Training your cannabis plants can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. But do you understand cannabis training and why it is essential? Cannabis training is manipulating the direction and shape of your plant’s growth. Doing this can increase yields, improve bud quality, and make the most efficient use of your grow space.
Here are 5 top tips on training your cannabis plants;
1. Understand the Most Common Training Techniques
Understanding the different training techniques is the key to success when training your cannabis plants. There are many methods of cannabis training, and you should understand them before deciding which one will work best for your plants.
Selecting the best training technique for your plants depends on the type of grow setup you use, the available space, and personal preferences. For example, if growing in a small space, you may want to use a technique like LST or sea of green to get the most out of your grow area.
Some of the common cannabis training techniques include;
- LST (Low-Stress Training)- This technique involves gently bending and tying down your plant to encourage horizontal growth. This is an excellent way to increase yields in a small grow area.
- Topping- Topping involves cutting the main stem of your plant just above a node. This will cause the plant to branch out and form two new main colas.
- FIMing- FIMing is similar to topping, but instead of cutting the main stem, you only remove a small portion of it. This will cause your plant to branch out and form two new main colas.
- Super cropping- Super cropping is a technique that involves damaging the internal structure of your plant’s stems. This will cause the plant to produce more lateral growth and increase yields.
- Scroggins- Scroggins is a technique that involves training your plants to grow in a specific pattern. This is done by placing a screen over the top of your plants and tying them down as they grow.
2. Decide When to Start Training Your Plants
The best time to start training your cannabis plants is when they are young and still in the vegetative stage of growth. This is because they are more resilient and can better handle the stress of being manipulated. Remember that training your plants can be stressful, so you don’t want to do it when they are in the flowering stage.
If you wait until your plants are in the flowering stage, they will be more delicate and more likely to break or be damaged during the training process. This is why you should decide early on if you want to train your plants.
3. Create a Training Schedule
Once you have decided to train your plants, you need to create a training schedule. This will help you keep track of the techniques and when you use them. It is also an excellent way to ensure you are not over-training your plants. Your training schedule should include the following information;
- The date you start training your plants
- The type of training you are doing
- The amount of time you spend training your plants
4. Be Gentle When Training Your Plants
The training process can be stressful for your plants, so you may consider being gentle when manipulating them. This means being careful not to break or damage any stems or leaves. Avoiding any sudden movements that could stress your plants out is also essential.
Any slight damage to your plants can cause them to produce less bud or even die, so it is essential to be gentle when training them. Move your hands slowly and deliberately when preparing your plants to avoid accidents.
5. Monitor Your Plants After Training
Once you have finished training your plants, it is essential to monitor them closely. This is because the training process can be stressful and may cause your plants to become sick or die. If you notice any changes in your plant’s growth or appearance, you should investigate the cause.
You should also monitor your plants for any new growth. This is because training your plants can stimulate new growth. Check for any new shoots or leaves that may have appeared after training.
6. Create a Strong Foundation
A strong foundation is vital for any structure, including your cannabis plants. This means having a healthy root system that can support the weight of your plant. You should also have a sturdy stem that can hold up your plant’s buds.
To create a strong foundation, you should start with healthy plants. You should also ensure you are using the proper growing medium and nutrients. For example, if you are growing in soil, you should ensure it is loose and well-aerated. You should also avoid over-watering your plants. This can cause the roots to rot and the stem to become weak. Over-watering can also lead to nutrient deficiencies that can weaken your plants.
7. Be Patient
Growing cannabis takes time and patience. This is especially true when training your plants. You may not see results overnight, but eventually, you will.
Remember that every plant is different and will respond to training differently. Some plants may take longer to recover from the stress of training. Others may grow more quickly. Just be patient and watch your plants to see how they respond.
8. Use the Proper Tools
When training your plants, it is vital to use the proper tools. This will help you avoid damaging your plants. It would be best if you also used tools that are comfortable for you to use.
Some of the essential tools you will need include;
- Pruning shears – These are used to cut off leaves, branches, and stems. They can also be used to make minor cuts in your plant.
- Training wires – These are used to tie down and support your plants. They come in different thicknesses and can be made from other materials, such as nylon or steel. When using training wires, use the proper size for your plant. If the wire is too thin, it may cut into the plant. If it is too thick, it may not be able to bend correctly.
- Wire cutters – These are used to cut training wires. They can also be used to make minor cuts in your plant.
- Stakes – These are used to support your plants. They can be made from different materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal.
In Conclusion
Training your cannabis plants can be daunting, but it is essential to get the most out of your plants. By following these tips, you will be on your way to growing healthy and strong plants. Remember to be patient and use the proper tools to avoid damaging your plants. With time and practice, you will become a master at training your plants.
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