What is low stress training?
Low stress training is the bending of the plants for optimal light intake, usually this is done with artificial light, but it can also be done with outside growing plants.
When to start low stress training?
It is best to start low stress training before the flowers start blooming, After blooming the plants will become snappy and break more easily when bend. It is generally advised to start LST when the third row of leaves starts growing.
How to implement LST?
Make sure to bend the plants carefully, first bend the main branch gentle to the side, tie it to the side of the pot or the ground with a wire, make sure to not damage the plant by overstressing. Make sure the plant doesn’t snap, it wire shouldn’t cut into your plant either.
Once the plant is bend the middle branches will start growing upward. This is when you can start bending these to the side as well. Tie these twigs to the other sides of the pot. You can repeat this process often, adjusting your twigs for optimal light intake.
Can i use this technique for outside growing?
Yes you can, If you are not growing in a pot you can bind the plants to poles in the ground, the same rules apply. Make sure to not bend the plant to close to the ground if you want to avoid them getting covered in mud or being thrown down completely in heavy rain.
What are the benefits of LTS?
Plant limits:
In many countries there’s a limit to the amount of plants one can own. With LST you can recieve a larger amount of Flowers from a single plant, increasing your harvest without breaking any rules.
Optimalization of space and light.
This technique allows for an optimal use of space and light which is essential for growing inside and using expensive lamps.
Limitation of height.
LST allows for the limitation of the height of the plant without breaking or cutting. Some cannabis plants can reach 2 meters if everything goes well. Which is great, but sometimes you might want to be a little more discreet.
Cons of using LST:
Breaking
When poorly done you can risk snapping twigs ruining your plant. Always be careful when bending and do not bend your plant after flowers are beginning to grow.
Time consumption
It takes significant more effort to implement LST. If you don’t want maximum harvest it might not be beneficial. If seeds are cheap in your area, you’re growing outside and there is no plant limit, you might want to consider just planting more.
Let us know if you are implementing LST (low stress training) with your indianspiritseeds.com plants! If you have anything to add feel free to comment below. Have a good harvest!
