Wind Warriors: Training Cannabis Plants in New Mexico’s Gusty Corridors
When you picture New Mexico, it’s not just desert sunsets and adobe homes—you also have to factor in the wind. From the plains of Clovis to the open stretches near Albuquerque, New Mexico is notorious for strong gusts that can either make or break a cannabis grow. For home cultivators, the challenge is clear: how do you train your plants to not just survive the wind, but thrive in it?
This article explores why the wind is such a factor in New Mexico grows, and the best cannabis training techniques for turning your plants into true Wind Warriors.
Why the Wind Matters in New Mexico
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High plains geography – Much of eastern New Mexico is wide open, with few natural windbreaks. This means plants are exposed to unrelenting gusts.
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Spring gust season – From March through May, winds can regularly hit 20–40 mph. Early vegetative plants are especially vulnerable during this time.
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Elevation effects – Higher altitude areas like Santa Fe and Taos experience thinner air and stronger, more direct winds, stressing cannabis even more.
Unchecked, these winds can:
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Snap branches
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Stunt vertical growth
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Cause excessive transpiration (plants dry out faster)
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Lead to uneven development of colas
Training Techniques for Wind-Resistant Plants
1. Low Stress Training (LST)
By bending and tying down stems early, you encourage plants to grow wide and bushy instead of tall and top-heavy.
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Use soft plant ties or coated garden wire to secure stems to stakes or the edge of pots.
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Keep branches low and horizontal—this reduces their “sail effect” in gusts.
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Reposition ties every few days as plants grow to avoid pinching stems.
👉 Bonus: Wider canopies mean more bud sites and better light penetration.
2. Topping and FIMing
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Topping (cutting off the main growing tip) creates multiple strong colas instead of one fragile leader that could snap.
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FIMing (“F*** I Missed”) slightly trims the tip to split growth into 3–4 branches.
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Both methods encourage thicker stalks and sturdier branching—key for withstanding wind.
3. Supercropping (High-Stress Training)
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Gently pinch and bend stems until they feel soft, then curve them downwards.
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This creates knuckled growth points, strengthening the branch like scar tissue.
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The result: a plant that’s flexible under pressure instead of brittle in the breeze.
4. Support Structures
Even the toughest wind-trained plants can use backup. Consider:
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Tomato cages – Simple and cheap, perfect for container grows.
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Trellis netting – Great for training wide canopies and spreading weight evenly.
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Windbreak fencing – Burlap, lattice, or wooden panels around your grow area reduce gust intensity without blocking airflow.
5. Natural Windbreaks
If you’re growing in a backyard, take advantage of your landscaping.
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Plant corn, sunflowers, or even shrubs near cannabis rows for layered protection.
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Use a privacy fence or wall to shield against prevailing winds (just keep airflow in mind to prevent mold).
Extra Tips for New Mexico Wind Warriors
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Plant early but protect seedlings – Use cloches, small hoop houses, or even clear plastic totes to shield young plants from harsh gusts.
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Mulch heavily – Wind dries out soil fast. Mulching keeps root zones moist and stable.
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Water deep, not often – Encourage roots to go deep for stability against toppling.
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Choose genetics wisely – Look for strains known for short, sturdy frames and thick stalks, such as Afghan, Skunk hybrids, or some indicas.
The Payoff: Stronger Plants, Bigger Yields
Wind can be a curse in New Mexico—but with proper training, it becomes a blessing. Constant airflow toughens stems, reduces pests, and prevents mold. When you guide your cannabis into becoming true Wind Warriors, you’re setting yourself up for a harvest of dense, resilient buds that laugh in the face of gusts.
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