When to start defoliating

I would not defoliate - especially in veg... as organoman said, the plants need the photosynthesis the leaves do to create a good, strong harvest. But defoliation DOES have it's uses and benefits if done at the right time for the right reason. This article has become my "bible" as far as this topic is concerned - it tells you when, how and why ... and I find it invaluable: https://www.growweedeasy.com/nebulas-super-simple-3-step-defoliation-tutorial Good luck!

I NEVER defoliate! I only ever remove leaves that have gone yellow. If the plant would not need those leaves, it would not grow them in the first place. There is no absolute need to ever defoliate as a general principle in cannabis cultivation, (unless you are maybe having massive problems controlling extremely high humidity levels). The bigger and older leaves will eventually become a food source for the plant during flowering. Less food during flowering = smaller buds. Less leaves during veg = less growth due to a reduced capacity to make energy. Just remember........ Maximum amount of leaves = maximum energy production = maximum growth! It really is that simple. Therefore, defoliation reduces your plants capacity to grow due to less energy being made AND reduces flower size due to less available food for growth that was being stored in the older leaves for use during flowering.........so why defoliate "just because"? Your entire plant is relying on every leaf it has, to make the energy it needs to grow and thrive to its best ability.

After looking at your grow, I wouldn't defoliate now, you still have tons of space and the plants are still small.