CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Advanced Cannabis training techniques

in cannabis cultivation

Proper training techniques, such as Low-Stress Training (LST) and High-Stress Training (HST), are critical tools for cultivators aiming to optimise canopy structure, enhance yields, and improve plant health. Here, we cover methods suited to all levels of expertise, tailoring techniques to each growth phase and explaining their impact on plant performance.

Key training categories

Low-Stress Training (LST)

LST involves gently shaping the plant without causing significant damage, making it accessible to beginners and perfect for delicate plants. Bending Purpose Redirect growth for even canopy and better light penetration.

Bending Purpose Redirect growth for even canopy and better light penetration.
How Bend taller branches below canopy level and secure with soft ties.
Best for Early to mid-vegetation stages.
Tying Purpose Maintain branch positions after bending.
How Use gardening wire to anchor branches to pot rims or training rails.
Best for Ongoing vegetative growth.
ScrOG (Screen of Green) Purpose Maximise light distribution by spreading branches across a horizontal net.
How Place a net 20–30 cm (8–12 in) above the canopy and guide branches horizontally.
Best for Late Vegetation to Early Flowering.

High-Stress Training (HST)

HST techniques intentionally stress the plant to stimulate hormonal responses, improving structure and promoting higher yields.

Topping Purpose Create multiple main colas by cutting the top growth.
How Remove the top above a node after the plant has 4–6 nodes.
Best for Early to mid-vegetation stages.
FIMing Purpose Promote several new colas by partially cutting the growth tip.
How Pinch or cut 75% of the growth at the top.
Best for Early Vegetation.
Super Cropping Purpose Strengthen stems and control canopy height.
How Pinch the stem until pliable and bend it to a 90° angle.
Best for Late Vegetation to Early Flowering.
Lollipopping Purpose Remove lower growth that won’t produce quality buds.
How Prune shaded branches and lower bud sites, leaving the top 50–60% intact.
Best for Late Vegetation to Pre-Flowering.
Defoliation Purpose Improve airflow and light penetration by removing excess foliage.
How Target large fan leaves shading lower bud sites. Remove 10–20% of foliage per session to avoid over-stressing.
Best for Vegetative and early flowering stages.
The Origin of FIM

The term FIM stands for “Fuck I Missed!” and originated from a grower who accidentally cut only part of the main growth tip instead of fully topping it. To their surprise, the plant responded by producing multiple colas instead of two. This discovery led to the popularisation of FIMing as a lower-stress alternative to topping, widely adopted in modern cannabis cultivation.

Techniques by growth phase

Phase LST HST
Seedling None None
Early Vegetation Bending, Tying Topping, FIMing
Main Vegetation ScrOG Super Cropping, Defoliation, Topping
Late Vegetation Trellis Net Lollipopping
Pre-Flowering Trellis Net, ScrOG Light Defoliation
Blooming Trellis Net, ScrOG Light Defoliation
Ripening None None
SPECIAL ATTENTION

Pruning tools, such as scissors and cutters, must never be used from plant to plant without first being cleaned and sterilised.
Using non-sterilised tools can transfer pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses from an infected plant to a healthy one. These microorganisms can enter through the cuts made, causing severe infections, reduced growth, and, in some cases, the destruction of entire crops.
By ensuring your tools are clean before moving to another plant, you protect the health of your crop and significantly reduce the risk of disease spread.

Trellis Net: maximising yield and plant support

Trellis nets are a valuable tool in cannabis cultivation, particularly for managing plant structure, improving airflow, and boosting light exposure. This detailed guide revisits the benefits of trellis nets, explains how and when to use them, and addresses potential challenges.

Purpose Support Helps prevent branches from breaking under the weight of buds.
Structure Promotes even canopy growth for uniform light exposure.
Yield OPT. Encourages lateral growth and exposes more bud sites to light.
  1. Setup: Install a trellis net horizontally, 20–30 cm (8–12 in) above the canopy during late Vegetation or Pre-Flowering.
2. Train: Weave branches gently through the net as they grow, ensuring an even spread.
3. Adjust: Monitor plant growth and reposition branches as needed to maintain an even canopy.
4. Prune: Remove lower growth beneath the trellis to improve airflow and direct energy toward top buds.
Tips
  • Use durable, non-abrasive materials like nylon to avoid damaging branches.
  • Avoid overcrowding by trimming excess foliage beneath the net.
  • Monitor plants regularly to prevent branches from growing too far beyond the net’s reach.

