I do it all. Because it's a test setup. So I'll let the first ones go. Second ones are topped and defoliated. And to test vigor I just mash down tall plant with my hands to make the canopy level. It all works. I recommend topping and defoliating and training if your doing a low pla t count. I keep a cutting in a small 5" pot in the bathroom. Where i torture it. I pour pesticide right in the soil. Leave it in a hot window during a heatwave. Pour random fertilizer drippings in it. All in an attempt to see if it gets sick. I do it all so I can dedicate time and resources elsewhere to specific crop strains.
The majority of hobby growers are working with different genetics.
Some plants don't like being cut. Some don't need training. It's a Learning curve for every new strain. So I stick to short stalky powerful kush strains. Straight indica. And they like being short and squat.
A plant in good health can handle almost anything. I've got in to lay x amount of plants on their side on the ground in a pot because they were too tall and the previous guys was fired. It all works.
Now? I harvest only my tops to trim and smoke. I hand strip the lowers and let people trim it up and roll it for themselves. So I have to grow a plant that isn't spongy and essentially grows nice perfect shaped nugs.
Some people are better off growing a great big bush and trimming it all to make sure they don't run out. So it's personal preference.
In a year you'll have a good idea of a process to stick to. But if it's a hobby and not a job it has to be fun too. Has to help you relax. So maybe grow 4 plants of your strain and see which method works the best. Then dial it in. And now you grow that kind of weed really well.
To rest Pine tar. I tried different foods and pots. And different training methods. Different veg times. And I'm now on the DWC I 5 gallon per 600 watt. To see how that goes. It's a toss up between doing 9 5 gallon short veg plants in
promix and using a 600. Or doing 1 big well trained and topped DWC. The best nugs to trim were the shortest veg. But I didn't fill my canopy and yield suffered. So higher plant count needed.
My conclusion. Pine Tar: a robust plant free from fungus weakness. Resistant to extreme temperatures. Very slow to root clones. A moderate smoke of about 21%. Sensitive to over feeding. Works better with less or no supplements. Ideal to veg a clone to about 14" and flip about 9 per 4x4. Cures well. And has a very pleasant heavy smoke. Kush flavour and nothing else. Would recommend in
Promix to grow on a 1 part food for beginners. And a respectable smoke for all users.
