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For this Marijuana Pictures of the Week we are taking a close look at trichomes. Often referred to as the 'crystals' on the bud, trichomes are actually small growths coming off of the buds and leaves. These growths contain cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, and are responsible for the medicinal effect of cannabis.

Looking at the trichomes of a marijuana plant using a camera, microscope, or magnifying glass can give you vital clues as to when you should harvest. They start out clear, turn cloudy, then turn amber. To find out more about harvesting based on the trichomes check out our harvesting guide.

Make sure to check out the pictures in high resolution as well!

Supercopping is a term with more than one definition in the growing community. Many people use the word to describe any training technique that will give you a "Super Crop," however, some people use it to describe a much more specific technique known as crimping. To clear up some of the confusion surrounding supercropping we will take a closer look at each of the definitions.

Supercropping can refer to a group of techniques known as training. Training is any method you use to control the growth of your plant. The most common forms of training are Low Stress Training (LST), Screen of Green, Topping, and Crimping. By utilizing one or several training methods you can get shorter, bushier, denser plants. It is one of the most effective tools in the growers arsenal for easily and cheaply increasing yields by creating a greater amount of colas and spreading the plant out into a larger area.

Supercropping can also refer to a training technique also known as crimping. Crimping is done by gently crushing the stem and bending it over, causing it to develop multiple branches above the crushed area. This almost always results in increased yields.

Crimping will create a very bushy plant with tighter node spacing and more colas, resulting in better light coverage and higher yields. Once the plant has time to grow the crimped section will become strong and woody so it can support its own weight. You can see in the pictures below how the crimped section grows into a strong support and the plant becomes wider and shorter with more budsites.

Instead of using the term supercropping it is better to use the terms training and crimping. Each has a more exact definition and a clearer meaning. Which definition do you think is the right one? Are there any more not covered here? Let me know in the comments here or on Reddit.