# When to start LST? **URL:** \ **Category:** Autoflowers\ **Created:** [February 3, 2021, 2:49am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264 "2021-02-03T02:49:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 2:49am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/1 "2021-02-03T02:49:29Z")
This is my first grow. GSCE autoflower. Day 17 now. Just wondering when I should start with LST. @MidwestGuy @Budz420 ![signal-2021-02-02-143921 (5)](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/1/0/1/101bbfdbf067c00187cd03676c69ffc0136043c2.jpeg) ![signal-2021-02-02-143921 (4)](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/1/f/6/1f64dd2a71f9a83783e26657507c384492a6153a.jpeg) ![signal-2021-02-02-143921](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/1/c/d/1cd35147a62e4df7bf96a975285e03b9cc96847f.jpeg) ![signal-2021-02-02-143921 (1)](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/a/c/1/ac1eeee39f8c37d14d5e13437056c6913dc31000.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![PP3121](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@PP3121](https://ilgmforum.com/u/PP3121)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 2:51am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/2 "2021-02-03T02:51:51Z")
Most start when the fifth node develops. Looks like you’re ready. ---
**Author:** ![Budz420](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/budz420/32/363019_2.png) [@Budz420](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Budz420)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 3:16am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/3 "2021-02-03T03:16:05Z")
I think being that they are autos - with less recovery time, you keep it gentle and start soon. Gentle spreading. I think you can bend them so that they generate stronger laterals. Bend far enough and they all start to think they are tops! I didn’t train mine - and glad I didn’t. 🕶 👍 ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 3:19am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/4 "2021-02-03T03:19:20Z")
Thank you. Was there any reason you didn’t LST? Just curious. This is all new to me. I did purchase a 3 by 3 trellis net for my tent but wasn’t really sure which I should do. @Budz420 ---
**Author:** ![Budz420](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/budz420/32/363019_2.png) [@Budz420](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Budz420)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 8:02am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/5 "2021-02-03T08:02:32Z")
From all that I had read and heard from most on here, it seemed that the shorter grow cycle leaves very little recovery time (think topping or fimming - they take about a week to recover. That can be up to 25% o the available veg time. That could stress or stall the plant. I was going to tie down as they grew, but saw that the plant was stretching itself to get to the light. I did get a bit lucky with the height… but glad that I took the route I did. When I get back into photos - it will be back on for training. 👍 🕶 ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/6 "2021-02-03T13:17:15Z")
I wasn’t planning on topping them, just using the trellis to bend them to make sure the canopy stays even. Also with the viparspectra 900w led, do you recommend it being a bit closer? I have had bloom and veg on since day 12. Had to adjust the light to about a foot from the top of the tent in order to keep the temps from getting over 80 degrees. Thanks for all the help, it is appreciated. ![KIMG0958](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/1/7/1/1719a3bce0d8a26b5afdaf396074e6e373f89619.jpeg) ![KIMG0959](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/8/4/c/84cc70280a4bcdfcbb4334d3bcce3242e43b319c.jpeg) @Budz420 ---
**Author:** ![Budz420](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/budz420/32/363019_2.png) [@Budz420](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Budz420)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 1:26pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/7 "2021-02-03T13:26:40Z")
I tried to keep mine 36-40" up from the canopy (you can get a bit closer, but the footprint reduces quickly). Staying around that height also kept the nodes nice and close. You should be fine with a trellis, just remember to soften the stems (similar to super-cropping), there will be less chance of breakages and it will strengthen the branch as it grows. 👍 🕶 ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 1:46pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/8 "2021-02-03T13:46:23Z")
Ok great, light was at 40 inches from the top. Do you think it’s ready to be bent yet or should I wait a couple days or more? I have watched a couple people do it at this stage and others that wait until it flowers. Super confused. @Budz420 ---
**Author:** ![Budz420](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/budz420/32/363019_2.png) [@Budz420](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Budz420)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 1:51pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/9 "2021-02-03T13:51:19Z")
I would start the bend at 6-8" tall I think. That allows some laterals to start competing. I am only very new to this - others may well differ… Waiting until flower on autos would be too late - stretch is all done. They need to compete for top spot. 👍 ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 2:03pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/10 "2021-02-03T14:03:36Z")
It’s growing so fast , don’t want to miss the window when I can at least try to get a big yield from these two girls so I can start more without running out in-between. I will be getting another tent and spider farmer light for just for flowering hopefully by the time this grow is done. Next time going to try a few more plants. Didn’t want to get in over my head on my first grow. @Budz420 ---
