How-To : LST (Low Stress Training)

[bobobo]

Really really interesting thread. Got my attention and interest, and will definitely try this out on my next grow.

Is there a maximum number of tie-downs you should do? For instance, in a 29cm pot, i could (for examples sake) fit in 15 tie-downs, or let it grow longer and get 25. When it starts to flower, would the 15 colas (developed from each branch turning into a cola?) yield more than 25, due to greater grow size, more light divided between less colas etc?

And what would happen if i didn't top the main cola - would it just grow upwards too, by bending back up towards the light (if you didn't pin it down)? and being that it is the main cola- would be a sizeable nugget that you wouldn't want to lose?

Finally, could you lst autoflowering types?

[dankohzee]

Originally Posted by bobobo

Really really interesting thread. Got my attention and interest, and will definitely try this out on my next grow.

Is there a maximum number of tie-downs you should do? For instance, in a 29cm pot, i could (for examples sake) fit in 15 tie-downs, or let it grow longer and get 25. When it starts to flower, would the 15 colas (developed from each branch turning into a cola?) yield more than 25, due to greater grow size, more light divided between less colas etc?

And what would happen if i didn't top the main cola - would it just grow upwards too, by bending back up towards the light (if you didn't pin it down)? and being that it is the main cola- would be a sizeable nugget that you wouldn't want to lose?

Finally, could you lst autoflowering types?

Lol! Man, that's seriously overthinking things. You can't figure this out in your head. You just have to do it and you'll see how it goes.

[bobobo]

I like thinking. If i can do it right in my head then i know i can do it physically.

Just to clarify something - do you tie down the main stem, and let the side branches grow upwards? Or tie down the side branches too?

[Mooner]

the purpose of tieing down any portion of the plant is to force growth hormones to secondary bud locations. once you've tied back the main stem (numerous times most likely), you could very well want to tie down some fast growing secondary shoots. but at some point you'll have to let-er-rip.

[bobobo]

Yes, i just re-read the main post and it said about tieing down the side branches too - but i can't see there being a great deal of room for all the side branches to be tied down as well. The picture indicates you tie the side branches down once, then let them grow upwards - is that right? Or should i keep on tieing them down until there is no more room in the pot for it grow (veg) anymore, so the only way is up (flower)? What if the side branches grow quicker than the main stem?

I'm finding it hard to visualise keeping the canopy even, when the earliest growth will be larger than the latest.

[Mooner]

one step at a time bro. start young, tie the main stem, and you'll get the feel for it as your plant grows. you won't be able to picture it all in your head 'cause every plant grows differently.

[mr echo]

Originally Posted by Mooner

the purpose of tieing down any portion of the plant is to force growth hormones to secondary bud locations. once you've tied back the main stem (numerous times most likely), you could very well want to tie down some fast growing secondary shoots. but at some point you'll have to let-er-rip.

When letting the shoots grow you can tie down anything too large correct? In other words tie down the stem but let branches grow and only tie down what is necessary?
I'd rather get this down in my head too, the more comfortable I am w the theory the better I will do in application.

[Mooner]

Originally Posted by mr echo

When letting the shoots grow you can tie down anything too large correct? In other words tie down the stem but let branches grow and only tie down what is necessary?
I'd rather get this down in my head too, the more comfortable I am w the theory the better I will do in application.

yep. I'm generally a critical thinker too so growing pot is a great way to express art.

[mr echo]

Originally Posted by Mooner

yep. I'm generally a critical thinker too so growing pot is a great way to express art.

Yeah this my own project so design grow style ect are all my choice, this is expression. If I can get clones and my grow timing down I don't even need to track my yield unless I want, I will for personal stats and to compare different methods ect but I'm not selling or anything so yield isn't as important as the project itself. Think journey not destination.

[dankohzee]

Did you happen to see the diagram? The point is to spread the plant's branches out as much as possible--like the spokes on a wheel--so that all growing tips can have equal access to the light. Forget about main stalk and side branches and all that because it doesn't apply. In a sense, there is no main stalk because all the side branches act as main stalks. You guys are totally over-thinking this, which is why I said you have to go ahead and do it and you'll see how it works.

Edit: I started to give an exhaustive explanation of how this works, but it's not necessary. All the info is here. You just have to do it.

[mr echo]

Originally Posted by dankohzee

Did you happen to see the diagram? The point is to spread the plant's branches out as much as possible--like the spokes on a wheel--so that all growing tips can have equal access to the light. Forget about main stalk and side branches and all that because it doesn't apply. In a sense, there is no main stalk because all the side branches act as main stalks. You guys are totally over-thinking this, which is why I said you have to go ahead and do it and you'll see how it works.

Edit: I started to give an exhaustive explanation of how this works, but it's not necessary. All the info is here. You just have to do it.

Actually that helped I was thinking of its main stock instead of what you said.
I'm still in planning for my box that's why I can't just start and keep asking questions.
I'm still trying to guess the overall height so I can plan my design.

[dankohzee]

Originally Posted by mr echo

Actually that helped I was thinking of its main stock instead of what you said.
I'm still in planning for my box that's why I can't just start and keep asking questions.
I'm still trying to guess the overall height so I can plan my design.

Oh, I see. That will vary quite a bit depending on what strain you grow.

[bobobo]

Originally Posted by dankohzee

The point is to spread the plant's branches out as much as possible--like the spokes on a wheel--so that all growing tips can have equal access to the light. Forget about main stalk and side branches and all that because it doesn't apply.

So do you spread the branches out or tie them down? I'm a visual person, so maybe i'd be better looking for pictures.

[toastybiz]

Both -- when you tie them you end up spreading them. Or, conversely, the way to spread them is to tie them. It's all one thing.

[dankohzee]

Yes, both!