How to Grow Weed Using SCROG

By: OG WELLS

Introduction

Scrog (Screen of Green) is a growing technique that is used to increase the yield of a cannabis plant. It involves using a screen or net to train the plants to grow horizontally, creating a flatter canopy shape that receives a more even distribution of light.

The benefits of growing using the SCROG method are that it improves light penetration and airflow, leading to healthier plants with larger yields. Scrogging also allows you to maximize your space and produce more cannabis with fewer plants.

In this article we will look into the benefits of using SCROG, which strains it works best with and most importantly how its done.

What is the Difference Between Sea of Green and Screen of Green?

Sea of Green (SOG) and Screen of Green (SCROG) are both techniques to grow more weed, but they differ in their approach.

SOG involves growing a large number of small plants in a small space, with each plant given very little room to grow. The idea is to create a “sea” of small plants that are all forced to flower at the same time. The result is lots of small plants grown quickly with very little hassle. Although each plant isn’t huge, combined together you can get excellent yields in a short time.

SCROG, on the other hand, involves growing fewer, larger plants that are trained to grow horizontally using a screen or netting. The goal is to create an even canopy of buds that all receive equal light, which can result in higher quality and more consistent buds. SCROG is typically used with sativa strains that have longer flowering times and taller stature.

What Are the Benefits of Growing Weed Using the Sea of Green Method?

• Increased yield: SCROG encourages plants to grow horizontally rather than vertically, which results in more bud sites and ultimately bigger yields.

• Improved quality: Because the plants are trained to grow evenly, the buds that are produced are more uniform in size, shape, and potency.

• Better light penetration: Every part of the plant receives adequate light, leading to more robust growth and better yields.

• Reduced risk of pests and diseases: The SCROG method can help prevent mold and other issues that can arise when plants grow too close together.

• Efficient use of space: By training plants to grow horizontally, growers can make the most of their available space, whether that’s in a grow tent or a larger indoor grow room.

Do Autoflowering Strains Grow Best Using the SCROG Method?

Autoflowering strains are becoming more and more popular, with todays new autoflowers yielding more than ever, would autoflowering strains be a good choice to grow using the SCROG method?

In general, autoflowering strains tend to be smaller in stature and have a shorter lifespan than photoperiod strains. This makes them ideal for SCROG, as the horizontal training and even canopy of the SCROG method can help maximize yields and improve the overall quality of the buds.

In particular autoflowering sativas that would typically have a lot of vertical growth could really benefit from the extra lateral growth that SCROG provides.

How Much Does SCROG Yield Per Plant?

The yield per plant in a Screen of Green (SCROG) setup can varies depending on several factors, such as the strain, the size of the pot, the screen size and height, the lighting, and the grower’s skill and experience. However, providing you get all of this right you could produce a yield of 1-2 pounds per 1000-watt light, which translates to about 1-2 ounces per square foot of canopy.

It’s important to note that this is just a rough approximation and is not applicable to every grow. Some growers may be able to achieve much higher yields with SCROG. Another factor that plays into the overall yield is if you are growing indoors or outdoors, outdoor grows tend to yield more.

What is the Best Time to Start a SCROG Grow?

The best time to start a Screen of Green (SCROG) grow is during the vegetative stage of the plant’s life cycle. Ideally, you want to wait until your plants have developed a few sets of true leaves and are at least 6-8 inches tall before starting the SCROG training process.

During the vegetative stage, the plants are still actively growing and can be trained to fill the screen and create an even canopy. Waiting until the plants are a few weeks old before starting the SCROG process can also help ensure that they are strong and healthy enough to handle the stress of training.

Once plants are in the flowering stage, you should not be doing any further training in case you end up stressing the plant. At this point it is too late during the plants life and they should just be focusing on producing bud.

How to Grow Using the SCROG Method?

Here is a step-by-step approach to growing cannabis using the Screen of Green (SCROG) method:

1. Choose the right strain: Select a strain that is known to perform well with the SCROG method. Strains such as Gorilla Glue which is a 50/50 hybrid are super potent and provide enough vertical growth to work excellently with SCROG even in smaller set ups.

2. Vegetative stage: Grow your plants in the vegetative stage until they are around 12-18 inches tall. During this time, you will want to provide ample light and nutrients to ensure they grow strong and healthy.

3. Set up the screen: Install a screen or netting over your plants to create a horizontal plane. The screen should be at a height where the top of the plant canopy is just below it.

4. Tuck and weave: As the plants grow through the screen, carefully tuck and weave the branches through the holes in the screen to create an even canopy.

5. Flowering stage: Once the plants have grown through the screen and created an even canopy, switch them to a 12/12 light cycle to induce flowering.

6. Maintain the canopy: As the buds develop, continue to tuck and weave the branches to maintain an even canopy and maximize light penetration.

7. Harvest: When the buds are fully developed and mature, it’s time to harvest your crop. Be sure to follow proper drying and curing methods to ensure the best flavor and potency.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow cannabis using the SCROG method and enjoy high yields of potent, high-quality buds. However, it’s important to remember that each grow is unique, and you may need to adjust your approach based on the specific strain and growing conditions.