Maximizing Your Yield with SCROG: A Guide to the Screen of
Green Technique
Many growers believe that simply placing a trellis net over a plant
counts as using the SCROG (Screen of Green) technique, but this is a
misconception. While both methods involve using a net, the purposes
and applications differ significantly. A trellis net provides support
for heavy branches and helps prevent them from falling over but
doesn’t focus on training each branch to optimize light exposure.
SCROG, on the other hand, is an active training method that uses a
screen to spread the plant’s growth horizontally, ensuring each bud
site gets optimal light and airflow. SCROG requires continual weaving
and training, making it a hands-on technique aimed at maximizing the
plant’s yield potential through consistent canopy management.
Now, let’s dive into how SCROG works and how you can use it to improve
your grow.
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What You’ll Need
• Mesh or Screen: Choose a sturdy screen with
2x2-inch (5x5 cm) holes. This will act as the support for branches and
bud sites.
• Fasteners: Secure the screen in place to make it
stable and easily adjustable as the plants grow.
• Training Ties or Twine: Soft, flexible ties will
help guide branches under the screen without causing stress or damage.
1. Set Up Your Screen
Place the screen 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) above the base of your plants.
As the plants grow, this spacing ensures the branches can spread out
comfortably beneath the screen. The screen should be stable and strong
enough to support the weight of your plant’s branches and buds as they
grow.
2. Train Your Plants Early
Start training your plants while they’re still young. Gently pull the
tallest branches horizontally through the screen's openings. This
“weaving” process encourages the plant to grow outward instead of
upward, allowing for even light distribution.
Key Tip: Start training before plants become rigid. Softer, younger
branches will respond better to the SCROG technique and suffer less
stress.
3. Use Topping for Better Control
Consider topping your plants after the third or fourth node to
encourage bushier growth. Topping can increase the number of main
branches, resulting in more bud sites. Combined with SCROG, topping
helps you achieve a full, even canopy under the screen.
4. Weave Branches as They Grow
As your plants grow, continue to guide new growth under the screen
openings. Bend each branch carefully, weaving it horizontally across
the screen to expose as many bud sites as possible. The goal is to
create an even layer of foliage where each bud site has direct access
to light.
Remember, patience is key! Regularly check your plants and adjust them
every few days to keep everything even and under control.
5. Defoliation for Light Penetration
After a few weeks of training, defoliation can be helpful. By
carefully removing excess fan leaves, you’ll allow more light to
penetrate through the canopy to lower bud sites. Defoliation should be
done sparingly to avoid over-stressing the plant but is beneficial for
light and airflow. Aim to clear areas where leaves may be blocking bud
sites under the screen.
6.
Switching to Flowering
Once the canopy is evenly
filled, it's time to switch your plants to the flowering stage.
Adjust your lights to a 12/12 schedule (12 hours on, 12 hours
off). Continue guiding and adjusting any new growth beneath the
screen for the first two weeks of flowering to maintain an even
canopy. After this initial period, most plants will stop growing
vertically, focusing instead on bud development.
7. Maintenance Through Flowering
- Through out flowering, focus on keeping the canopy even and
managing airflow to prevent mold or mildew. Some growers add
gentle fans to help with airflow, particularly in dense canopies.
- Continue to remove obstructive fan leaves as needed, but be
cautious not to defoliate too heavily in late flower, as plants
rely on leaves for energy production.
8. Harvest Time!
After weeks of meticulous care, your SCROG grow will reward you with a
beautifully even canopy of dense, potent buds. Carefully harvest each
branch, ensuring you’ve captured the trichome-rich buds that benefited
from direct light exposure thanks to your screen training.
With
SCROG, growers can make the most of a limited space and enjoy
enhanced yields and quality. This method rewards patient training
and frequent adjustments, making it ideal for those looking to
elevate their grow techniques. SCROG transforms a garden into an
efficient and bountiful production with each bud receiving optimal
light and care. Happy growing!