GrowCNanswered grow question 3 years ago You don't have much plant there. I would do NO defoliation as it is quite open and airy.
I normally start low stress training when the plant is about the 3rd - 5th node. No defoliation. This is the phase where you want to encourage as much vegetative growth possible. You need a big plant to produce big yields. So, I would start LST now and consider switching the lights around the end of the month if the plant gets to the size you want. Keep in mind switching to flower is not about a date on the calendar. You are letting the plant veg until it gets to the size you want. If that takes a few weeks longer then I would give her the time she needs.