She's still stretching after serious defoliation a week ago already bushy I am confused how to stop her stretching and concentrate on bud production but all bud sites are filling up though.
There's nothing you can do about her stretching it's in her genetics, and it does look like she's decided to focus more on buds now, she is looking marvelous. I wouldn't be worried about taking any more leaves or budsites off, I think she looks perfect as she is.. Actually the more I look at her the more I think she looks like this Dr. Grinspoon strain...
This is a pure heirloom Sativa
www.seedsman.com
Maybe that plant was bred by something from your area? I have wanted to try growing that strain since I first saw that picture of it years ago.
I don't know if your plant will end up looking like that one but the structure is similar..
Yeah I think you can use any leaves but the reason I said to get straw is because the light colour will help keep the soil temperature lower than something dark. The bloom buddy looks good, it will be okay for your autos too, but maybe start with only half a scoop on them and add more in 2 weeks if there is no burning, and a whole scoop in 2 weeks if you notice nothing. The mulch will keep the top layer of soil friable (no crust on top) while keeping the soil temp lower if it's a light colour. I think roots are most healthy around 20c but in your area just keeping the pots as cool as you can will do. If you have some trays you can just water them extra in the mornings and leave the runoff water in the tray for them to drink during the day.