**Author:** ![Budz420](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/budz420/32/363019_2.png) [@Budz420](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Budz420)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 2:16pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/11 "2021-02-03T14:16:28Z")
Smart move! I sort of threw myself in the deep end. Started with 2 clones, cloned them, topped the lot and ended up with 6 plants in a SCROG in the 4x4 - and I was playing with clones while that lot veg’d for I think 10 weeks! It was a busy tent and a very steep learning curve. I think my autos top out at 36" average - and I believe that is about average for autos - so starting at 6-8" will give plenty of stretch. How big are your pots? They will be a limiting factor as well. 🕶 This is my current - and first auto grow. > [@Second Grow and beyond! The seed collection has started](https://ilgmforum.com/t/second-grow-and-beyond-the-seed-collection-has-started/58607): > > I am back! Looking to learn from previous mistakes and all the pearls of wisdom I pick from all of you guys n girls. I really wanted to run some ILGM genetics, but issues with getting into my seedbank account haven’t changed (also, the seeds I want haven’t been in the specials) so I ordered a very nice collection to kick off with. My collection: PHOTOPERIOD Peyote Forum Feminised - GSC Forum Cut x Peyote Purple Candy Glue Feminised - (Gorilla Glue #4 x Zkittlez) X Girl Scout Cooki… ---
**Author:** ![PP3121](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@PP3121](https://ilgmforum.com/u/PP3121)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 2:36pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/12 "2021-02-03T14:36:24Z")
I wouldn’t say that I have read every post here, and I am new to growing (started my second grow), many of the top auto growers here do some type of training. Many even top and fim with great success. I am very nervous to do those things as @Budz420 mentioned due to shorter veg time and recovery time. Since I am new, it would be a host of other issues to deal with as well. Once you get all your environmental factors locked in and under control, there is less to worry about and you can focus on the training aspect. I went with a heavy LST regiment for my second attempt. Only one plant, and she is doing well. Here she is at 6 weeks old (2 weeks flowering): ![20210201_204405](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/a/3/a/a3adf166e5f0235066017ddffca3fd1885386a01.jpeg) As I said, I am still learning. Best way is to jump in and do it, IMHO. Best of luck. ---
**Author:** ![PP3121](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@PP3121](https://ilgmforum.com/u/PP3121)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 2:39pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/13 "2021-02-03T14:39:52Z")
I’m trying to get to @Nicky status! 😆 (Just sharing some info. Hoe you don’t mind? 🕶) Check out this auto: > [@Pre Set up Coco?](https://ilgmforum.com/t/pre-set-up-coco/62214/4): > > The thing with coco is that it has no nutrient so you give nutrients, once you start running work castings and stuff you start messing with your nutrient load in the medium and thus the ppm read off. No offense to this Canuck guy but this is the second person to come here asking help about the way he grows, he’s pretty average experienced grower to be honest and he’s got his own method if you want to copy it fly away but anyone paying attention to a feed chart in coco watering with a good envir… Although it is focused on growing medium, the plant has been trained quite aggressively. ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2021, 2:50pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/14 "2021-02-03T14:50:42Z")
7 gallon smart pots with about 6 gallons of soil. @Budz420 ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2021, 10:03pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/15 "2021-02-07T22:03:57Z")
Day 22. Stalks are so thick I’m not sure about the LST. Is it normal for them to be that thick and bushy already? ![KIMG0965](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/a/3/3/a33e875a6ff394f192f12a705ebbffdba697b259.jpeg) ![KIMG0967](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/b/6/4/b64ab4fde1d947aa5c045e0df8f384218c2e29c0.jpeg) ![KIMG0969](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/c/8/9/c89c443d7a057d2a52fac4d06fcd25f010bae693.jpeg)@Budz420 ---
**Author:** ![Oheeeoh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/eada6e/32.png) [@Oheeeoh](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Oheeeoh)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2021, 11:33pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/16 "2021-02-07T23:33:10Z")
You can help the plant create more branches without bending the main stalk over. Get light to the lower nodes and they will grow decent-sized side branches. ---
**Author:** ![Oheeeoh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/eada6e/32.png) [@Oheeeoh](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Oheeeoh)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2021, 11:37pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/17 "2021-02-07T23:37:09Z")
Also check out “Bill Ward” on youtube. He has some supercropping videos where he shows you how to bend a stalk over that’s gotten hard/woody already. You have to squeeze/roll the branch in your fingers to make the branch soft enough to bend over. In his videos, he makes it look easy. ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2021, 11:52pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/18 "2021-02-07T23:52:20Z")
Stalks are about as big around as a pencil. I figured it would take a while for that. The top leaves are huge and covering up the bottom leaves pretty well. I will check out the video but I’m worried about breaking it. @Oheeeoh ---
**Author:** ![Connoisseur](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/connoisseur/32/454526_2.png) [@Connoisseur](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Connoisseur)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2021, 12:41am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/19 "2021-02-08T00:41:07Z")
I’ve had lots of luck with fimming autos. Here’s one of my GSCE autos that I fimmed. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/4/8/8/4885ac03d2371e1df70e4adc33d197e9076be543.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Akcr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@Akcr](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Akcr)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2021, 1:06am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264/20 "2021-02-08T01:06:34Z")
This is my first actual grow, never tried doing any trimming or training. Fimming seems to much for me to attempt this time as I only grew two plants as to not get into a mess until I know more. I thought about LST, either with trellis or pipe cleaners. Still not sure about it. If I were to top, would now be a good time to? It’s day 22 GSCE. @Connoisseur [Next page](https://ilgmforum.com/t/when-to-start-lst/62264.md?page=2)