When do you defoliate week 3

[bboyfromwayback]

As I was trying to figure out when I’m going to defoliate my current grow I thought this may be a good survey which could lead to interesting discussion. Plus I just enjoy hearing others perspective on things.

Okay, I believe that with growing photo plants indoors it’s fairly standard practice that we all defoliate right before we flip to 12/12. Here’s my survey question - When do you defoliate for week 3?

Is it exactly 3wks from the day you switched your lights to 12/12? Perhaps it’s 3wks from the day you noticed the first actual signs of flower. Maybe you wait until the end of week 3 (oh but is the end of week 3 4wks after the flip or 4wks after first sign of flower) If you’re like me, it’s sometime during the 3rd week after switching my lights to 12/12. I went 12/12 on 4-4, I’m doing one tonight, the other two when I get to them this week.

Let’s see what the people say

[crucialbunny]

I'm not trying to be glib here but I have never had a plant that can read a calendar or follow a breeder's schedule. I trim and train my plants when they show they need it. I'm from the school of less is more and remove growth and train them in increments. It's simply based on my belief that shocking plants with major adjustments all at once lends itself to possible problems through stress. My methods probably aren't for everyone but you asked.

[TOKABIGONE]

Well said crucialbunny, to succeed, a grower will learn to read his plants through close study from sprout to cure. Explore your plants by gentle touch, move a leaf around to see where shade is. If it needs to go you will know! As crucialbunny said slow and steady in all aspects of husbanding your lady will always be rewarded

Be Safe! Always wash your hands before touching your plants. Finger sniffing after is permitted.

[YYCannabis]

These plants are amazingly resilient to abuse and stress. Whether you defol in week two, three, or four....the plant will just bounce back in 2-3 days and probably add extra time before harvest. Almost everything with growing these weeds are guidelines and not hard-fast rules. The common reasoning for “week 3 defol” is because the plant is less likely to pop out a ton more fan leaves, but that’s a generalization. Certain strains and environmental factors may have a role in how the plant responds.

Remember...as a farmer, your two best gardening tools are your eyes and experience. 👍

[bboyfromwayback]

Should’ve known somebody would go all Mr Miyagi. 3wks is fairly standard but not everyone’s thing so I added another column

[TOKABIGONE]

Were you referring to my sensei in Banzai?

[TOKABIGONE]

Crap, changing choices mid poll ain't fair! I want to change my vote to Mr. Miyagi? He is the only one I trust....still haven't got my car tho..?