Bud picture & question on little leaves

Take a look at these pics and tell me two things:

- Is the plant ready to harvest? (Trichomes white/red ratio, etc.)

- I get little, teeny leaves within the maturing bud that die before the bud is actually ready. I usually pluck them out...but was wondering if it's something I should leave alone or is it indicative of a maturing plant or any problem?

And as always, thanks for replies.

 

it is indicative of a maturing plant

mature leaves are being drained of their stored nutrients just like the trees in autumn ;>)

 

Thanks... I was wondering if it was a particular trait of my growing techniques.

 

yea man chop it anytime soon. i would say a couple weeks at the most.