LST (low stress training) has about doubled the finished amount I get from each plant... The idea is to tie down the main branch of your plant when you put it into flower (or sooner, if you prefer). This causes the lower branches of the plant to grow bigger buds, so you end up with several nice sized cola's. The light penetrates all the way to the bottom of the plant. Give it a try...just bend the plant to one side, with the tip of the plant a bit higher than the level of your soil. It works quite well for me... Peace...j.b.
A few questions: Do you lose from the main cola what you gain in the side colas? What type of strains do well with this? What kind of grow tec. are you useing this with?
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=6090&highlight=lst That's a pretty good explanation, I'm gonna try it this run. I'vebeen topping, but from what I hear LST is better. Mokie, quick question. When do you start, I have some plants on about their 3-4node right now. It it to early to begin doing this?
Sorry it took so long getting back to this thread, but to answer your questions.... Farmer J...yes you do lose a bit from the top cola, however this is more than made up by the gain on the lower branches...I estimate an additional 10-20% increase overall, using LST. I grow in soil, indoors in a 3'x4' closet...ventilated...adding co2 using bakers yeast and cane sugar(allowing higher temps, less bugs and an additional 5% in growth). I have 2 400W HID lamps with florescent sidelighting. My temps run 60 deg. during lites out and up to 85 with lights on. I use FoxFarm soil, and organic ferts. lune...I know this is a bit late...I usually start bending them when the 5th node shows...take it from the 12 o'clock position to about 2:30, or about a 35 degree bend. The side branches that are pointed downward will grow toward the light. Peace...j.b.
Hey mookie, yep I started lsting at about the 4-5 node, worked great so far. I should be starting flowering soon, plenty of tops on each plantnow. There are pictures in my growthread, if you have any other pointers then be sure to let me know. Peace and stay safe, lune