Hey there, fellow grower! If you’re looking for tips on how to boost your cannabis harvest, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of SCROG, a technique that can help you maximize your yield. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey into the green world of cannabis cultivation!
What is scrogging?
SCROG, or Screen of Green, is a technique used by cannabis growers to make the most out of their limited growing space. By using a screen or net, you can train your plants to grow in a flat, even canopy. This way, each plant receives equal amounts of light, which helps improve the yield. It’s a bit like a game of Tetris, but with cannabis plants!
In most cases the grower is looking to have the main branches growing sideways under the screen with each two branches at the nodes (where the branches meet the plant) growing upwards into the screen. This method will give you many side branches growing up to the light, where they would have been under the canopy without this method.
When to SCROG?
The best time to start SCROG is when your plants are still in their vegetative stage. This is because they are still growing and can be trained easily. Once your plants have reached a certain height, it’s time to set up your screen and begin the SCROG process.
When should you not use a SCROG method to grow cannabis?
While SCROG is an excellent method for many growers, there are certain situations where it may not be the best option for growing cannabis. Here are some scenarios when you might want to avoid using the SCROG method:
- Limited time and attention: SCROG requires regular monitoring, maintenance, and training. If you don’t have the time or ability to check on your plants frequently and make adjustments as needed, SCROG might not be the best method for you.
- Autoflowering strains: Autoflowering plants have a shorter vegetative stage and switch to flowering automatically, regardless of light conditions. While SCROG can be used with autoflowering strains, it can be more challenging due to the limited time for training. In this case, you might want to consider other training techniques like Low-Stress Training (LST).
- Growing outdoors with unpredictable weather: SCROG works best in a controlled environment, like an indoor grow room or a greenhouse. If you’re growing outdoors and face unpredictable weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or hail, your screen and plants might be at risk. In this case, you might want to consider other training techniques that don’t rely on a screen.
- Small-scale or single-plant grows: If you’re only growing one or a few plants, the benefits of SCROG may not be as significant compared to larger-scale grows. In this case, you can still use other training methods like topping, LST, or super cropping to improve yield and plant structure.
- Limited vertical space: Although SCROG helps control the height of your plants, it still requires a certain amount of vertical space for the screen and plant growth. If you have limited vertical space, you might want to consider other training techniques like LST, which focuses on horizontal growth.
Ultimately, the decision to use SCROG or not will depend on your specific growing conditions, the strains you’re working with, and your personal preferences as a grower. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you and your plants.
SCROG journal
To keep track of your progress, it’s a good idea to start a SCROG journal. Jot down the date you began, the size of your plants, and any observations you make along the way. This way, you can learn from your experiences and improve your technique over time.
Shopping list for a successful SCROG
Before you get started with SCROG, you’ll need to gather some essential items. Here’s a quick shopping list to help you get started:
The screen (or SCROG net)
You can use any type of sturdy netting or wire mesh for your screen. The holes should be about 2 inches wide, so your plants have enough room to grow through them. There are many different kinds of nets (screens) on the market today, make sure not to purchase one where the holes are too large this will make it more difficult to do.
Sharp Scissors
A pair of sharp pruning scissors is essential for trimming and training your plants. Make sure to keep then clean between harvest, pruning and trimming you don’t want to spread diseases between plants and your grow spaces.
Large cannabis growing Containers
Invest in some large pots to give your plants plenty of space to grow and develop strong root systems. Some growers will grow one very large plant under their SCROG set ups, if you plant to do this it is very important to use a very large container to prevent the plant from getting root bound in flowering.
Installing your screen of green
When you’re ready to set up your screen, make sure it’s placed about 8 to 12 inches above the tops of your plants. This gives them enough room to grow and fill the screen. You will want to be able to bend the plants into the screen while they are in vegetive stage of growth or very early in flowering.
How to SCROG: the 5-step edition
- Set up your screen: Install your screen 8 to 12 inches above your plants.
- Train your plants: Gently weave the branches through the holes in the screen, making sure they’re evenly spaced.
- Prune and trim: Use your scissors to remove any excess foliage and keep your plants in check.
- Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on your plants, making adjustments to their positioning as needed.
- Repeat: Continue this process until your screen is full.
How to get the most out of Scrogging
To maximize the benefits of SCROG, make sure you’re providing your plants with the right conditions. This includes sufficient light, nutrients, and water. Regularly check on your plants to ensure they’re thriving.
How to top your marijuana plants
“Topping” your plants means cutting off the top of the main stem, encouraging the growth of multiple branches. This helps create a bushier, more even canopy that’s perfect for SCROG.
When to start SCROG training
As mentioned earlier, it’s best to start SCROG training during the vegetative stage. This is when your plants are still growing and can be trained easily.
When to stop SCROG training
You should stop SCROG training once your screen is filled, or when your plants have reached the flowering stage. At this point, your plants will be focusing on producing buds, and further training can stress them out and reduce your yield.
