Growing cannabis is an art and a science, and while many focus on the fundamentals such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, plant training techniques often remain a somewhat hidden yet significant opportunity for enhancing plant growth. Let’s delve into the world of cannabis training methods and explore how they contribute to healthier, more productive plants.

Introduction to Plant Training

Cannabis plant training is the practice of manipulating the way a plant grows. By using different techniques, growers can optimize yield, manage plant size, and even boost resin production. Unlike topping or pruning, plant training techniques often involve bending or modifying the plant’s structure to achieve desired results.

Low Stress Training (LST)

Low Stress Training, commonly known as LST, is a gentle training method where growers bend the plant stems to expose more bud sites to light. This technique encourages wider horizontal growth and can significantly increase plant yield.

• Why Use LST? LST allows your plant to thrive without the stress of cutting, making it an ideal choice for novice growers.
• How to Apply LST: Start early in the vegetative stage. Use soft plant ties to gently bend the main stem and side branches horizontally. As the plant grows, continue to adjust and secure new growth to ensure light penetration.

Screen of Green (ScrOG)

The Screen of Green, or ScrOG, involves the use of a net or screen to train plants. This technique focuses on creating a flat canopy by weaving and tying branches through the screen mesh.

• Pros of ScrOG: Maximizes yield in limited space by efficiently managing light distribution across all flower sites.
• How to Implement ScrOG: Position a screen above your growing medium. As plants grow, guide and tie branches to the screen, ensuring they spread evenly across the surface.

Super Cropping

Super cropping is an advanced training method that involves strategically bending and slightly damaging the inner tissue of branches to promote better growth.

• Advantages: Encourages a burst of growth at damaged sites, often resulting in increased yield and resin production.
• How to Super Crop: Identify flexible branches and gently pinch them until you feel the inner tissues soften, then bend the stem without breaking it.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cultivator, integrating training techniques like LST, ScrOG, and super cropping can dramatically enhance your cannabis plants’ health and yield. By understanding and applying these methods, growers can ensure more robust plants and optimize their harvest for the best results.

Experiment and see for yourself how these techniques can transform your cannabis cultivation experience.