I plant in trays, then transplant the cells into blackdirt, don't feed, don't water, only spray with neem oil if any bug problems/fungus occur. I'm a bit spoiled in my area though. Next year I'll be planting outside the blackdirt, but the soil is still good stuff. In the past any topping, fimming, or pruning has on been done naturally by animals and storms and I tie up as neccessary. My harvests are surprisingly well for such laxidasical methods (not that it ain't still work haha). Next year I'm going to top my plants and keep them bushy as opposed to the tall and tree-like.