This is my first time growing and I’m looking for a little bit of help training. I currently have 2 ILGM blueberry autoflowers growing. Germination started 3/9 and took a bit longer than expected. They were planted 3/14 and I am about to complete week 4 in the ground. For my first grow I’m trying to keep it simple. I did a bunch of research about training but every time I tried I got nervous I wasn’t doing it right.
Now at week 4 are they too big to train? They are very leafy and look healthy but the leaves are preventing light from getting to the lower branches and bud sites. I have read people discourage topping autos but is there something I can to to trim these up a bit and get some light to the bottom? I wasn’t expecting to knock it out of the park my first grow, but would love some knowledge and support to help with this grow and future grows. Thank you all in advance!!
@Oleg20 it is not too late to train or trim your autos…you can start by gently bending some of the longer branches to the side. There are a million different ways to tie her down…I like using pipe cleaners because they are easy to see and remove and can be tied together to make any length and they never cut into the stems…You might have to punch some holes on the edges of your container. This at least starts to spread her branches open…you can do more after this first step.
No need to trim as the leaves aren’t laying on each other and you aren’t flowering, so they aren’t blocking buds. You can still 90 it over and do some LST, no problem. Be sure that you have a tie or wire pulling the bottom, closer to the soil, in the opposite direction so it doesn’t pull roots up, or worse, snap the main stalk.
As others have mentioned. You can do some low stress training( LST). I’ve had great success using LST clips. Put one half way down the main branch and bend the plant over.
LSTclips - White - Low-Stress Training Clips - Plant Stem Trainer, Bender - LST Clip, Allow More Light and Air Flow, Made in USA, 30pk Amazon.com
Thanks for the advice. I do understand LST and its benefits, Since I’m a newbie I’m just a little gun shy and and hesitant to do things. As mentioned above my fear is that I have waited so long my main stalks are getting pretty thick and the last think I want to do is snap my baby in half. I’m seeing mixed reviews on the LST clips but they seem like a cool idea. I am an electrician for a living so I have plenty of wire I have put aside to use for LST
I topped mine very early, like 4th node and she’s grown fine. Along with LST. Topping is one of those things. You have to know your genetics. Some Autos will flower quickly and you don’t want to top if she tries to flower early. This was her at day 35
You take the branches between your fingers and mash the insides. Imagine trying to smash a McDonald’s straw, while in the wrapper, and not damaging the wrapper. As the vessels and veins inside the stem heal, they become stronger and bigger, allowing more nutrient flow.
@Duh-BanjoPicker initial research I have done all says to never top autos, but the more I read like you said as long as you know what you are doing there can be success. I don’t think I am there yet. I did start reading up on defoliation this morning a bit. I’m just trying to obtain as much information as I can before making any decisions.
Your plants look beautiful man! They are huge!! What strain are you growing? Thanks again for your help
I think super cropping is as stressful as topping, if not more. It’s a delicate task that if done improperly can do more damage. I’ve snapped branches too many times. There are a lot of folks who are against topping autos. But I was able to get 2 runs under my belt and purposely did everything I was told not to do with autos. Transplanted, and topped, and learned at least one lesson. The transplant had the most negative effect on growth. So, I began the process of elimination. With this girl. I planted in her forever home and topped super early. She was stressed for about 4 days, and then she just began to explode. I now have about 20-25 possible cola sites. In no way am I saying one way is right or wrong, but I like to learn by my own mistakes. I’m a “I’d rather be Optimistic and FAIL, than be pessimistic and not”. It’s a weird wiring I have. . I’m also a Taurus, and that should explain a lot. I wish you success in what ever you decide and how you choose to grow. Even a small yield will be a success because you did that. Also, defoliation is something you can do in small doses.
If this is your first grow, my opinion is you should just concentrate on keeping it healthy, and let it do it’s thing without messing with all the training methods. Get one under your belt. If you keep it healthy you’ll still be happy with your yield, and you’ll learn a lot for next time. Also, keep in mind when it starts flowering it will likely double in height.
against topping autos. But I was able to get 2 runs under my belt and purposely did everything I was told not to do with autos. Transplanted, and topped, and learned at least one lesson. The transplant had the most negative effect on growth. So, I began the process of elimination. With this girl. I planted in her forever home and topped super early. She was stressed for about 4 days, and then she just began to explode. I now have about 20-25 possible cola sites. In no way am I saying one way is right or wrong, but I like to learn by my own mistakes. I’m a “I’d rather be Optimistic and FAIL, than be pessimistic and not”. It’s a weird wiring I have. 
. I’m also a Taurus, and that should explain a lot. 
I wish you success in what ever you decide and how you choose to grow. Even a small yield will be a success because you did that. Also, defoliation is something you can do in small doses.
