's really it. I typically over achieve on yield. I've been growing for three years perpetually. I'm just sharing my observations over that time, with Mephisto gear in specific.

 

[IraqJack]

It seems you already have your own theories. That's fine. There are people who will say do this, do that, and can show their success. I don't top autos. There is no need in my honest opinion. I only remove fan leaves that block bud sites that are developing, and that's really it. I typically over achieve on yield. I've been growing for three years perpetually. I'm just sharing my observations over that time, with Mephisto gear in specific.

If you want to know which leaves I remove to slow growth on a branch(s) to even out the canopy search grand master level on YouTube.

 

[IraqJack]

 

[IraqJack]

 

[Mizzo81]

@IraqJack my eyes ugh my eyes. What do I see lol. Since your here look around. @BigSm0 makes some pretty nice lights and they’re easy on the eyes unless u look directly into them. Lol. Oh and nice job on your girl. I saw your thread over in the Mephisto sub forum.

 

[IraqJack]

Here is my current SLH, SUPER LEMON HAZE. It's a sativa dominate photoperiod which would easily outgrow a tent in height. I've grown this strain 4 times, this is the first time trellising it. The pot size is 20 gallon, it's 20 inches across, the bush is 24 inches across, approx 18 inches in height at day 48 of veg, I just switched to flower the day before yesterday. I have no cut, or topped this plant at all. As you can see I have many tops, and an even canopy to start. I will be having to add a second trellis for the stretch but here is an example of using the techniques I laid out for you with a very stretchy sativa to create a bush, not a Christmas tree.

 

[IraqJack]

@IraqJack my eyes ugh my eyes. What do I see lol. Since your here look around. @BigSm0 makes some pretty nice lights and they’re easy on the eyes unless u look directly into them. Lol. Oh and nice job on your girl. I saw your thread over in the Mephisto sub forum.

I will be using Timber LEDs in the near future. I had some astronomical vet bills trying to save my dogs life, which she still passed away so I'm using the lights I've used for a long time. Once I get the timber lights, the ones I have now will be used for supplemental lighting, and under canopy. Maybe.

 

[IraqJack]

I will try to white balance with my phone, I have a Note 8, I haven't messed with the camera settings enough.

 

[Mizzo81]

I will be using Timber LEDs in the near future. I had some astronomical vet bills trying to save my dogs life, which she still passed away so I'm using the lights I've used for a long time. Once I get the timber lights, the ones I have now will be used for supplemental lighting, and under canopy. Maybe.

Sorry about your loss.