ScrOG (Screen of Green)

ScrOG is a training technique that uses a horizontal net to shape the canopy of plants, ensuring even light exposure and increased yield.

ScrOG Purpose To evenly spread branches and flowers for optimal light use.
Best for Medium-sized plants with a long growth cycle.
Benefits Increases bud production, improves airflow, and reduces shading of lower areas.
Step-by-step 1. Net installation: Position the net 20–30 cm above the canopy base at the end of the vegetative stage.
2. Weaving branches: As branches grow, gently bend and weave them through the net squares to spread them horizontally.
3. Adjustment: Continue guiding new branches through the net until the entire surface is covered.
4. Adjustment: Continue guiding new branches through the net until the entire surface is covered.
5. Maintenance: Monitor growth and regularly adjust the canopy until the flowering stage begins.

SOG (Sea of Green)

The SOG method is a cultivation technique focused on growing many small plants in a short time for quick and efficient harvests.

SOG Purpose To maximise space with more plants that flower early and produce a single main cola.
Best for Small grow spaces and strains with a short flowering period.
Benefits Reduces growth time and increases yield per square metre.
Step-by-step 1. Preparation: Plant numerous clones or seeds in small pots, spaced 25–30 cm apart.
2. Short growth: Limit the vegetative stage to 2–3 weeks to focus energy on the main cola.
3. Even growth: Keep plants at an even height by removing lower shoots that won’t produce quality flowers.
4. Flowering: Transition plants to the flowering stage early (12/12 light/dark) to produce compact, dense main colas.
5. Harvest: Collect plants when the main colas are fully developed and mature.

Key Differences

  1. ScrOG
    Fewer plants with a longer growth time, trained for an even canopy.
  2. SOG
    Many small plants that flower quickly for more frequent harvests.
  3. Both methods
    are excellent for maximising yields, but the choice depends on available space and cultivation time!

Advantages and limitations of each technique

Bending +Increases light penetration
–Requires frequent monitoring
ScrOG +Maintains structure
–Risk of stem constriction if unchecked
COG +Quick and frequent harvests
–Requires more space and increased costs
Topping +Creates multiple colas
–Stressful, delays growth
Super Cropping +Strengthens stems, improves canopy
–Risk of breaking branches if mishandled
Lollipopping +Focuses energy on top buds
–Over-pruning can stress plants
Defoliation +Improves airflow and light penetration
–Overdoing it can stunt growth

Common problems and solutions

Branch breakage CAUSE Excessive bending
FIX Use supports like stakes or soft ties
Overcrowded canopy CAUSE Insufficient pruning
FIX Defoliate lower leaves; use another trellis.
Uneven canopy CAUSE Delayed training
FIX Regularly adjust branches in ScrOG setup
Key Tips

  1. Start low stress: Begin with LST techniques before introducing HST.
  2. Monitor closely: Check for signs of over-stress, such as yellowing leaves or slow growth.
  3. Adjust gradually: Modify branch positioning and defoliation incrementally to avoid shocking the plant.
  4. Track progress: Use a grow journal to note the timing and effects of each combined method.

Combining methods for maximum results

Training cannabis effectively often involves combining multiple techniques to achieve specific goals, such as increasing yield, controlling plant shape, or improving light exposure. Understanding how and when to apply these methods is key to mastering advanced cultivation.

Why combine training techniques?

  1. Enhanced control:
    Combining LST (Low-Stress Training) and HST (High-Stress Training) offers greater control over plant shape and structure.
  2. Maximised yield:
     Techniques like ScrOG (Screen of Green) paired with topping create more bud sites and ensure even light distribution. 
  3. Improved efficiency:
    Using multiple methods reduces the time plants need to recover from stress and optimises resource use.

Essential tools for pruning, training, and harvesting Cannabis

To ensure optimal growth, healthy development, and a high-quality harvest, proper tools are a necessity for pruning, training, and harvesting your cannabis plants. Below is a breakdown of the essential tools for each stage of the cannabis cultivation process, including their purpose, advantages, and best practices.

