Good day to you Newgrower. Here is a great how to MC tut that may help you out, the main thing is don't brake the outer skin of the branches when Monster cropping. If you do snap a branch to much you can always use tape or a band-aid and they will heal as they grow just fine. I have snapped them in previous grows and put tape or a band - aid around the section where the snap was and they was fine. You just have to take your time with them when doing this method, squeeze the branch with your fingers until you feel it starting to soften some then start making your bend as your squeezing the branch. Not always do you feel or hear the snap. Here is what i go by.
Always wash your hands before handling your plants!
STEP ONE: Choose the branches you would like to Monster-crop.
Monster-cropping is best done during the vegetative stage, once the plant has grown many healthy branches and is growing vigorously, but before she is full into the flowering stage.
For monster-cropping, you want to choose parts of the plant that are old, but still pliable (sometimes called ‘bendy’). The parts you use this technique on should still be green, and not wood-like the bottom of the main stalk.
If your plant has multiple colas, you should monster-crop the same location on multiple colas. When there's only one main cola, you monster crop the pliable greener growth towards the top.
Basically you're trying to create a flat canopy at the top, without any stems sticking up taller than the rest.
STEP TWO: Squeeze and bend branches
The idea is to damage the inner tissue of the plant without causing damage to the outside 'skin.' This makes the stem super pliable so it can easily be bent in the direction that you would like for it to grow.
Grab the branch and squeeze with firm pressure between your thumb and forefinger. This helps "loosen" the joint you are about to make. You know you've succeeded when this part of the stem feels a little crushed.
The branch should feel pliable at the joint you just made. Slowly and gently bend over stem towards the direction you want.
For extra strong stems, you may need to maintain pressure at the joint while you slowly bend the branch back until you hear a or feel a slight snap. Then you can continue to step 3 if needed.
If you go overboard.
STEP THREE: Fixing any tears in the outside stem
In the best case scenario, you don't even need tape, because the outside of the plant is still whole.
If you've gone a bit overboard, you may need to use a band-aid (or another strong tape) to reinforce the plant so she can heal properly, especially if you can see a open slit or crack on the outside of the stem.
Regardless, the place that you originally bent will grow a big knot or a knuckle. It's like a permanent band-aid, which can transport more water, nutrients, and other good stuff compared to before to your plants.
STEP FOUR: Removing ‘band aid’ or tape
Wait about one week before removing any tape. It's normal for the tissues to have discoloration at the healing sites.
If the site is still grey and appears totally wounded, just put the tape back on until she has grown her protective knuckle.
Until then, she'll be able to transport nutrients and maintain all normal processes as long as she has the tape to reinforce her.
If plant tries to straighten any branches, just tie them down (using Low Stress Training techniques). Stems will easily give in to your will after being monster cropped.
Hope this helps you out bud, i think you will like the outcome of this method, i know i have for years and hopefully years to come.. Good Luck and Happy Growing!
