matdagrow420man
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FIM-
A newer practice that has risen in popularity among growers is the accidentally developed FIM (Fuck I Missed) technique. This method can have crazy effects on cola development when the cut is done accurately. This technique, like topping, also involves cutting the top (apex) flower site, but instead of cutting the whole thing off from the stem you leave a small percentage of it. Almost like, “Oops, I missed some of this node when I tried topping the plant.” This can result in up to 6-8 shoots forming out of the one node that was partially cut.
Being fairly new, this technique has mixed reviews from growers and it’s probably because the results definitely vary from plant to plant even when performed exactly the same on each one. 100% accuracy when trying to cut just part of the node is almost impossible, but between trial and error and knowing your strain, you will find a happy medium for how much to cut. This technique is done by using fine tip scissors to cut a chunk out of the middle of the very top new growth, located on the main stem. It will look like a bunch of small leaves bunched up, but be careful to not cut it all off which would essentially be topping.
So far we’ve focused on plant manipulation to produce the biggest yield off of a plant. Now let’s talk about filling the space with plants. Because it’s not always more plants that gets you more yield, it’s also how you fill your space with the plants. With indoor grows the light source is typically coming from the same direction: overhead. Without a “sunrise” or “sunset” the triangular shape of most cannabis plants make it difficult for the stationary overhead light to penetrate down to the lower parts of the plant. This is where the importance of reflective material on the walls and even supplemental side lighting comes into play in your grow room, which is another option to contain and spread out the light you have. Height will also be an issue for the typical indoor grower, especially when growing sativa dominant strains that love to stretch. Growers have gotten creative of the years, coming up with a variety of ways for us to gain control over these issues.
For example, the Sea of Green (SOG) method which is great for banging out harvests quickly and is all about space and time management. The SOG method attempts to use every inch of lighted space by packing small plant containers (½ L-1L) side by side and sending them into bloom after only 1 week (2 weeks max) vegetative time. Here, instead of filling your grow room with only a few big plants that would require a longer veg period, you will have a larger number of plants but with less yield per plant. This means a constant rotation of blooming plants which translates into less waiting time in between crops.
The Screen of Green (SCROG) method is one of the most popular grow room setups among indoor gardeners because you can grow full-size plants that produce heavily, in any size space. This technique combines lollipopping with topping, and introduces a trellis net or screen to act as a support system for the plant (and also to restrict its vertical growth). In doing so, it also creates a visible ‘sea of green’ with a stationary canopy of colas. A very beautiful sight I must add! This varies from the SOG method because you are not simply filling the space with as many plants as you can to get the sea of green look. Instead, you’re using a few plants and manipulating their size and shape to fill the space. This stationary canopy does create a down side however, allowing for almost no mobility, which in turn could make accessing the inner plants a task. Before you install the trellis netting, be sure to complete all your manipulations and verify that there are no pest issues that will require access to all the plants later on.
FIM- Remember for FIM to leave a small percentage of the new growth in tact and remove the rest
To use the SCROG method, you’ll need to manipulate the plant during early vegetation to multiply the number of main colas it will have. Start with a plant that has grown to at least 6-8” and place in your desired pot. Make sure it’s big enough to handle your plants root system for the full cycle. Use the above topping instructions to get your desired number of branches, depending on the size of your space and container. Train your branches to grow horizontally for a while along the screen, tying them to it along the way. You can either use a back and forth or a spiral pattern with the ties to fill the trellis. This technique brings every node to the same height of the screen and sends them reaching up vertically toward the light to create your cola canopy. To sustain the increased production with this number of colas you should then use the lollipop method on the rest of the plant, removing everything below the level of your trellis will be. With this setup the light will not be able to penetrate below the canopy that your colas will create, so removing this vegetation is the best way to direct that energy to where it will be most useful. It also inadvertently allows for more air flow from the base of the plant. Top and super crop the upper branches as many times as it takes to even out the canopy. The key to a successful SCROG is to train the branches to be spaced out evenly and at approximately the same in height. You won’t have lower whispy looking buds with this type of grow, but big main colas that receive the same intensity of light at the same height. SCROG requires enough veg time as it takes to train the plants properly, and a diligent grower. Training your branches to grow horizontally for this is a type of Low Stress Training (LST). LST involves using plant stakes, string, wire, velcro, trellis nets, twist ties or anything else you can use to tie and train your branches, all without cutting or damaging them. Up until now we have only discussed High Stress Training (HST) techniques: cutting or damaging a plant obviously causes a higher level of stress than coaxing the stems one way or another with ties.
When it comes down to it, all of these manipulation techniques involve stressing out your plants – the key is understanding what constitutes a healthy amount of stress. Don’t forget that too much stress can cause your girls to hermaphrodite (among other things), possibly leading to an eventual loss that could set a grower back. So exercise caution and remember to test on a few plants before applying to the whole crop. As effective as these plant manipulations are they won’t get the job done on their own.
Your plants also need a full feeding schedule of light, water and nutrients to produce those picture-perfect buds. This is where physics, chemistry and biology all meet in the garden. Getting the balance just right requires some tinkering but the result is reaching your maximum potential.
