Fantastic question Doc,
I try to take a random sample when it's plants I don't know, something I've never grown before. One or two budsites from the top, middle and bottom helps me gauge the rate of maturation and learn something about that particular plant/strain's genetics. Traditionally, the top of a plant matures sooner than the bottom, which has given rise to the practice of staggered harvesting on the same plant, although there are exceptions to this. Autoflowering strains, for example tend to be small, metabolic powerhouses that exhibit concurrent bud formation, tricome maturation and overall growth, allowing for a fairly uniform harvest, with respect to 'tricome color'.
It's always a lil' different plant-to-plant, however, once I've become familiar with a strain's harvest window, I'll usually just grab the lowermost budsite on each plant, mark it, and use it as the 'harvest indicator'. This quick-check method is really only applicable after growing a specific plant/strain to harvest a few times.
That's me...
It's an important and practical question Doc, and I'd love to hear how everyone does it!
Good Growin' bro, I haven't said much lately, because there simply isn't much to say. I think you're being a tad hard on yourself, because the progress and results in this grow so far have exceeded the norm for most 'first grows'.
Thanks for the reply Andy. I'm gonna do a thorough tricome examination tomorrow, with pics. (sorry, can't do tricome pics at this time, but bud porn will have to suffice)
And, a sincere thanks for the compliments. I really appreciate that.
As for me being hard on myself....if you knew what I did for a living, you'd understand why....I have little to no room for error in what I do, and doing a good job isn't acceptable....I've got to do a perfect job.
I certainly won't hold myself to those standards when it comes to growing, but I can't grow against my nature! I can't fight nature, bugs, storms, power outages, etc.....but I sure as hell can learn enough to cope with it all.
Growing reminds me of playing poker, which is another of my passions. In poker, like growing, there are certain rather important variables that can't be forseen or controlled.
However, people who are good at either have one thing in common: whether through instinct, hard knocks, study, or a combination of all three, they know how to adapt and win....consistently.
I want to know what's going to happen, from when I germinate seeds to when I fight the bugs, to when I dry and cure. If I can do that, I'll do an above average job....and hopefully a great job in time.
BTW, Marijuana is the next wine industry. The art and science of making wine has come a long, long way in the last 30 years....from growing, to packaging.
What we're smoking now is comparable to drinking Gallo chablis out of the box in the 1970's. Sure, it tastes like wine and gets you drunk....but the stuff you can get nowadays is not to be compared!
Pot is just starting down that road, IMO. I am looking forward to embracing and profiting from this new-born industry.
Sorry I write so much....you should see my personal grow logs.
i got more good news! 2 of the 3 BCGodBud strains i got are girls! that seedbank screwed me outta $300 with white seeds. 3 of the 10 Gods sprouted and 6 of 10 Purps sprouted. Im GLAD those are girls I hope the 3rd is a male so the plants can get freaky on a 3some to form some quality seeds. This is going to be my 1st completed indoor grow. Lookin to DWC the clones I got goin. 3 per 18gal but im out of $$ 
hopefully i can find a sponsor by the end of the month. But im sooo excited for you to! Hows it smellin in you garden??
cheers Doc 
