I will vouch for using “staples”. Once the soil compacts a bit the staples will usually hold. If not, I use a heavier gauge wire and cut them longer for the extra weight (14 gauge fencing wire). Not a manifold but you get the idea
This is my first attempt at a manifold with a little flux.
I used a clone so I chose the one with the closest alternate leaves. You can see it was not topped to get the manifold. None the less it split when I put pressure on it - a little aloe vera to help it heal
@beardless I see your main stem split, I’ve done the same thing more than once. I read in one of the tutorials that if when you top them cut higher then the node to leave a 1/4 to 1/2 inch stem sticking up and it is stronger and less likely to split. I still split em I’ve never not left the stem so I don’t know if it’s stronger than without. I scribbled on this pic to point it out. Thanks for all the atta boys, I wish I could take credit for the technique but it was someone else who came up with it I just learned it like you. Like the song “It wasn’t me” lol
Thanks. The plant pictured isn’t a manifold in the truest sense other than it has only two main growth points. This will maybe show what I mean better. The branch on the left is actually the apical stem.
Because it is a clone, the branching structure isn’t opposite so I cheated and just bent the apical stem at the most convenient branch node. Hence, no stub. I did top this stem to slow its growth down (several times). I wonder if it will get the big knuckles like traditional manifolds?
@Kotnmouf, yes ties are necessary. You did a great job. One suggestion. I was told to leave as many original interior leaves as possible. Like the leaf stems at the branch nodes. You can see it better in the last overhead photo. Doing so encourages stronger growth etc. They will be removed as it matures and definitely at traditional defoliation dates.
@JaneQP Growweedeasy Nebula’s mainlining tutorial is an excellent reference. Cocoforcannabis also has a very good guide and articles.
Then again, there is @Arrow. Perfection in the hands of an artist. I had to save some of his posts because, … they speak for themselves
I’ve talked with @Arrow a few times and got some pointers that I’m gonna try on some future grows. I just moved into a tent and I’m planning a couple experiment grows to try some different methods I’ve picked up along the way. Right now I’m doing SOG because in my closet with smaller lights I narrowed down this way to maximize my harvest with the setup I had. Now I have to try fewer larger plants again the new lights I have have much better penitration and I think I could get more out of some bigger plants. I might end up back here but I have to try it my OCD won’t let well enough alone until I have tried
Thanks. First attempt at this method. They are a mix of AK-47 and NL. The AKs are a little more aggressive growers than the NL. The tops are spread out enough so light should not be a problem.
I will be posting some updated photos on my thread soon.
Any idea what this is? Can’t be a bud because its only seedling and doesn’t look like new growth its an actual cluster…or am I just way too wake and baked?