Basic Auto grow question

To get the highest yield on an auto, I would not reccomend any technique other than LST, and even then, be gentle. Your plant will grow happy and healthy as long as it has water, C02, good airflow, nutrients, and the temp and humidity are appropriate for the stage of growth (70-90% during seedling, 60-70% during veg, ~50% during flower). You can supplement with nutrients, but don't go nuts, as you can easily burn the roots or cause salts to build up (causing lockout and requiring a flush). It will continue to grow during flower, and the leaves the plant makes during Veg are used by the plant to make it's flowers (reminder, don't defoliate an auto as they have short Veg periods). Also, go buy Ed Rosenthal's book, and keep asking questions on here! Happy growing, and good luck!