New Grower To trim or not to trim??? Help

[BigAz]

hi,

My first AF grow is at day 28 n wow I'm shocked at how they have bushed out. All the years of people not rated AF's, this is yet another story to prove them wrong.

I've got 4 DP auto ultimates on the go and going well. I'm in a 4 pot XL wilma on 20/4 feeding 15 mins every 2 hours (15 every 4 was not enough). Fingers crossed things are goin well. I'm using GH 3 part grow, micro and bloom with silica and B52.. And just done a res change and added bud candy. Next week will see big bud added then overdrive during the last 2 weeks.

Anyway, my question is, with AF's I've read different views on whether to trim the lower fan leaves or just let them do their own thing, I'm in a 1.2x1.2x2m tent. The lower leaves and big ass fan leaves are being tucked away at the minute but as the title says..... Do I trim or not?

All help and advice needed on my first AF grow.....

Cheers

 

[Chester]

Some do ... Some don't ... I don't pick any leaf off until it has been depleted of it's stored energy and turned yellow and dry ...

 

[gardenhackle]

Some do ... Some don't ... I don't pick any leaf off until it has been depleted of it's stored energy and turned yellow and dry ...

I don't know what's correct, either but I try not to pluck any leaves that are fully healthy. If they are aging, there comes a point where they are no longer a net producer rather than consumer of the plant's energy and after that, removing is beneficial but you have to figure for yourself when that might be. lots of opinions on it.

 

[MoonDude]

I am new to growing weed, but have worked the garden a bit. I trimmed 75% of shade/fan leaves based on me feeding them all the sunlight they need and best nutrients they can ask for, no real need for a giant storage tank. Again I am new.

I do know that if you are going to defoliate, STICK TO YOUR NUTRIENT SCHEDULE.

Check out the pics and my journal to see what effect it had for me.

 

[MoonDude]

I don't know what's correct, either but I try not to pluck any leaves that are fully healthy. If they are aging, there comes a point where they are no longer a net producer rather than consumer of the plant's energy and after that, removing is beneficial but you have to figure for yourself when that might be. lots of opinions on it.

"lots of opinions on it." This is what I found as well.

I do not see a lot of "experts" doing it to the extent I did....hmmmmmm?

 

[gardenhackle]

"lots of opinions on it." This is what I found as well.

I do not see a lot of "experts" doing it to the extent I did....hmmmmmm?

Yeah. Seems lots of the "experts" seem to believe the primary feed of energy for any bud site or branch is the fan leaf directly under it.

That seems to go for both tomatoes and canbabis so I think there may be some value in this conceptual model of energy management for the plant.

But then again, as long as the freshest and youngest leaves get the very best of the light, that is probably as efficient as it gets.

 

[MoonDude]

Yeah. Seems lots of the "experts" seem to believe the primary feed of energy for any bud site or branch is the fan leaf directly under it.

That seems to go for both tomatoes and canbabis so I think there may be some value in this conceptual model of energy management for the plant.

But then again, as long as the freshest and youngest leaves get the very best of the light, that is probably as efficient as it gets.

"Except," you are already feeding them a King's buffet. The primary question I found myself with is "storing for what?" There is not going to be a drought in my tent. Storing so I can flush you for ten days prior to harvest? Keep in mind, no one is going to support complete defoliation. It is not as if there are ZERO fan/shade leaves collecting sunlight.

I can bet in about four more grows I will stop because of time and thrill of growing. This could be an impact on senior growers. As well, a lot of senior growers are commercial growers; too many plants to agree with the theory and trim them.

The next thing you have to squabble with is the question "are we just feeding smaller buds and taking away from the toppers by defoliating?"....................

 

[blue]

One of our onsite Breeders - can't remember whether it was Autobeanstalk or Fastbuds put up a post recently putting their stance on the subject - which is great to have a solid "official / business" viewpoint on the issue.

I can't find it now, but the long and shot of it was, they don't do it and don't recommned it.

caveat - not putting anyones opinions down - we're all entitled to them. and defiliation debate will go on for another 10 years lol

Personally i don't and all the best growers i've watched don't either. I've seen some Hydro people doing it and getting great results, but i've also seen the largest autoflower on record and there was no defoliation iirc. (see mr ganjamoto's threads)

Hope this muddys the water some more lol
Not really - hope it helps!

 

[gardenhackle]

"Except," you are already feeding them a King's buffet. The primary question I found myself with is "storing for what?" There is not going to be a drought in my tent. Storing so I can flush you for ten days prior to harvest? Keep in mind, no one is going to support complete defoliation. It is not as if there are ZERO fan/shade leaves collecting sunlight.

I can bet in about four more grows I will stop because of time and thrill of growing. This could be an impact on senior growers. As well, a lot of senior growers are commercial growers; too many plants to agree with the theory and trim them.

The next thing you have to squabble with is the question "are we just feeding smaller buds and taking away from the toppers by defoliating?"....................

I wasn't arguing with you or contradicting. You can be the expert on the topic here, if you want.

I was just bored and careless enough enough to toss a few thoughts out there. My bad.

 

[blue]

I wasn't arguing with you or contradicting. You can be the expert on the topic here, if you want.

I was just bored and careless enough enough to toss a few thoughts out there. My bad.

I think it's just a difference of opinion here rather than a personal dig ^_^ it happens on every defoliation thread.

Don't take it personally and if something works for you, keep on doing it - maybe try the other method another day and see how that goes.

It's all good here

(jiggyl vibe beast! )