I’m just going to echo mostly what has already been said. It would be nice to get a shot of the whole thing even if the picture is not so clear. For some reason I’m having a hard time getting my mind around what it looks like exactly. The buds look ok. I saw a plant that used 10-52-10 and it looked great (the jury is still out on how it smokes.) Provided that the rest of your plant is healthy you should see a dramatic difference.

You need to get a magnifying glass and carefully look at the buds to see when it is done.

Refer to this as a guide: http://boards.cannabis.com/showthread.php?t=25001

You have to harvest according to the trich’s not too soon /not too late. Look on line to see when your first frost is. You have from now until then to get things finished up.

It’s natural for some bottom leaves to yellow and die (especially towards the end of it’s life cycle) as long as it’s not excessive.

I’m not sure what you mean when you say, “i guess my question is what can keep that side grown from growing (for the future plants)”

Good luck with your flowers,