LBH's 4-Way LST tutorial (w/ "topping" sub tutorial)

[LBH]

This style of lst is to increase canopy square footage, not so much to make a plant fuller or bushier although that is definitely another side benefit. This style of lst is very good for scrog grows.

I've never done this method without using the "topping" method also. They go hand in hand and it really does help if you have a plant of good genetics, but it works on any and all plants.


first thing you do is start plant


Grow it till it's first set of full leaves are formed (5-leaf in this case).

When the 5th leaf set starts to come up between the 4th set be prepared to begin topping, Let them (5th set) get about 1/4-1/2 inch and then squeeze the base and pluck them, both at once and this is what will be left with.



Soon, you'll see the new growth.




The 2 new main branches will grow and thicken.






Now let it grow out a bit. During this time, I like to keep a fan right on the plant, lots of movement, building that main stem nice and thick and you'll soon have a top view like this.



Now, normally, this plant would consist of 3 mains. But by topping the 5th set, we've created a branching which creates 4 mains, allowing for a 4-Way lst. You can clearly see above, how this plant is now "symmetrical"

For the next step, you'll need 4 "U" shaped spikes. I use clothes hanger wire like the one below



Gently fold down one of the 4 mains and spike it in place. When you do the other 3, make sure there is equal pressure on all 4 so the main stem isn't getting pulled in any 1 direction. You want that center stalk to be straight up and down. The arrows below show where the clothes hangar spikes are.



In a day or so, she'll look like this



Now it's time to do some topping again. All those nice new sprouts coming out of the middle of each arm......pull 'em! Everything DOUBLES again!! (below)



Now, I let it grow for a bit. Keep topping now about every 3rd set on the new stuff. Let her start to grow vertically a bit. When she has a little height, lst again!! I should have used the 6 or 9 gallon feed bucket for this plant. It's shallower but wide. With this plant, I used the rim and the soil to anchor her down for the 2nd round of lst. Here are some shots showing her vertical growth and a few close ups to show how I used the rim and soil to spike her. This time around, there should be 12-16 branches to fold down (remember, you've been doubling and doubling and doubling )










And here is what she'll look like when she's all bent down




And here she is a day later, all recovered.



Now below is an illustration of how the growth changes exponentially with each topping and lst treatment. The 2 combined build a plant that is low in height and full.

Before the 2nd lst, 18-19 bud sites





and AFTER the 2nd lst, 29-31 bud sites




I hope this helps and if you have any questions, feel free to fire away.

THE END

[KillaKush]

Good job man, "Now it's time to do some topping again. All those nice new sprouts coming out of the middle of each arm......pull 'em! Everything DOUBLES again!! (below) " can you label the spot in your picture? I'm kinda confused on where to top next. Thanks

[LBH]

I do every 3ed set. When you do the first set, you create 2 new arms. Let each arm build 2 new leaf sets and yank the 3rd.

[Go-Rizla]

Nice Write up man. +rep

[walshy69]

Nice
My first +Rep sent your way

[Iggy 507 Panama]

a short video put together would be bomb on this!!!!

Freaking awsome man, straight up!

[Iggy 507 Panama]

and by pluck you mean to put out with your own strength, or cut off with shears????

[LBH]

I just "pluck" them with my fingers. Get it nice and cleanly at the base and when you pluck it you'll see it leaves behind 2 hairs (kind of). It those 2 hairs that become the new main stem(s)

I was thinking of a video but it takes too long between steps. I could compile these pics to a step by step slide show if that would give a better understanding. Let me know.

[RedDelicious]

Originally Posted by LBH

I could compile these pics to a step by step slide show if that would give a better understanding. Let me know.

Yes, please compile a slide show.

[ponyraper]

great guide, broseph. i might try this on my next grow...

[WeedManJF]

and what was your yirld on that? lol amazing man just amazing + rep Sticky this shit

[shhnukums]

wow,, really nice. i can tell you put a lot of work into this one, looks awesome! thanks for sharing!

.....

[fancy]

This is great info.
Thanks for sharing.

[cosmicmonster]

Awesome, awesome, awesome. I'm guessing after it grows a bit more, the main stem will bring the plant up...right or wrong? I would think after she gets a bit stronger, the pins are useless.