When is it time to start thinning your plants?

[Bgose]

These plants are 5 weeks into veg..
When is a good time to start thinning the leaves?

 

[6thsense]

These plants are 5 weeks into veg..
When is a good time to start thinning the leaves?

I usually defoliate right before 12/12 flip . Ill clip off damaged looking leaves as I see them though

 

[Bill284]

These plants are 5 weeks into veg..
When is a good time to start thinning the leaves?

Hey @Bgose beautiful garden you have. Lots of people defoliate their girls if they get that bushy. I personally don't pluck leaves except just before going into flower. I'll trim below the light level, then again after stretch. Other than those two times I let her be. Happy growing friend.

 

[safeman]

Generally one defoliates in week 4 of veg - then before 12/12 cycle = then in week 4 of flower. Remember in veg you really "shape" your plant getttin it realy for flower - you defoliated before flower cycle to remove leaves that cover bud sites - THEN oin week 4 of flower remove all fan leaves (the plant has no use for them them at this stage) More light = More buds

 

[SmokingWings]

Generally one defoliates in week 4 of veg - then before 12/12 cycle = then in week 4 of flower. Remember in veg you really "shape" your plant getttin it realy for flower - you defoliated before flower cycle to remove leaves that cover bud sites - THEN oin week 4 of flower remove all fan leaves (the plant has no use for them them at this stage) More light = More buds

Some growers will disagree with the plants not needing the fan leaves after week 4.

Those leaves are still going through photosynthesis and producing the sugars, etc that keep the plant fed. Plus they are the storehouses for much of the macro and micro nutrients. When the flowering stage demands more phosphorous and potassium for flower growth than the plant can pull from the soil or soil-less growing mix it will start to absorb the needed nutrient from the fan leaves, or any and all leaves.

 

[Bill284]

Some growers will disagree with the plants not needing the fan leaves after week 4.

Those leaves are still going through photosynthesis and producing the sugars, etc that keep the plant fed. Plus they are the storehouses for much of the macro and micro nutrients. When the flowering stage demands more phosphorous and potassium for flower growth than the plant can pull from the soil or soil-less growing mix it will start to absorb the needed nutrient from the fan leaves, or any and all leaves.

My theory exactly. If you keep pulling fans she just grows more. That tells me she needs them. I let my girls get as bushy as they want. And they reward me.

 

[Bgose]

Thank you all.
I also like a bushy plant..

 

[nickeluring]

Nice looking plants. I would defoliate those plants now. They have plenty of bud sites that are shaded.

 

[safeman]

Some growers will disagree with the plants not needing the fan leaves after week 4.

Those leaves are still going through photosynthesis and producing the sugars, etc that keep the plant fed. Plus they are the storehouses for much of the macro and micro nutrients. When the flowering stage demands more phosphorous and potassium for flower growth than the plant can pull from the soil or soil-less growing mix it will start to absorb the needed nutrient from the fan leaves, or any and all leaves.

I understand and agree with you leaves feed the plant. when I do this I only take the fan leaves at end of week 4 (removing the leaves that block the light to buds) defoilation is really strain specific some strain hardly need any