I need suggestions on how to best maximize my yield

I am just finishing up my first indoor grow. I'm happy with how healthy the plants were and the quality of the bud, but I want to know what the best ways are to increase my yield (other than getting more space + light).

Right now I have a 3 feet x 3 feet x 6 feet grow tent with a 600w MH/HPS air cooled hood light. I could only run the light at 75% because of heat, even with a 6" fan pulling the air from the light. That's number one on my list of things for next time. Is 600 watt overkill for this space and is it possible to keep it cool?

I'm also wondering how much mainly LST and maybe topping would help in my situation. I know it's recommended if one has little vertical space, but would it increase my yield compared to letting them grow four or five feet tall? Should I have trimmed away bottom growth early on?

I've read so many things but want to know what will actually make a noticeable difference.

Thank you

vegging longer and topping several times help

Problem with your 600 is it is too much heat in such a small space. One option is to upgrade to a larger vent fan with a speed controller- another is to get a larger tent and then use your 3x3 as a veg tent. Either way to maximize yields you really need the most precious resource of time. Having a few separate grow areas helps a lot- then you can keep a mother plant in veg and have a constant feed of clones. Top and/or FIM each clone at least once & then pinch/bend every node you can get your hands on (supercrop) before they start to get woody.
Install a net tied to the 4 corner poles of your tent. Tie down all the colas until the side branches all become new colas. Make a simple SCROG net out of clothesline or nylon cord. The idea is to let it totally fill in with nodal plant mass before flipping to flower. Training requires extra long veg time but makes up for it in yields.

A 600 watt HID lights is a lot for a 3x3 space. If you increase your square footage, you can make room for more plants=more yield obviously. You can also try adding a bloom booster to your weekly feedings. Another way is to SCROG plus Super Cropping your plants. With SCROG netting technique, it could take some time for your plants to recover from topping. As long as you have ideal conditions for your grow room when it comes to temperature, humidity, CO2, pH level and nutrient uptake; you should be ok. The last option is to grow a strain with high yields. Dr. Underground and Dinafem have strains with 700 -900 grams per square meter. In a 3x3 tent that 10-12 ounces of dried bud!!!! I'll be growing something from these breeders on my second grow.

More veg, training, scrog, as large of containers that will fit in the space, topping. All those will help you. The biggest thing id reccomend is container size. A six hundred will pound it out in 10 gallon smart pots with four per light. More roots, more fruits. Veg them long and train them under a net with topping. You may have to ad another net layer after they flower cause theyll get so heavy on top after the stretch. Veg time will give you better yeilds. Nutrients are a small factor. Healthy plants give the best yields.

Maybe try putting your exhaust fan before your light so its blowing cool air over your loght rather than just sucking the heat out to help the heat problem. And with growing bigger taller plants the problem is that your light will only penetrate so far down and youll be left with alot of popcorn nugs. Maybe try some super cropping. I like to mainline as well to create an even canopy. Best of luck!

Put it on 100.
Your plants will be fine

mjj123 said:

I am just finishing up my first indoor grow. I'm happy with how healthy the plants were and the quality of the bud, but I want to know what the best ways are to increase my yield (other than getting more space + light).
I've read so many things but want to know what will actually make a noticeable difference.
Thank you

Click to expand...

OK I'm gonna take a stab here ... more plants almost always equals more yield.

Are you interested in more yield per cycle or yield per year?

boilingoil said:

Are you interested in more yield per cycle or yield per year?

Click to expand...

I'd say mainly yield per cycle, just because I might be moving and might have a few months where I can't grow. Thanks everyone for the tips.