Cannabis SCROG Grow. What You Must Know.

Today we will look at one of the most useful techniques for cannabis growers, especially for indoor setups: SCROG (Screen of Green). It is a growing method that uses a horizontal screen to guide plant growth, creating an even canopy that maximizes light exposure and space. With this, abundant harvests are achieved where all the buds remain more homogeneous compared to a traditional grow.

Initially, it emerged in the 70s and 80s in the Netherlands as a response to the need to optimize indoor harvests. Today it is popular for its efficiency in small spaces and is used by growers all over the planet, with excellent results.

This technique, although it demands constant attention at the beginning, is ideal for those home growers who are looking for abundant and controlled harvests, especially in urban or discreet environments.

Let’s take a closer look at everything related to SCROG growing.

What Is the SCROG Growing Technique for Cannabis?

The SCROG method is a cannabis growing technique that involves using a horizontal mesh or screen to guide plants, maximize their yield and control their height. This mesh is usually made of a plastic-coated string material and placed above the plants (approximately 30-50 cm from the substrate). As the main branches grow, they carefully weave through the gaps, guiding them horizontally rather than allowing vertical growth, forming a true plant canopy.

The goal of this technique is to create an even “green cover,” where all the buds receive a balanced amount of light. By keeping the canopy flat, light distribution is optimized, and shadow areas are eliminated, resulting in increased bud production in the upper area and reducing energy waste on low branches that would not produce as much.

This system also allows for better use of space in indoor growing and greater aeration between branches, reducing the risk of fungus attacks. It is ideal for growers looking for efficiency and quality.

Advantages of SCROG Cannabis Growing

SCROG growing offers multiple advantages, making it one of the most effective techniques for optimizing yields in small spaces. One of its main benefits is the increase in production, since by evenly distributing the branches under the mesh, more buds are stimulated to form in the upper area, where the light has a direct impact. It is similar to SOG (this one doesn’t use a mesh), but fewer plants are needed to fill the space, at the cost of investing a little more time in the vegetative stage.

In addition, SCROG in cannabis growing improves light distribution efficiently, ensuring that each point in the plant canopy receives a balanced amount of energy, resulting in larger, denser, and more homogeneous buds.

This method also effectively controls the height and structure of the plants, allowing you to maintain an orderly crop adapted to the available space, especially useful in indoor grows, where height is limited and for plants that present a more vigorous growth, such as Sativa-leaning strains.

In short, SCROG growing maximizes the potential of each plant, improves the quality of the harvest, and allows for more efficient management of the growing environment.

How SCROG Cannabis Growing Works

Now let’s go over the details so you can see more clearly how to apply this technique to your grow.

Initial Preparation of the Grow Space

Before applying the SCROG method, it is essential to properly prepare the space.

Install a sturdy structure where you can attach a mesh or net about 30-50 cm above the pots. The mesh should have a wide grid (between 5 and 10 cm) to allow the branches to pass through. The entire setup should be sturdy enough because the branches will exert pressure as they grow. In some cases, a double SCROG is made, with another mesh a little higher, to hold the heavy buds.

It is advisable to choose strains with vigorous growth and flexible branches, preferably Sativas or hybrids. Indica strains have less branching, which are stiffer and less manageable. Make sure you have good ventilation, evenly distributed lighting, and an accessible irrigation system, as access to the substrate will be more limited once the plant expands.

In hydroponic systems, growth can be explosive, so make sure you can access the system in case you need to make adjustments.

Training the Plants for the SCROG

When the plants begin to grow, their main branches should be guided laterally through the mesh. Instead of letting them grow upwards, gently bend them and tie them down if necessary, forcing them to spread horizontally. As new shoots appear, they are also distributed throughout the mesh.

This forms a homogeneous green canopy, where all the flowers receive light equally. This training should be maintained until the mesh is complete, the ideal time to induce flowering.

Keep in mind that the lower part of the plants will not receive any light, so it is recommended to prune branches or shoots that are not expected to receive light.

Materials Needed for SCROG Growing

You don’t need a lot of materials, except for the mesh and the support to anchor it. In a grow tent, it is usually tied to the sticks that form the structure of the tent.

In addition, you will need soft wires or clips to secure the branches without damaging them, although you can achieve this without doing so. Don’t forget to have clean pruning scissors on hand to clean the lower part of the plants.

Choosing the SCROG Mesh

For a SCROG grow to be effective, the mesh must be resistant, flexible, and with openings of between 5 and 10 cm, which allows the branches to be guided easily. You can use nylon, rope, or plastic netting, as long as they stay taut and securely fastened.

There are nets designed specifically for SCROG that fit grow tents and are not very expensive. In outdoor crops, there are growers who use any support, such as the base of a mattress, as you can see in the photo.

