Newbie LST question

So, I've been tying down some branches, in order to create a flat even canopy (early days, but I'm trying to fill a 2.6 x 2.6ft space) with a single plant. After manifolding I've been tying down new shoots left right and centre!

My first question is simple: do the ties need to remain indefinitely? Or, after a branch appears to have hardened, is it safe to remove the ties without the plant bouncing back into its original shape?

Second question: I was originally aiming for 8 main colas, but it's become really obvious to me that I could EASILY double up and create 16 tops, if not more (not sure my grow space would accommodate more than 16 to be fair). I know from reading that every time you split a main you diminish the mass produced per cola... but the total bud mass is greater than it would be if it was just from one cola. I'm just wondering at what point is it a game of diminishing returns?

Cheers

EDIT: I'm sure someone will ask, but I'm using a Mars Hydro TSW 2000 grow light. It'll cover my tent with 1000ppfd when 18" above the canopy... it's a 300w output, allegedly equivalent to a 450w CMH

Leave your ties on if you dont need them elsewhere. The first growth you tie down will be your most vigorous and may need micro adjustments.
It's fine to make as many tops as you want. You defeat diminished returns by extending the veg period appropriately, assuming things like planter volume is sufficient and all other things being equal.

You will need to adjust your ties as your plant grows. I leave mine through the grow. Once they’re done stretching you won’t need to adjust anymore. But I leave mine or they start to work their way toward the middle of the pot.

Ha, edited that in lol. Good answer!

Cheers chaps. I'm doing DWC in a 45l tote. I can't tie down to the rim as I have to keep lifting for pH/EC readings, top-offs, nute changes and the like. At the moment I'm using standard ties and have some heavy duty ones lined up for later... but I'm wrapping around the base of the plant so I don't break anything when I lift the tote lid. It already looks like there's a spool around the plant base and I've barely got started! Not wrapped anything too tightly at the base so I'm not so worried about that... but at some point, adding more ties this way will become impossible!

Welcome to my world lol

Well hopefully soon your buds get fat enough you’re trying to figure out how to hold them up!!

I'm a total noob. I manifolded too early, didn't drop EC appropriately and ended up having to chop a lot of burnt leaves. It took 5 days for growth to get going again. But... it really has started to explode this past few days. I reckon I've got at least 4-5 weeks before I switch to 12/12, but this is just a hunch. The way growth is accelerating I may be underestimating. Picture 1 was taken 10 days ago. Picture 2 taken 3 days ago... pic 3 taken today.

smokinrav said:

It's fine to make as many tops as you want. You defeat diminished returns by extending the veg period appropriately, assuming things like planter volume is sufficient and all other things being equal.

Click to expand...

Sharing this knowledge allows a person to bypass possibly years worth of experimenting on their own.

Indeed it does - there's some amazing people on this forum and I've read so much form so many different sources. Feel blessed to have chosen this time to start growing. From the few places I've signed up to, this forum is the most friendly and knowledgeable by far. I hope to be able to share my learnings with other newbies that come after me, in the same way so many others have done for me here... kudos especially to @rkymtnman and @Failmore - both have helped me in huge ways already