Screen of Green (SCROG): How is it Done?

While many enjoy smoking weed, specific individuals also partake in the art and science of cannabis cultivation which is why it is important to know cannabis growing techniques such as SCROG. Many growers have seen weed grown in indoor and outdoor farms, which makes cannabis cultivation unique in its many ways of growing the plant. For example, you can commonly see cannabis farms using a mesh-like structure where crops of cannabis poke out from that screen. This method is referred to as SCROG or Screen of Green; this is a unique method used in cannabis cultivation that maximizes the yielding potential of each cannabis plant.

In this article, learn more about what SCROG is, why it is essential for cannabis cultivators, especially new ones, learn about scrogging, and how to SCROG.

What is SCROG?

SCROG, or Screen of Green, is a low-stress training technique where the objective is to optimize the yielding potential of the cannabis plant. This is done by using a screen mesh where the plants are manipulated into a certain angle to maximize the lighting. The process is done by dividing the main cola and raising the lower buds to the same level in the canopy.

The Importance of Screen of Green

In regular cannabis growth, only the main cola and the upper canopy receive the lighting since it has a higher altitude. The lower canopy needs to be more developed since it receives different lighting than the upper canopy. With SCROG, you ensure that all parts of the plant receive the same amount of lighting and expose the lower region to develop the buds in that area. This process allows the plant to grow buds in all areas, thus maximizing the yield.

Another reason growers should use SCROG is that it allows proper plant air circulation. One of the main struggles for new cannabis cultivators is mold and fungal infection. It often happens when moisture builds up within the lower areas of the plant near the root and branches. It can deteriorate the plant’s overall health, thus reducing its ability to produce bud sites.

Scrogging provides adequate airflow to different parts of the plant, which removes moisture from the lower areas. It effectively diminishes the tendency for fungal growth in these areas, thus reducing the risk of developing subpar bud sites. 

Most growers also have space issues. One must seek a larger space to accommodate all the growing plants to obtain a larger yield. For those who have limited space or would instead grow cannabis within their homes, scrogging allows you to maximize your limited space and still bring optimal yielding results. Growers should take advantage of scrogging, allowing plants to merge into a single screen and grow naturally.

When To Use Screen Of Green

Scrogging is all about proper timing. Knowing when to scrogging is important as it takes a lot of time and effort for every grower to get it right. Scrogging can only be done when the plants develop branches that are long enough for you to separate them and train them. Note that you place the plant under stress when you do this. Cannabis plants are very susceptible to stress and can develop unwanted results under pressure.

For photoperiod plants, most growers tend to SCROG around 3 to 16 weeks starting from the vegetative stage. The first requirement before you SCROG is when the branches are soft but durable enough to be shaped and trained. It is mainly done around the early weeks of the vegetative period.

When it comes to scrogging, avoid weaving them too early, as you might break them. Training your plants too early or too late will result in more work as a grower. Timing is key to scrogging.

How To SCROG

Before you start scrogging, there are still a few more things that you need to consider first. Sativa strains are great choices to use SCROG. They are tall and stretch wide thus, you can fully maximize the plant’s ability to fill space. Choose strains almost the same height, and you can SCROG them together. The right pot is also vital in using SCROG. You can grow a single plant within a single pot, but for multiple plants, you can start by using smaller pots, as you will need to consider the space below.

Scrogging is all about spacing. Proper spacing helps reduce the risk of moisture and humidity. It lowers the risk of developing mold. Keep them farther apart, but you can squeeze them all together in a narrow space to help with exposure to light and air.

1. Scrogging starts a few weeks after the plant enters the vegetative phase. It is the right time for the plants to undergo training as the branches are still soft and pliable. Once the plant reaches this stage, it will develop around five nodes. You should be topping the highest node to allow the plant to divert its growth to the other stems.
2. Install the screen mesh around 40cm above the plant. Make sure the light is also positioned to shine bright on the plants.
3. It is when you will need to weave the rest of the branches into the screen mesh. Carefully weave them and feel each square with one branch at a time. If the branches do not go your way, simply reposition the pot of the plant so that it goes in the direction you want. You can also redirect the branches toward their angle if it is difficult to reposition the pot at this point. Avoid overlapping one branch with another, as this will cast a shadow over a specific area of the plant, which is counterproductive to the method.
4. Throughout the late vegetative period and into the early flowering stage, continue to weave the branches into the screen as much as possible. It will redirect the plant’s energy into the canopy you have created, thus forcing it to develop buds in that area instead.
5. Constantly water your plants after each weaving session. This process will help relieve the tension and stress of the plant. Make sure to feed your plants regularly and adequately to avoid certain nutritional deficiencies.
6. At this point, you must wait until the plant develops mature buds ready for harvest. Proper maintenance and feeding are essential while keeping the plants safe and stress-free.

Conclusion

The screen of green method is a well-favored technique for cannabis growers, especially for newbies who want to learn more about growing marijuana. It can even be incorporated with other techniques, such as super cropping and mainlining, to enhance the yielding results of the plant further. With scrogging, you allow your plant to grow and mature well and help you reach the results you need for that profit.