In the world of cannabis cultivation, proper training techniques are an essential part of any successful grower. Training is vital because it not only helps you build a strong foundation of muscle memory but it also helps your plants grow. There are a number of different types of training, ranging from ScrOG to FIM-ing, which can help you achieve success in your garden.
High-stress training
Training your cannabis plants is an excellent way to improve its yield and quality. The right techniques can help you maximize your plant’s production while reducing strain on your grow space. This can be done indoors or outdoors.
Training a cannabis plant requires that you choose the right methods for your specific needs. Some techniques are more appropriate for a shorter plant, while others are better suited for a longer plant. Using a few different techniques simultaneously can yield great results.
High-stress training techniques can improve a plant’s bud quality. It is also a great way to extend your plant’s growing season. If you are a new grower, you may be intimidated by the task, but training your plants is a fun, rewarding experience.
There are two main types of high-stress training: fimming and topping. Both techniques involve the use of a specialized tool or method to manipulate the growth of a plant.
The first is a simple, straightforward technique that works wonders for a plant in need of a boost. For starters, a trained plant collects twice the amount of light as an untrained one. That being said, it can also be stressful for the plant, which is why a trained plant will recover faster.
Another surprisingly effective, though relatively straightforward, method involves tying down the stems of a plant. This helps the plant distribute the auxin hormone more evenly, resulting in increased buds.
The process is similar to the one used in bonsai. To tie down a plant, tie a string or wire around the base of a branch. Make sure the wire is sterile, as contaminated equipment can spread disease to other parts of the plant.
Besides the obvious benefits, training your cannabis plants can improve their overall health. As well, training your cannabis plants can increase the number of buds your plant produces. A trained plant can also be used for cloning.
The best time to do any type of training is during the vegetative phase of the plant’s growth cycle. However, if you plan on using a particular method, make sure you are prepared to intervene if things go south.
FIM-ing
Fimming and topping are two high stress training (HST) techniques used in cannabis cultivation. Although both have their pros and cons, one method tends to be more effective than the other in increasing your harvest.
Topping, or top-heavy training, is a common method used by many growers. It involves removing the growth at the top of the young cannabis plant. This enables a flat canopy which allows growth hormones to reach the smaller stalks. When this process is done correctly, it produces several colas. However, this method is also highly stressful to the marijuana plant.
Fimming, on the other hand, is less stressful on the plant. The goal of fimming is to maximize yield from a single plant. For this reason, it is often used by micro-growers with a few plants.
Both techniques require sharp pruning scissors and a sterile blade. They both involve arranging tools so that they make the best use of space. While the first is not as important as the second, it can help to keep the space clean. You should also ensure that the equipment is free from diseases.
FIM, on the other hand, does not require the tools that you would normally use to do so. It is best to do this in the early vegetative phase. Using a sterile blade will help ensure that you do not transfer diseases to the growing marijuana.
FIM is best performed when the plant has five sets of leaves. However, this may vary from plant to plant. So, it is important to take into account the strain you are using when deciding which technique is the right fit for your growroom.
When performing any training method, it is important to remember to sanitize your trimmers after each use. Use isopropyl alcohol to sterilize the blades and ensure that there are no microorganisms left behind. Make sure to use curved trimming scissors. These are perfect for getting clean cuttings for cloning.
In comparing the FIM and the topping methods, it is worth pointing out that fimming produces four colas in comparison to one. But, it is not as efficient as topping.
ScrOG
Training techniques are an important part of cultivating cannabis. They offer a significant level of control over the plants. It is important to choose the right method, because wrong training techniques can lead to stunted growth or even plant death.
If you are new to growing marijuana, you may find it difficult to train your plant. But the benefits of plant training are numerous. Not only do they help maximize yields, but they also allow you to grow different strains and terpene profiles.
Choosing the right technique depends on your goal. For example, if you want to grow a strain that produces a high flower-to-leaf ratio, you might consider the lollipopping method. The process involves removing a portion of the plant’s lower foliage. This will allow the rest of the canopy to grow evenly.
Another way to train cannabis is by using the ScrOG technique. This is a process that uses a trellis-style screen. The main aim is to increase the size and strength of the branches. A screen can be made from wire, pea netting, or chicken wire.
To start the process, place a screen 20-40 cm above the base of the plants. Then, weave the branches of the cannabis plant through the screen. Be careful not to break any of the branches.
Plants need good airflow. This is essential for plant health and should be done at every weaving session. You should also make sure that your water supply is filtered to avoid any buildup of mould.
When training cannabis plants, you must be gentle. Some strains don’t respond well to ScrOG. Other genetics take better to it.
Low stress training is a great way to change the way your plant grows. During this time, you can tie down the stems and branches of the plant, so that they bend and grow in the desired direction.
Topping is another training technique that is commonly used in ScrOG. You can use this to force your plants to produce a large number of blooming sites. However, it’s best to combine it with other techniques.
Light deprivation
Light deprivation is a training technique that helps cannabis growers control when to begin the flowering phase and increase harvests. It can be done outdoors or indoors, depending on your growing environment.
Many growers use light deprivation for many reasons, but the primary goal is to trigger early flowering and extend the vegetative cycle. If you want to achieve this, you need to set up a consistent cover schedule. You can also use supplemental lighting to ensure that your plants receive enough light for proper flowering.
The most common way to achieve light deprivation is by using a hoop house or blackout tent. In addition to blocking sunlight, the hoop house will also protect your harvest from hail and smoke.
A light-deprived grower has more control over the environment, which allows for greater efficiency and reduced costs. Using light-deprived cannabis is particularly beneficial for growers who live in areas where there is little natural sunlight during the day.
One of the best benefits of light deprivation is that it increases the number of harvests a grower can produce. It can make it possible to produce three or even four harvests per outdoor season.
Another benefit of this method is that it can speed up the flowering process. Traditionally, photoperiod cannabis strains will not start flowering until autumn arrives, so using light deprivation tricks the plant into thinking that it’s already in the flowering stage.
For light deprivation to work properly, you need to provide a 12 hour period of total darkness each day. When this is achieved, your plants will automatically start flowering.
Even though light deprivation can be a great way to increase harvests, it can be a difficult process to execute on your own. To get the most out of your crop, consider using an automated system.
You may also need to cover your plants every night. This isn’t too hard, but can be a major chore for some plants. The easiest way to cover them is to use a light-proof plastic cover. Other options include blackout curtains or clothespins.
