Interesting stuff, thanx people. babygro - I generally agree with you on what you wrote. As I said earlier, I decided against LST'ing for now because this is my first grow and I want to keep things simple. Same with FIM'ing.

That said, the basic theory behind topping a plant to encourage sideways growth is not restricted to cannabis. I remember watching my dad 'pinch out' the tops of fruit trees to stop them growing taller and encourage more fruit growth. I feel fairly confident of doing this right.

I got 5 plants all of which are doing fine and looking good, growing fast etc. One of them is a good deal taller than the others - right from seed it was always the strongest and biggest plant, like a bit of a freak. Would topping that one help all the plants later when I'm flowering? It would help me to learn - and I want to learn as much as possible cause I got the bug real bad.

Anyway I appreciate your help and advice v much. That goes for everyone who gave advice.

chances are that really tall/strong one is a male..they tend to be a lil more vigourous so they can finish there cycle in time to pollinate...i have 8 plants and they are now starting to pre flower..out of my 4 biggest ones only 1 was a female(i have 4Male/4Female ratio by the way)

I hope you're wrong SmokeUmPipe....I bought female seeds.