 Super Cropping
This is a technique that took me forever to understand and even longer to apply properly with positive results. I figured it out by mistake to a large degree and also by watching MzJill. The easiest way I can explain this is if a plant is injured slightly it will repair itself and in doing so create a stronger branch. This stronger branch will produce a larger bud. The application of this is a bit more difficult but I will attempt to explain it because its very important with indoor gardens. It can produce a stronger plant with a more rigid frame. This method is also known as LST or Low Stress Training but its just a fancy acronym and we will stick to the old school reference if that ok. The key is to bend of flex the stem so that you damage the inner core of the plant without completely breaking the stalk itself. The good news is if you do simply support the stem near the break by positioning a bamboo stick or even a split made from a stem and a few wire ties. It will grow back in days and form a knot and from that point on the stem will be larger. I was first taught to grab the plant down low at a branch and twist till I heard a small pop. You don’t even hear it so much as feel it but there is only one point on the plant this will happen and it became easier to me just to smash the plant slightly using two fingers. Don’t squeeze to hard and only slightly bruise the stem for best results. It it flops over support it with a stick or make a split with tape or wire ties.
Using this method a plant that usually grows just a few shoots directly upwards can be shaped into a large bush. I have seen small plants have as many as 30 growing tips from one container and one single plant that was trained really well.
Cabinet growers are especially good at this technique and its not some new method. I apply the same methods to my tomato plants outdoors and we have so many that we have to donate them to the local food bank. Even fruit tree growers prune and train to increase there production of fruit and what is a Bud but the fruit of the Cannabis Tree. The other important aspect about this technique is the fact that I believe older clones produce better medicine. A plant that is grown into a large bush with multiple growing stalks and a huge root system seem to produce a bud with more character and always-large flowers. I have seen people turn cannabis plants into bonsai plants so it is absolutely trainable for your needs. Pinch it squeeze it or damage it slightly but some torture can be a very good thing!
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