SUPERCROPPING- Don’t get nervous if you see a bit of liquid ooze out at the pinch point, we damaged the xylem in this process so it’s just a little water
A newer practice that has risen in popularity among growers is the accidentally developed FIM (Fuck I Missed) technique. This method can have crazy effects on cola development when the cut is done accurately. This technique, like topping, also involves cutting the top (apex) flower site, but instead of cutting the whole thing off from the stem you leave a small percentage of it. Almost like, “Oops, I missed some of this node when I tried topping the plant.” This can result in up to 6-8 shoots forming out of the one node that was partially cut.
Being fairly new, this technique has mixed reviews from growers and it’s probably because the results definitely vary from plant to plant even when performed exactly the same on each one. 100% accuracy when trying to cut just part of the node is almost impossible, but between trial and error and knowing your strain, you will find a happy medium for how much to cut. This technique is done by using fine tip scissors to cut a chunk out of the middle of the very top new growth, located on the main stem. It will look like a bunch of small leaves bunched up, but be careful to not cut it all off which would essentially be topping.
So far we’ve focused on plant manipulation to produce the biggest yield off of a plant. Now let’s talk about filling the space with plants. Because it’s not always more plants that gets you more yield, it’s also how you fill your space with the plants. With indoor grows the light source is typically coming from the same direction: overhead. Without a “sunrise” or “sunset” the triangular shape of most cannabis plants make it difficult for the stationary overhead light to penetrate down to the lower parts of the plant. This is where the importance of reflective material on the walls and even supplemental side lighting comes into play in your grow room, which is another option to contain and spread out the light you have. Height will also be an issue for the typical indoor grower, especially when growing sativa dominant strains that love to stretch. Growers have gotten creative of the years, coming up with a variety of ways for us to gain control over these issues.
For example, the Sea of Green (SOG) method which is great for banging out harvests quickly and is all about space and time management. The SOG method attempts to use every inch of lighted space by packing small plant containers (½ L-1L) side by side and sending them into bloom after only 1 week (2 weeks max) vegetative time. Here, instead of filling your grow room with only a few big plants that would require a longer veg period, you will have a larger number of plants but with less yield per plant. This means a constant rotation of blooming plants which translates into less waiting time in between crops.
The Screen of Green (SCROG) method is one of the most popular grow room setups among indoor gardeners because you can grow full-size plants that produce heavily, in any size space. This technique combines lollipopping with topping, and introduces a trellis net or screen to act as a support system for the plant (and also to restrict its vertical growth). In doing so, it also creates a visible ‘sea of green’ with a stationary canopy of colas. A very beautiful sight I must add! This varies from the SOG method because you are not simply filling the space with as many plants as you can to get the sea of green look. Instead, you’re using a few plants and manipulating their size and shape to fill the space. This stationary canopy does create a down side however, allowing for almost no mobility, which in turn could make accessing the inner plants a task. Before you install the trellis netting, be sure to complete all your manipulations and verify that there are no pest issues that will require access to all the plants later on.
FIM- Remember for FIM to leave a small percentage of the new growth in tact and remove the rest
To use the SCROG method, you’ll need to manipulate the plant during early vegetation to multiply the number of main colas it will have. Start with a plant that has grown to at least 6-8” and place in your desired pot. Make sure it’s big enough to handle your plants root system for the full cycle. Use the above topping instructions to get your desired number of branches, depending on the size of your space and container. Train your branches to grow horizontally for a while along the screen, tying them to it along the way. You can either use a back and forth or a spiral pattern with the ties to fill the trellis. This technique brings every node to the same height of the screen and sends them reaching up vertically toward the light to create your cola canopy. To sustain the increased production with this number of colas you should then use the lollipop method on the rest of the plant, removing everything below the level of your trellis will be. With this setup the light will not be able to penetrate below the canopy that your colas will create, so removing this vegetation is the best way to direct that energy to where it will be most useful. It also inadvertently allows for more air flow from the base of the plant. Top and super crop the upper branches as many times as it takes to even out the canopy. The key to a successful SCROG is to train the branches to be spaced out evenly and at approximately the same in height. You won’t have lower whispy looking buds with this type of grow, but big main colas that receive the same intensity of light at the same height. SCROG requires enough veg time as it takes to train the plants properly, and a diligent grower. Training your branches to grow horizontally for this is a type of Low Stress Training (LST). LST involves using plant stakes, string, wire, velcro, trellis nets, twist ties or anything else you can use to tie and train your branches, all without cutting or damaging them. Up until now we have only discussed High Stress Training (HST) techniques: cutting or damaging a plant obviously causes a higher level of stress than coaxing the stems one way or another with ties.
When it comes down to it, all of these manipulation techniques involve stressing out your plants – the key is understanding what constitutes a healthy amount of stress. Don’t forget that too much stress can cause your girls to hermaphrodite (among other things), possibly leading to an eventual loss that could set a grower back. So exercise caution and remember to test on a few plants before applying to the whole crop. As effective as these plant manipulations are they won’t get the job done on their own.
Your plants also need a full feeding schedule of light, water and nutrients to produce those picture-perfect buds. This is where physics, chemistry and biology all meet in the garden. Getting the balance just right requires some tinkering but the result is reaching your maximum potential.
SUPERCROPPING- Don’t get nervous if you see a bit of liquid ooze out at the pinch point, we damaged the xylem in this process so it’s just a little water