Pruning scissors
PURPOSE Trimming leaves, branches, and buds.
TYPES Curved blade, straight blade, spring-loaded.
PROS Clean cuts, ergonomic designs.
CONS Requires regular cleaning; resin buildup.
Training tools
PURPOSE Securing branches and shaping canopies.
TYPES Ties, stakes, wire.
PROS Reusable, gentle on stems
CONS May need repositioning; wire risks cuts.
Magnifying tools
PURPOSE Inspecting trichomes for harvest readiness.
TYPES Loupe (30x), digital microscopes
PROS Precision trichome assessment.
CONS Digital options are costly.
Drying racks/trays
PURPOSE Organised drying of buds post-harvest.
TYPES Collapsible racks, stainless trays.
PROS Prevents mould, ensures uniform drying.
CONS Requires controlled environment.
Cleaning supplies
PURPOSE Maintaining tool hygiene to avoid contamination.
TYPES Isopropyl alcohol, blade sharpeners.
PROS Prolongs tool life, ensures cleanliness.
CONS Needs regular upkeep.

Additional tools by growing medium

Soil Tools Pruning scissors, stakes, ties
Purpose Frequent pruning and support for heavy branches.
Coco Coir Tools Fabric stakes, pruning scissors
Purpose Flexible tools for managing light structures.
Hydroponics Tools Trellis nets, wire for bending
Purpose Advanced techniques for compact setups and canopy management.

Best practices for tool maintenance

Cleaning

  • Pruning scissors: Use isopropyl alcohol after each use to clean resin and plant material. This helps prevent cross-contamination between plants and keeps tools hygienic.
  • Training tools: Wipe down stakes and ties with alcohol periodically to ensure no pathogens are transferred between plants.
  • Magnifying tools: Clean the lens with a soft cloth to maintain clear visibility of trichomes.
  • Drying racks/trays: Clean thoroughly before use to avoid fungal or bacterial contamination.

Sharpening

  • Regularly sharpen pruning scissors and blades to maintain precise cuts. This will prevent damaging the plant and ensure efficient harvesting.
  • Use blade sharpeners or have scissors professionally sharpened to keep them functioning at their best.

Storage

  • Store all tools in a dry, clean environment to prevent rust or deterioration. Pruning scissors should be kept in a case to avoid accidental damage.
  • Make sure training tools like stakes and wire are stored in a manner that prevents tangling or bending.

Frequently asked questions

A recap with plenty of useful information

LST involves gently bending and tying branches to create an even canopy without causing major stress to the plant.

LST is beginner-friendly, easy to apply, and minimises stress while improving light penetration and yields.

Begin LST during early vegetation when stems are flexible and easier to shape.

Topping removes the main growth tip, encouraging the plant to grow multiple colas and a bushier structure.

FIMing partially cuts the top growth, resulting in 3–4 colas, while topping completely removes it, creating 2 main colas.

Training should end by the early flowering stage to prevent stress that could slow bud development.

ScrOG (Screen of Green) uses a net to spread branches horizontally, maximizing light exposure and bud production.

Yes, combining LST with ScrOG creates an even canopy and exposes more bud sites to light.

Use plant tape or a soft tie to secure the broken branch; cannabis plants are resilient and often recover.

Defoliation is safe if done carefully—remove only 10–20% of leaves at a time to improve airflow and light penetration.

Combining LST with topping allows you to redirect lateral growth after removing the main tip, ensuring a bushy, even canopy.

Set up ScrOG nets in late vegetation and begin training branches to spread evenly across the net before flowering.

Super cropping strengthens stems, controls canopy height, and increases light exposure to lower bud sites.

Lollipopping removes lower growth to focus energy on top buds, while defoliation removes excess leaves for better airflow.

It’s best to super crop during late vegetation; avoid high-stress techniques once flowering begins.

Remove 10–20% of large fan leaves at a time, ensuring you monitor plant recovery before additional sessions.

Essential tools include soft ties, pruning shears, ScrOG nets, trellis systems, and plant tape for branch repairs.

FIM plants during early vegetation when they have 4–6 nodes for minimal stress and faster recovery.

Start with LST to shape plants, then introduce HST techniques gradually during vegetation to avoid overwhelming the plant.

Prune lower branches and adjust branch positions regularly to maintain spacing and airflow.