Setting Up the SCROG Space

As we have been saying, make sure to leave enough space available for tasks such as pruning or watering. It is also important that you take the following into account.

Ventilation and Climate Control

In a SCROG grow, keeping the environment under control is the key to success. The dense and compact structure that forms can hinder air circulation, so it is essential to have extractors, oscillating fans (even in the lower areas), and carbon filters to avoid accumulations of humidity and prevent pests or mold.

The ideal daytime temperature should be kept between 22 and 26 °C, and the relative humidity should be adjusted according to the stage of growth (60-70% vegetative and 40-50% flowering).

Good airflow strengthens plants, improves transpiration, and ensures a stable and healthy environment to maximize production in the SCROG.

Common Mistakes When Growing with SCROG

While the SCROG growing technique can deliver spectacular results, it also requires attention and precision. One of the most frequent mistakes is the improper management of branches, bending abruptly or at inappropriate stages of growth, which can cause breakage or slow down their development.

Over-pruning or poorly planned pruning also weakens the plant and reduces its ability to produce buds. In addition, poor light distribution or poorly controlled humidity can favor the appearance of fungi and affect the quality of the harvest. To avoid these problems, it is key to observe the overall state of the plants, act carefully at each stage, and maintain optimal growing conditions.

Excess Stress on the Plants

Applying too much stress during the guiding process can halt growth or reduce flower production. Forcing stiff branches, pruning too close to the start of flowering, or overhandling can all elicit negative responses.

To avoid this, perform Low Stress Training (LST) gradually, in the early stages of the vegetative cycle and with clean and appropriate tools. Always observe the plants’ reaction and respect its adaptation times. Less is more when it comes to stress.

SCROG Growing Time and Duration

How long does it take from seed to harvest in a SCROG grow? The SCROG growing technique requires a little more time than conventional growing, but the reward is usually greater. From germination to harvest, the entire process typically takes between 12 and 16 weeks, depending on the strain and growing environment.

The vegetative phase is lengthened to allow the plants to fill the mesh completely, which can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Once the net is covered, the photoperiod is changed to flowering, which lasts 8 to 10 weeks in most strains. Sativas tend to be more time-consuming, while Indicas tend to be faster. In the case of Sativas, the plants can be put directly in a 12/12 photoperiod from the beginning, to save time.

If you do it with autoflowers, the process may take a week longer than normal. On the other hand, keep in mind that if you do it with auto plants, you will have less time to “weave” the branches, so we recommend that you perform a topping before starting the SCROG growing technique to ensure more branches that cover the space.

Factors That Affect the Growing Time

Factors such as light output, temperature, humidity, or the general health of the plants also influence the growth rate. There is no point in performing this technique if the plants are not as healthy as they should be.

It is important to know that it is not a difficult technique as long as you have prior knowledge about growing marijuana. If you still don’t have much control over fertilization, or you don’t have enough skill to manipulate the branches without breaking, you may have to wait a while and practice with more basic techniques before starting a SCROG.

Although SCROG growing can lengthen the schedule, its efficiency and results make up for the wait.

Is the SCROG Method Worth It?

Is it worth using the SCROG method for cannabis?

The SCROG growing technique is an excellent choice for growers looking for maximum yields with few plants, especially in small spaces. Unlike the SOG (Sea of Green) method, which uses many small plants to achieve a quick harvest, SCROG focuses on developing each specimen to the fullest, training its branches to form an even and productive canopy. With just one plant, you can fill an entire grow tent.

Its advantages include the optimal use of light, total control over height, and better air circulation, reducing the risk of pests and fungus. However, it is not ideal for those looking for quick results, as it requires more time in the vegetative phase and consistent training.

The SCROG growing technique is especially beneficial in indoor growing with legal limitations on the number of plants, or in small spaces where every centimeter matters. If you have patience, attention to detail, and prioritize quality over speed, this method is definitely worth it.

Discover the Best Cannabis Seeds for SCROG Growing!

Thank you for reading! We invite you to explore the best marijuana seeds from Sweet Seeds®, perfect for SCROG growing.

Among our recommendations, you will find some recently released strains such as Mental Rainbow F1 Fast Version® (SWS118) or Pineapple Slush XL Auto® (SWS114). In our catalog you will also find many cultivars that perform very well under this technique, such as Red Mandarine F1 Fast Version® (SWS79), Gorilla Girl® (SWS74) or the wonderful Crystal Candy F1 Fast Version® (SWS73).

See you in the next one!

Sweet Harvests

Sweet Seeds S.L. is not responsible for any misuse of the information provided in this article. Growing Cannabis may constitute a criminal offense or administrative infraction; please check the Cannabis legislation applicable in your place of residence. Sweet Seeds S.L. does not, under any circumstances, intend to promote illegal practices.