How much can you yield when you SCROG?
The amount of cannabis you can yield when using the SCROG method will depend on factors like the strain, growing conditions, and the size of your screen. However, SCROG can significantly increase your yield compared to traditional growing methods. Some growers have reported doubling or even tripling their harvests with SCROG!
Only use clones or feminized seeds when scrogging
Using clones or feminized seeds is essential when SCROGging. This is because male plants don’t produce the buds you’re after and can pollinate your female plants, leading to a lower yield. By using clones or feminized seeds, you can be sure that all your plants will be female and bud-producing.
Switch to flowering stage when the screen is filled
Once your screen is filled with your plants’ branches, it’s time to switch to the flowering stage. This means adjusting your light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Your plants will now focus on producing buds instead of growing, and you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest.
What are some of the best strains for SCROG?
Certain cannabis strains are better suited for SCROG due to their growth patterns and overall structure. Here’s a list of some of the best strains for SCROG:
- Blue Dream: This popular hybrid strain is known for its vigorous growth and even canopy, making it an excellent choice for SCROG. Blue Dream produces high yields and offers a balanced, uplifting high.
- White Widow: A classic strain that’s well-suited for SCROG, White Widow is an indica-dominant hybrid that produces a dense canopy and bountiful harvest. It’s known for its resinous buds and potent, relaxing effects.
- Critical Kush: This indica-dominant strain is perfect for SCROG, thanks to its compact growth and strong branching. Critical Kush yields an impressive amount of resin-coated buds and provides a powerful, relaxing high.
- Sour Diesel: A legendary sativa-dominant strain, Sour Diesel thrives in a SCROG setup. Its strong, flexible branches make it easy to train, and it produces high yields of potent, fuel-scented buds.
- Pineapple Express: This balanced hybrid strain combines the best of both worlds and is ideal for SCROG. Pineapple Express exhibits vigorous growth and strong branching, resulting in a bountiful harvest of fruity, uplifting buds.
- Girl Scout Cookies: Another popular hybrid strain, Girl Scout Cookies is well-suited for SCROG due to its strong branching and even canopy. Its dense, resinous buds offer a potent, balanced high.
Remember, when selecting a strain for SCROG, it’s essential to consider factors like growth habits, branching, and overall structure. By choosing the right strain for your SCROG setup, you’ll be well on your way to a successful, high-yielding harvest.
Enhance SCROG with other cannabis training techniques
Combining SCROG with other cannabis training techniques can help you further maximize your yield and create a more even canopy. Here are a few additional methods you can use alongside SCROG to enhance your results:
- Topping: As mentioned earlier, topping involves cutting off the top of the main stem to promote the growth of multiple branches. By topping your plants before starting SCROG, you can create a bushier canopy that fills out the screen more effectively.
- Low-Stress Training (LST): LST involves gently bending and tying down branches to encourage horizontal growth. This method can be used in conjunction with SCROG to keep your plants’ height in check and ensure an even canopy. Just make sure not to damage the branches while bending them.
- Super Cropping: Super cropping involves pinching and slightly damaging the branches to encourage thicker growth and improved bud production. By using super cropping alongside SCROG, you can create a denser canopy with more robust branches, potentially leading to a higher yield.
- Lollipopping: This technique involves removing the lower leaves and branches that receive little light to redirect energy to the top of the plant. By combining lollipopping with SCROG, you can ensure that your plants focus their energy on the buds within the screen, leading to a more efficient and productive harvest.
- Defoliation: Defoliation is the process of selectively removing leaves from your plants to improve light penetration and airflow. When used with SCROG, defoliation can help ensure that all parts of your canopy receive adequate light, resulting in a more even and bountiful harvest.
Remember, when combining SCROG with other training techniques, it’s essential to keep an eye on your plants’ health and not over-stress them. Gradually introduce additional methods and monitor how your plants respond. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to create a thriving, high-yielding cannabis garden using a combination of SCROG and other training techniques.
FAQs about scrogging
Can I use SCROG with autoflowering plants?
It’s possible to use SCROG with autoflowering plants, but it’s a bit trickier due to their shorter vegetative stage. You’ll need to start SCROG training as soon as possible and be prepared to adapt your approach as needed.
How big should my screen be?
The size of your screen will depend on the size of your growing space and the number of plants you’re growing. As a rule of thumb, aim for a screen that’s slightly larger than the area your plants are covering.
How often should I check on my plants during SCROG?
You should check on your plants daily to ensure they’re growing well and to make any necessary adjustments. Remember, the key to successful SCROG is regular monitoring and maintenance. Everyday look for spots that you can fill that are empty on the screen, either by finding a branch that can be trained into the spot over time, or a side shoot that you are able to use.
Final Thoughts
SCROG is a fantastic method for maximizing your cannabis yield, especially if you have limited space. By carefully training your plants and ensuring they receive the right conditions, you can significantly boost your harvest. So, give SCROG a try and watch your greens flourish!
