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LST (Low Stress Training) guide for bigger cannabis yields
LST is the #1 technique beginners should learn. It's easy, free, and can double your yield.
What is LST?
Bending and tying down branches to create an even, flat canopy. This exposes more bud sites to light.
How to do it:
- Wait until plant has 4-5 nodes
- Gently bend the main stem to the side
- Secure with soft plant ties or garden wire to the pot edge
- As branches grow up, continue bending them outward
- Goal: flat, even canopy where all tops are at the same height
For autoflowers:
- Start LST early (day 15-18)
- Be gentle — autos don't have time to recover from damage
- Don't top autoflowers — just LST
For photoperiods:
- Can be more aggressive
- Combine with topping for a manifold/mainline
- Continue training into early flower
I went from 1.5 oz per auto plant to 3.5+ oz just by adding LST. No extra equipment, no extra cost. Just bending. 🌿
3 Comments
This is the post that convinced me to try LST. Just started bending my plant yesterday at day 16. Already I can see the lower branches getting more light. This is amazing and it literally cost me nothing.
Great guide! One tip to add: if you're doing LST on autoflowers, be extra gentle. Autos don't have time to recover from snapped branches. Use soft plant ties or pipe cleaners, not wire.
For photoperiods, you can be more aggressive. I'll literally tie branches flat to the pot rim.
Went from 1oz per plant outdoors to 4oz just by doing basic LST and opening up the canopy. More light penetration = more bud sites = more weight. It's that simple.
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