Update @ Three Weeks 'Crimping'
Reason:
To produce more tops, forming an fairly even canopy on each plant. Because I don't have a powerful lighting system, I get poor light penetration into the lower part of the plant. By crimping and bending the upper portion over, I will have more bud sites at the top of the plant rather than one large cola at the top. With the all the budding sites located at, or near the top of the plant, I will be utilizing my limited lighting to it's maximum potential.
This afternoon I took Plants #1 #2 and #3 and did the 'Bend' on them. Plants #4 and #5 are still too small and will be done at a later time.
Up till now I have been slowly encouraging lower growth on the four largest plants (#5 has not). I've done this by tying down the tops of the plants (with kite string) on alternate days.
I had originally thought to crimp and bend the plants over very low down on the main stem. After listening to advise by some of you and reading about it here on 420, I've decided against bending them so low down on the stem. What I've done instead is to pinch the main stem on each of the three plants about 2/3rds of the way up from the ground and bend the tops from there.
Some pics below:
Group Shot (before anything has been done)
Plant #1 (after crimping main stem)
Close up of the crimp of #1 (center of pic)
Plant #2 (prior to crimping)
Plant #2 (after crimping)
Close up of crimp in #2 (center of pic)
Plant #3 (prior to crimping)
Plant #3 (after crimping)
Back in the Tent (lights have been raised for pic)
All Done!
(left front #5, back left #2, center #1, front right #4, back right #3) Lighting: 100w MH in the center, four 26 w daylight CFL's on each side. Notice my beautiful homemade light reflector (LOL) and my extensive use of duct tape! By the way, I use the empty water jug to push back the side of the tent away from the lights.
Comments are more than welcome!