1st Legal Grow Ohio SLH

Spent the beginning of this week catching up from my 4 day absence. The gradual defoliation when using these lst techniques definitely makes for a slow and steady grow and definitely isn't pretty at first... but my vision isn't in the now, it's what's to come. So the break down on the Phenotype "A" strategy. Complete Tie down by staking it as it grows. Started LST on it super early (see prior weeks). Short internodes has been KEY early on and humidity levels spot on for maximum flexibility. As it's grown, the top naturally wants to bend towards the top light. This creates a natural curve in the stem. As each node grows I pin it down twisting the branches so that they're running level with the ground. The fan leaves of the upper nodes get tucked below the lower growth. When the fan leaves begin to obstruct the path of my spiral, off they go. Rinse and repeat until ready to flower (when canopy synchronization is met between the plants). Phenotype "B" Strategy is simply LST to open up canopy promoting inner growth while limiting height. Being forced to start early with short internodes because of my experiment with "A" has created a really nice looking bush. I expect the following 2 weeks to begin to show the fruits of my labor and the plants beginning to really flourish and filling out instead looking so butchered lol. Without risk, there's no reward and no lessons learnt. I really wish I made a journal for the Gold Leafs (leaves? Eh whatever) as I'm experimenting with my first bonsai and it's been a fun experience thusfar. Blood & Bone meal added to top soil. LST going really well. 1st full month of growing under utility billing cycle. Hard to judge consumption, bill is 25% higher than last year. Having that said... we've been experiencing colder than normal temperatures and the air has been super dry as result. The 4 humidifiers around the house and the 1 for my grow room have been running around the clock as well as the distiller and heat. So a spike was expected considering the mild winter we had last year. Something I forgot to mention in last week's post is that I have been flexuating light intensity. I don't want every day to be the same. Doesn't feel natural. This seems to encourage a balance between stretching and actual growth. Hopefully maximizing the potential with the variety of breeds and techniques I'm using for each individual plant. I'm shooting for an even canopy within 2 weeks without a need for a trellis. I'm trying hard to avoid the need for Scrogging. Not because I'm against the technique, but to be able to have plant mobility. I like to rotate pots to "steer" the plants, prevent roots growing into the wicks of the bases, and for airflow in tight spaces. Scrog would make achieving all this near impossible. So the plan is strong limbs and suppliment support w/ bamboo (Subject to change).