Clones, Trimming, and Training: How I Boosted My Cannabis Yield (and How You Can Too)

As a grower, I’m always looking for ways to improve my harvest. And recently, I learned just how important it is to clean up clones early, trim lower leaves, and train plants for light exposure. These small actions can make a huge difference in your final yield—and your wallet.
If you’re not already using a cannabis grow journal or weed growing app like PLnTrk, now’s the time to start. Here's what I learned the hard way and how you can avoid the same mistakes.

🪴 Clean Up Your Clones Early

When clones start growing, it’s easy to let the excitement of new leaves distract you. But here’s the deal: those bottom leaves often won’t get much light, and they just drain energy from the top growth. By trimming them early, you help your plant focus energy where it really counts—up top, where the buds will form.

I’ve started logging these early trimming sessions in my cannabis grow journal so I can see how plants respond over time—and the difference has been impressive.

✂️ Trimming Bottom Leaves = Bigger Buds

I used to think the more leaves the better. But now I’ve learned that trimming bottom leaves doesn’t hurt—it helps. Those shadowed leaves don’t contribute much and actually steal resources from your budding tops. By removing them, I’m getting denser, healthier colas.

If your goal is top-quality yield (and whose isn’t?), then trimming is a must. A weed growing app makes it easy to track how often you do this and see the results each cycle.

🌿 Top and Train for Maximum Light

Topping and training are two of the biggest yield boosters I’ve come across. Topping encourages multiple main colas instead of one, and training (spreading branches) improves airflow and light penetration.

• Topping: Snip the top to force growth into more branches and bud sites.


• Training: Spread the canopy evenly to maximize light exposure.

I log each of these techniques in PLnTrk so I know when I topped each plant and how I trained it. That lets me replicate what works—and fix what doesn’t.

😬 My Mistake: Skipping the Basics

On a recent grow, I skipped topping and didn’t trim or train properly. The result? A disappointing 1 ounce per plant. I know I could’ve pulled 3 ounces per plant with the right care. That’s a 9-ounce loss—ouch.

Those mistakes cost me both in yield and in dollars. When you’re home-growing to save money and avoid dispensary prices, that kind of loss stings.

📲 Use PLnTrk to Track Every Step

That’s why I rely on PLnTrk—a powerful weed growing app and cannabis grow journal in one. With it, I log every action: clone cleanup, leaf trimming, topping, training, and more. I can quickly scan my plant’s NFC tag or QR code and record updates in seconds, right from the garden.

If you’re serious about increasing your yields, it’s time to stay organized and stop relying on memory. Let PLnTrk help you grow smarter—and harvest bigger.

🔁 Final Tip: Log Everything

Don’t just grow—track your grow. The difference between an okay harvest and a great one is usually in the details. Whether you’re managing clones or training for max light, every task adds up.
Use a dedicated cannabis grow journal and keep your workflow tight with a modern weed growing app like PLnTrk.

Save time, save money, and most importantly—grow better weed. 🌱

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