Advanced Cannabis Growing Techniques

 

On this blog we have covered everything a beginner could possibly need to know about growing weed. Getting those basic building blocks in place is extremely important and if you try and skip ahead your crops are going to have a bad time. However, for those of you out there that have a solid handle on basic growing techniques, it’s about time we had a look at the more advanced side. Advanced techniques when done correctly can massively improve the quality of your crop as well as the yields. So I’ve gathered together a mix of advanced techniques as well as a few slightly controversial ones. 

 

Super Cropping 

 

So we have talked a little about various forms of pruning that can improve your yields pretty dramatically. If you are confident with regular pruning then you might just be ready for super cropping. This relatively extreme technique works on the premise that hurting and healing can make the plant much stronger. It can help to stimulate the growth while also making the plants more potent and more plentiful. 

For this version of cropping you don’t want to cut. Usually we would recommend using extremely sharp pruning scissors to minimise the damage done to the plant. We are going to go completely the other way for this technique. Instead we are going to crush the stem, temporarily removing access to water and nutrients. It also sends growth hormones to other areas of the plant, giving them significantly more growing power. The stem will then heal and create a stronger, sturdier plant with greater growing power. 

Healing will also create a thicker stem giving the plant more space for nutrients and water to flow freely. Either you can pinch the main stem and redirect all that good stuff to the side branches. Or you can shape the plant by pinching the side stems and creating a more streamlined shape. Not only will this improve the structure and density of the stems but it will help the plant create larger buds. 

 

Cloning 

 

This technique is great if you have grown a plant that you absolutely love. It can be frustrating to create the perfect crop and then lose it after harvest. You can grow genetically identical plants which is also a great way to play with different techniques and see if you can improve on perfection. 

First you will need your mother plant, this is the plant that gives you your clones. During the second or third week of the vegetative phase you want to take cuttings from a few of your plants. Try to go for the most impressive specimens that take on the brightest colours and healthiest leaves. Also look for high quality buds with plenty of resin crystals. Once you choose your plant you can keep taking clones from her as long as she is in the vegetative stage so just don’t let her flower till you’re ready. While you keep her in the vegetative stage make sure you take amazing care of her. If you don’t make sure she is happy and healthy your clones won’t be what you want them to be. 

Once you have chosen your mother plant take extremely careful cuttings with sharp sterile scissors. Once you have cut a piece of plant to use as the clone, cut it to size. This means removing excess branches and leaves that would use up too many nutrients. The clone should be less than 10cm in length and as soon as you cut it you need to deal with that open wound on the bottom of the clone. Dunk it in rooting gel and hold it for around 3 seconds. Make sure you have a pot of growing medium ready and as soon as the clone has been dunked get it straight into a moist medium and cover the base gently making sure it’s nice and stable. Just get rid of the last few fan leaves that aren’t necessary right now and then you have yourself a mini plant. This plant should root in a few weeks then just keep an eye on it and make sure it’s happy and healthy. 

 

Defoliation

 

This is a relatively controversial technique that some swear by. However, some growers also say it’s the worst thing you can do. So let’s just have a look at what it is and you can decide for yourself. Some growers believe that it can hurt the plant and that the plants need all of their leaves to grow properly. Others say that it is the only way to massively increase your yields and that the plants aren’t harmed at all. 

The key seems to be removing the leaves at the correct point in the plant’s life. Many people try to remove the leaves while the plant is still young which can indeed damage the plant and massively hinder growth. Those who walk positively about defoliation believe it should be carried out later in the vegetative stage. Then no leaves are allowed to exist for more than two weeks without being removed. The point is really preparing your plants for the flowering stage rather than just letting them go straight into flowering while they are small. It can then be used in the flowering stage to ensure the yields continue to increase. This exposes the buds to the light which can help them develop. 

 

Harvesting

 

Finally let’s have the briefest look at exactly how to harvest. Timing is everything with harvesting, too early and you have tiny buds and too late you will lose potency. During the last few weeks before perfect harvesting can make up a huge amount of the yield, so getting over excited and harvesting too soon can be disastrous. You can also change the harvesting schedule to change the effect that your strain has. Obviously if you are growing a hard core Sativa you won’t turn it into an Indica, but you can change the potency. Harvesting at the start of the window creates a lighter and buzzier high. However, if you harvest right at the end of the window you get a much more chill and couch-locky high. 

 

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Photo by Richard T on Unsplash