I would also recommend topping and doing low stress training as well to increase your bud sites. Works wonders for me. What kind of soil are you using as this can make a difference in the way your plants grow? I use Fox Farms Ocean Forest, why? because no nutrients are needed for at least the 1st 30 days, and then you can start your regiment of whatever nutes you are going to use from there. I go 8 weeks of veg, then transition to flower takes 1 week, then from there it's flower time!!! Also depends on what you are growing. Indica takes up to 8 weeks and Sativa takes longer, between 10-14 weeks. Check out the info on this site for further assistance growing. Good Luck.