Growing cannabis using a scrog net will help you to maximize yield by using light distribution to your advantage. We will cover how the scrog technique works, how to put it into action, and what strains are best to scrog with.
What is the scrog growing technique?
Scrog growing is a low stress training technique that can be used to optimize light distribution and spacing in small growing spaces. Scrog stands for "Screen of Green," and it refers to the net or screen that you use to train your cannabis plants to grow horizontally. The goal is to place a screen just above the canopy of your plants and then tuck the leaves and branches into different parts of the screen to help the plant to absorb as much light as possible. This training method encourages wider more lateral growth, so instead of growing into a tall Christmas tree-like structure typical of cannabis plants, they will grow more like a bonsai tree. The advantage of this is that it helps light to reach lower buds and leaves, promoting even growth and increasing overall production. By spreading the plant's canopy, you will make the most of your growing space and light.
What are the advantages of scrogging?
By training your cannabis plants to grow horizontally, you allow the leaves and buds that would otherwise be shaded access to more light. The result is more uniform and denser flowers. Scrogging also maximizes space and improves air circulation around the plants making it ideal for smaller grow areas.
Step by step how to grow weed with a scrog net:
- Choose the Right Strain: You can scrog with any strain, but some perform better than others. Sativa dominant strains such as Durban Poison, Acapulco Gold and Amnesia Haze naturally grow very tall, which means they are the perfect candidate to use a scrog net on.
- Set Up Your Grow Space: You will need a grow space with adequate light, ventilation, and access to water. A scrog net will need to be fixed to four corners so it works perfectly if you are using a tent that has a 4-post frame. If you are not using a grow tent, then you will need to construct a frame for your scrog net out of something like wood or plastic piping.
- Plant and Grow: Start your cannabis plants as usual and allow them to grow for a couple of weeks, once they have about 3 weeks of growth from seed and they are at the beginning of the veg stage you can introduce the scrog net.
- Install the Scrog Net: Place the scrog net over your plants, keeping it about 30-60cm above the top of the pots. Gently guide the leaves and branches through the net holes. Aim to fill about 60-70% of the net with the plant's canopy.
- Optimize spacing: The goal is to optimize light distribution so try to train the branches to different parts of your net so as many leaves as possible are receiving full light.
- Train and Prune: As the plants grow, continue to tuck and weave the branches through the net, encouraging horizontal growth. Regularly prune the lower branches and leaves to improve air circulation and light penetration.
- Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your plants' growth, adjusting the branches as needed to ensure even distribution across the net.
- Flowering Stage: When you're ready to switch to the flowering stage, adjust your light cycle to 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Continue to monitor and adjust the branches to ensure they stay spread out and well-supported by the net. Try to avoid too much touching at this stage though as this could damage the trichomes on your buds as they develop.
- Harvest: Once the buds are mature and ready for harvest, carefully cut the branches free from the net. Trim, dry, and cure your cannabis as usual.
When should you start and stop scrog netting?
Start scrog netting when your cannabis plants are about 12-18 inches tall. This height ensures the plants are strong enough to be trained and have enough height to actually fill the net. 12-18 inches tall for a cannabis plant will normally be 2-3 weeks into the veg stage.
How much space do you need between plants when using scrog?
You need about 1-2 feet of space between plants when using scrog. Remember the aim of a scrog is to use up as much space as possible and this will allow each plant plenty of room to spread its branches horizontally across the scrog net.
What are the best strains to use for scrog?
In truth you can scrog with any strain, even autoflowering strains. Although generally I find that taller strains give great results compared to when they are grown normally. Sativas grown without any training will grow incredibly tall and thin and some may even be too tall to maintain indoors without training. Using scrog nets and LST training allows you to force a sativa to grow more in the shape of an indica keeping it wide and helping it to absorb more light.
Sativa-dominant hybrids like Blue Dream and Super Silver Haze are excellent choices because of their tall, stretchy nature and high yield potential. Indica-dominant strains like Northern Lights and Critical Kush are also good options, as they have a good structure and dense bud formation.
SCROG FAQ
How much can a 1 plant scrog yield?
A 1-plant scrog can yield between 8 to 16 ounces.
How long does it take to do a scrog grow?
A scrog grow typically takes 3 to 5 months. This includes the vegetative stage and flowering period.
What size pots should I use for scrog?
Use 5-to-10-gallon pots for scrog. These sizes provide enough room for root development and stability for the trained plants.
How many plants can I fit in a 4x4 scrog?
You can fit 1 to 4 plants in a 4x4 scrog. If you want to use 4 plants, go for 5-gallon pots.
Does scrog increase yield?
Yes, using a scrog net will increase yield because it maximizes light exposure and encourages even bud development across the canopy of your plants.
Using a scrog net to grow cannabis can significantly increase your yields and optimize your growing space. This article covered the scrog technique, its advantages, step-by-step instructions, timing, spacing, best strains, and answered common questions. With this knowledge, you can confidently apply the scrog method for a more productive grow. Don’t forget to like and share this article!
