I’m thinking I’m seeing signs of that or maybe just a different way to look at it.
The last two years I planted real early outside. And I usually planted more in late summer.
I’m seeing the later planted one grow just as large in half the time and it produced right at the exact same amount.
By planting early I’m using double the nutes and water for the same outcome. I’m sure there would be some outcomes somewhat different.
One theory for me and my environment (southern Colorado @6,400 feet elevation, intense burning sun first part of summer) is that I usually suffer through really bad heat and stress like hail storms early and work hard at keeping things moving forward.
I planted a SSDD early, late spring, and it reached 7’ and gave me a couple of pounds of bud. I also planted a Phuuu’s IPA in the same area in July and it ended up at the same exact size and yielded almost exactly the same weight.
I noticed it enough that I’ve been asking myself if I’m planting outside too early. It’s just not needed here with such intense sun.
We are subject to early frost/freeze and that was my basis for planting early; finish early. It hasn’t been the case those two in the ground were the last to finish. I had to build an igloo frame around both to save them from an early snow. So, I may save stress, water, and nutes by waiting to plant later at my house.
I can get pics when I get back on my computer in a week or so. They might still be on the phone, I’ll look.
Good question, though. I sure noticed it for two straight years. Clarke is supposed to be one of the best books supposedly.