First time growing - Seedsman NL Auto

Just riding along with water PH'd between 6.2 and 6.8 (shoot for 6.5) and tucking leaves here and there. Went a bit heavy on removing some of the larger fan leaves to promote airflow but nervous to take too many off. May leave the rest as long as air movement isn't an issue. Buds aren't really thickening up at all yet but leaves look green enough. Hanging onto hope that I just need to stay patient.