Scrogging is one fancy terms for one extremely simple process. However, to understand it, we need to dive a bit into the basics of cannabis plant's anatomy.
Cannabis plants tend to grow vertically and some varieties can reach up to 3 meters in height. Sometimes their natural way of growing can be inefficient: the light distribution can be not uniform, leading to uneven and weak inflorescence formation. Moreover, if the lights are too close to the inflorescences, they could be damaged by the heat and lose their scent.
Scrogging, or Screen of Green (ScrOG), is a unique training technique to grow cannabis plants horizontally.
The popular method involves placing a screen over cannabis plants and weaving the stems and branches through the netting. This results in more even canopy development, higher yields, and overall improved plant quality.
How Does Scrogging Work?
Scrogging works by using horizontal space and training branches to bend for more efficient plant growth. With the use of a screen, growers can create a more even and substantial canopy that receives more sufficient light.
This method is particularly useful for indoor growers, where mold and mildew are most common, and it maximizes yield in small spaces.
Benefits of Scrogging
Scrogging is a great way to increase yield and quality. Here are some of the benefits of scrogging:
More Yield
The most obvious benefit of the process is the potential for higher yields. The "screen of green" encourages branching and creates more colas, resulting in bigger and fuller buds.
Better Quality
Not only does scrogging increase yield, but it also improves the quality of cannabis. By creating a level canopy, more buds receive light, resulting in larger, denser, and more potent flowers.
Efficient Use of Space
Scrogging is particularly useful for growers with limited space. When you grow with the ScrOG method, a small number of plants can fill up an entire grow tent or cabinet.
Minimize Risk of Mold and Mildew
Proper air circulation is essential to the health of cannabis plants. With scrogging, growers create an evenly spaced canopy that ensures increased air circulation which minimizes the risk of mold and mildew growth.
How to ScrOG Cannabis Plants
Scrogging is easy to implement, but it requires patience and attention to detail.
Materials
Scrogging requires a few materials, including:
- Screen or netting;
- Supporting stakes or rods;
- Gardening ties or clips to attach branches to the screen.
Steps
- Install the screen or netting over the cannabis plants, ensuring it is level and taut;
- Begin weaving branches through the net, using gardening ties or clips to secure them in place. The goal is to create a level canopy that covers the entire screen;
- Monitor plant growth, continuing to weave branches through the net while removing any growth beneath the screen;
- Trim away any dead or dying foliage from the bottom of the plant, directing its energy towards the top canopy.
Ultimately, Scrogging is a great growth technique for improving your yields at harvest. Using the ScrOG method encourages even and substantial canopy development, proper air circulation, and minimizes the risk of mold growth.
Final Word
If done correctly, Scrogging can produce beautiful flowers, increase yield, and improve the overall quality of your plants. If you're a cannabis grower looking to experiment with different growing techniques, Scrogging is an excellent starting point.
