I’ve just harvested my 6th crop since starting. This was small, just 2 plants. 1 cherry Pie and 1 blue dream. All of my previous crops were harvested at about 103 days from sprouts, and the bud has been impressive, with strong highs.
I have never waited for “amber trichromes” but harvested when “foggy”. I was waiting for amber on #6, but harvested at 130 days because it was holding up my planting of #8 (#7 already in week 7 of flower). What is blowing my mind is how strong these 2 are. This is truly 1 hit shit, not that my previous crops have been weak, but, damn in terms of effects I dont think I’ve smoked any better, and I’m 71 smoking since 18! This is making me rethink how long to let them go. What do you guys think, do you always wait for amber? I believe #7 will be the test, all white widow, currently building big colas at 7 weeks in flower, white with trichromes:-).
Would 
to see your work 
Im in the same boat as you. In my first few grows i always plucked at clear/cloudy. Now that im not pressing for bud ( no pun intended ) 
ive actually waited until i had about 10 to 15% amber. I cut these two autos yesterday finally after 10 weeks of flower. G13 and Banana Kush.
I agree and it sucks to run low on bud then rush to harvest. From now on it’s ripe amber. No more early chop hey @ChittyChittyBangin
(to each their own)
Heres a pic of #7 white widow this morning, and the per plant yields on the 2. Just starting #8, 6 Jack Herer feminized.
Very relevant thread for me too. Watching closely. Very close for me too (+/- 2 weeks) and want 10%+ amber this time.
By the way, watching trichomes is the most confusing and painful aspect of my growing. I hate the ambiguity. The only thing I really stress much on… is when exactly to pull the trigger. Hate it
@VirginiaGrowBoy i was watching these like a hawk and stopped for a few days and wham it flipped quick.
Will you come and watch mine for me?? This is painful.
@VirginiaGrowBoy lucky for me im out of town for work 2 days at a time so its not as painful 
I do but it is my preference. I prefer Indica strains and wait to see minimum 10% closer to 25% before I chop. I really like couch lock. Want to try a few sativa dominants and do the same thing.
One of the best things about growing your own is getting exactly what you want. A few weeks makes a ton of difference in the end product.