Uncle Ben's Topping Technique to Get 2 or 4 Main Colas

Hey UB
Or any of the others willing to share some of their knowledge.

I heard a few times that a 5 gallon bucket is too big and specifically "Be cautious of root rot". Well of course this is my first grow and what did I use? Twelve 5 gallon bucket's for 12 plants. Yep lugged them suckers up stairs to the attick. Ahhh the ambition of the naive.

I also read the thread about "making it rain"

The 5 gallon buckets take forever to need water (that is working out well for me)

I watered all 12 plants to run-off - they seem to be hanging in there. Note: after the transplant into the 5 gallon bucket I didnt' water for 3 weeks.

Here is the question: How do I be cautious or carefull regarding root rot? Do I let the buckets dry out a tad more i.e., water again in a couple weeks? I realize the issue the root system is not wicking up the bottom water.

Most of the plants are bushy and healthy about 20inches tall. the sativia strain just wants to grow tall - Glad I topped it....

Any guidance on what to do with the 12 plants in 5 gallon buckets is much appreciated. BTW - I wouldn't have gottent this far with out a few basic concepts e.g., Less is more, let them grow. My thinking is water cautiously, leave well enough alone, turn them over to flower, and this is a lesson learned

can someone plz anwser me this question. After topping and cloning top, can I top the cuttings after a week of rooting? thanks in advance

Yes. "Cuttings" that have been rooted and growing for a week are called "plants" Feel free to top them. Don't expect clones to react the same way though. Ho-mones r different.

thank you doogleef for ur reply but what do u mean "Don't expect clones to react the same way though. Ho-mones r different" in what way thanks in advance

Crystal Toy said:

thank you doogleef for ur reply but what do u mean "Don't expect clones to react the same way though. Ho-mones r different" in what way thanks in advance

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The alternating branches of clones make it harder to get the same outcome as topping a plant from seed. If you remove the top of a plant, the highest branch(es) becomes the new top(s). Now with seeds, we have two branches at same height/level, so they both become the dominant colas. Typically 2-4 main colas from topping is what you'll get if done in the right spot. Ive tried for more than 4 once before, and it didn't work, so Ill stick to what works next time.

You may be able to get 2-4 dominant colas with clones from topping, but dont expect consistent results because of the alternating branches.

thank you Dave, i was just scared it would not grow strong as i just want to clone it. if it gets more colas GREAT if not no biggie just want MORE.lol

doogleef said:

Yes. "Cuttings" that have been rooted and growing for a week are called "plants" Feel free to top them. Don't expect clones to react the same way though. Ho-mones r different.

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Which hormones are different? I was not aware of this. How does this affect the behavior?

See page 1 for info on the auxins responsible.

Here is a pic of my sorta attempt at Uncle Ben's technique. A bit different.

blackoctopussy said:

thx UB for your methodology (4 colas, plant moisture and all the great great advice you share). I'm a nooby, read all kinds of stuff and since I switched to your approach everything is going great and smooooooth Like many others said, I've learned more with you than all the others !! FYI I'm combining all your tweaks associated with Subcool's soil approach. Now just adding plain water , no more liquid nutes.

Look forward to reading new posts by you as I've read every single one thave you've wrote.

Respect and a little hello from France.

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Welcome to RIU from France. I'll take some of your best years of Margaux!

xbox37 said:

i sort of new that i just wanted to hear someone say it and for me not to sound like a ass but ON PAGE 26 UB TELLS YOU HOW LONG TO VEG BUT THANKS BRO

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No I didn't, I said it was your call, (my forum) page 28, post 555. And on (my forum) page 26, 501, I said " It is not strain dependent. Hormones are hormones whether they reside in a sativa, indica or your typical mutt."

READ PEOPLE! This should be a college, not a grade school!

Consetia, wrong thread but I'll answer anyway, as I have in other threads. If you have a heavy mass of foliage and a robust healthy root system, it is almost impossible to overwater a plant as it will quickly wick off excess soil moisture via heavy transpiration. The issue is not so much too much water as the exclusion of air at the root zone. Having said that, it's better to match the size of the pot to the size of the plant. A seedling does not belong in a 5 gallon pot. Don't water again until the pot feels light to the lift and make sure your pots aren't in standing water. You can set them in plant saucers that have fairly tall sides and use a turkey baster to suck up excess water. Use this tea on other plants.

Good luck,
UB

Thank You - Yes wasn't sure what thread to post in, or how to find one, or.... - its tough there seems to be a lot of BS around and a couple peeps I can tell that know whats going on.

I'll let them dry a bit, the root mass is doing good. First Grow has been fun but as they age it gets a little intense. We are kinda like doting parents. Thanks again for your time.

Oh BTW - I have a GIRL! the excitement was kinda funny just needed to share.

What Im finding - girls are easy to spot, the boys well, lets let em age and look again in a week.

voodoofx said:

Here is a pic of my sorta attempt at Uncle Ben's technique. A bit different.

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how many main kolas u get??

HappyGrowing86 said:

sorry here's the pics

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how the fuck you manage that??? LST?? thats fucking awesome you gotta let the community in on your secret

hey so i have read a ton of post on this thread and still don't feel like i really know what Im doing well enough to go and cut my plants to get the four colas, I am unsure when in the veg stage you actually cut, how long after i cut should i veg, and also most importantly where exactly to cut if someone could please explain this is the most simple of terms that would be amazing.

boxing119 said:

hey so i have read a ton of post on this thread and still don't feel like i really know what Im doing well enough to go and cut my plants to get the four colas, I am unsure when in the veg stage you actually cut, how long after i cut should i veg, and also most importantly where exactly to cut if someone could please explain this is the most simple of terms that would be amazing.

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Cut above the second node after you have about 4-6 nodes - Simple

boxing119 said:

hey so i have read a ton of post on this thread and still don't feel like i really know what Im doing well enough to go and cut my plants to get the four colas, I am unsure when in the veg stage you actually cut, how long after i cut should i veg, and also most importantly where exactly to cut if someone could please explain this is the most simple of terms that would be amazing.

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Is this guy trolling? I'm not sure if this post is serious or just trying to get some to get a reaction like "read the first page" or "learn how to read".

I don't want to be an asshole but I don't want to feed trolls... This seems like a joke post to me.

I mean "so I don't have to read a ton of posts", why not try the first post then the rest? Try to value reading and doing the small amount of leg work to get your own answers. There is a lot you will miss out on if you just ask questions that have already been discussed. If you want to be spoon fed and not read a ton of anything you will never understand things and be doomed to asking lazy questions like this.

voodoofx said:

Here is a pic of my sorta attempt at Uncle Ben's technique. A bit different.

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here is mine, worked as advertised.

MatanuskaValley said:

here is mine, worked as advertised.

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Nice job!

Keep 'em green,
UB

yo uncle ben just wanted to say thx for all your knowledge you have shared. ive learned alot. not just this thread either you are a master at your craft. once again this noob thanks you. peace

feva said:

yo uncle ben just wanted to say thx for all your knowledge you have shared. ive learned alot. not just this thread either you are a master at your craft. once again this noob thanks you. peace

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Appreciate the kind words. I hope to empower you to be able to make your own sound cultural decisions.

Grow hard,
UB