Using the SCRoG method when growing is a good way to save some hassle through maximizing the yield with fewer plants. The term SCRoG means Screen of Green, and it could even be considered an art. It consists of filling a mesh screen by guiding the branches to grow up through the holes filling up 70% of the entire mesh before you flip it to the flowering lighting. This technique is usually recommended for sativa plants as they can grow quite tall indoors. Thanks to the SCRoG system you can control the height and optimize production rates while increasing your final product’s quality.
What is SCROG for?
This growing method saves work and money. A normal grow usually has around 9 to 15 plants per square meter, and SOG methods can allow you to have 50 plants in a square meter but that means you have more to do when it comes to watering, pruning, higher risk of pests etc. whereas by using the SCRoG method you can place 1 to 5 plants per square meter, limiting how much you have to spend on feminized seeds or other type. This saving is paid back in the amount of time you’re going to need to let the plant grow for, so you’ll have less harvests per year with this method and less production but the quality will be immensely improved upon.
There are certain countries that have legalized, or partly legalized, home growing cannabis, and if you live in one of those countries you can grow even more plants, which makes this technique perfect for those kinds of growers.
SCROG method during flowering phase
The most frequent question we hear is, how do I know when it’s time to begin flowering the plant? Well, like we said before, it depends on the strain that you’re growing and if you’re growing from seeds or clones. Indica strains started from seeds can be switched to flowering once they’ve occupied around 75% of the mesh. This can take between 3 to 5 weeks of growing. With the help of hormones and other additives, you can slightly shorten this period. Further, another option is to also use products such as Rhino Skin to improve plant’s resistance.
Sativa strains have the benefit of starting to flower once the mesh is 60% covered which means they don’t need as much time for the vegetative period, although the flowering period is extended, therefore it makes up for that time. If you want to use this method with clones then you’ll need to wait until the mesh is 85% covered for indicas and 70% for sativas.
You can also use this technique outdoors where you can place the mesh horizontally or vertically, effectively covering the plant as if it were a blanket. Obviously you’ll need to have the mesh attached to something to stabilize it so it can work as a trainer for the branches, allowing the buds to grow much heavier.
SCROG advantages and incovenients
Like many growing methods, this technique has pros and cons. The positive aspects regarding this technique are apparent but the cons aren’t. Apart from having fewer harvests a year, the actual mass of the plant will be much bigger and you’ll need to take more care of it to avoid issues like fungi. Apart from pruning, you should also use preventive products that contain silicon like Mineral Magic by GHE, Horsetail by Trabe, Liquid Silicon by Ionic, Rhino Skin by Advanced Nutrients… and many more. Neem oil is also useful and a natural repellent for all kinds of insects. All in all, these plants require much more care but it’s definitely worth it.
Another important issue is the height of the mesh, which depends on the strain you’re growing. The average height is about 20cm from the top of the flowerpot. If the mesh is too low down then the branches will grow too tall and unstable, which would directly affect the yield. This can be solved by placing another mesh on top.
If you want to reuse your mesh in the same position then you’ll need to cut the plant up and dry it in a drying sock; you won’t be able to hang it in one piece unless you want to destroy your mesh.
