SCROG: A step-by-step guide to using the Screen of Green method for indoor growing

Screen of Green, often referred to as SCROG refers to an indoor growing technique used to maximize yields while reducing energy consumption and waste. SCROG is a cost-effective method of controlling plant growth indoors.
In contrast to the Sea of Green (SOG)-technique, which simply involves growing many short plants on a large footprint without trellising, SCROG employs the use of metal or plastic screens or trellises through which plants grow and spread outwards.

The SCROG method is an assisted version of the where growers have to tie plants to different parts of the grow room instead of using trellises. Both SCROG and LST are popular with cannabis growers.

Screen of Green (SCROG) for maximum yields

Automated indoor growrooms make it possible to grow all year round, regardless of outdoor conditions. These controlled environments also allow growers to enjoy the benefits of hydroponic gardening to maximize yields. However, indoor growing does come with some disadvantages. For example, you may not have much space to grow plants vertically, especially if you are confined to an attic or basement. In this case, you can train your plants to grow horizontally or at different angles by installing a trellis.

This can be used as a Screen of Green or SCROG growing method is becoming increasingly common, especially in cannabis cultivation, as growers see how easy it is to accomplish. All that is needed is a metal screen, often wire mesh or other lightweight metal, which sits on top of the pot plant. Growers can also use a food-grade plastic screen or a grid-like structure. Such structures are placed over the seedlings as they begin to sprout, and the young plants simply grow into the screen and through the holes.

Once the plants have grown through the holes in the screen, growers pull back the tips and weave them through or under a nearby hole. This allows the plant can continue to grow horizontally . This process is repeated as often as necessary to train the plant to grow in the desired direction. It is best to start with a variety that is easy to control if you are new to this growing method and want to get used to it.

Once the plants have been trained to grow horizontally, they will ideally form a thick top canopy that prevents light from penetrating the leaves below, ensuring that the light hits all the places where it is needed most. This also helps to promote better airflow around the plant stems, control moisture and combat mold and mildew. Growers can then thin out or trim the lower canopy (lower leaves, shoots or sprouts). By removing these parts of plants, all growth is concentrated on the leaves in the upper canopy, resulting in higher yields and better overall growth for the plants.

Now that you understand the benefits and possibilities of scrogging, let's go through the process step by step to show you how to apply this technique in your own grow room.

Preparation

Before you can start Scrogging, Screen of Green (SCROG), there are a few things you should prepare.

Step 1: Preparing the growing space

Before you start scrogging, you need to make sure your grow room is prepared. Tools needed include a net or frame to support your plants, secateurs or clips to trim the plants, a level to make sure your frame is level, and a heat source in case it gets too cold in your grow room. Set up the frame and attach the mesh or frame to the ceiling. Make sure the frame is level and that there is enough space between the mesh and the ceiling for the plants to grow.

Step 2: Plant the plants

Once the grow room is prepared, you can plant your cannabis seeds in small pots. Make sure the soil is moist, but not wet, and place the pots in a warm area with enough light. Once the seeds germinate and become small plants, you can plant them in the grow room.

Step 3: Train the plants

Once the plants are big enough, you can start scrogging. The aim is to get the plants to grow their main cobs towards the net or frame, rather than upwards. To achieve this, you can bend the plants slightly downwards at the stems and attach them to the net with clips or secateurs.

Step 4: Caring for the plants

During the plant growth phase, it is important that you water and fertilize the plants regularly and monitor the airflow and temperature in the growing space. Also make sure that the plants receive enough light. If the plants grow through the net or frame, you can cut them off at the nodes and force them to grow towards the net or frame.

During the flowering phase, you should make sure that the plants receive enough light and moisture and that no pests or diseases develop. As soon as the flowers are ripe, you can harvest and enjoy them.