Sog vs Scrog for Growing Marjuana

One of the biggest issues when growing marijuana indoors is the limited amount of space. Regardless of how large your grow tent is, there never seems to be enough room for your plants.

However, there is a simple solution to utilizing your space and still produce healthy plants. In fact, one of the best methods to maximize your yields is by two different growing methods – Sea of Green (SOG) and Screen of Green (SCROG) growing.

Both of these proficient approaches for growing are known as low-stress training methods (LST). The two techniques are perfect ways to utilize the current space that you have without having to expand your grow tent.

In addition, these LST methods can definitely increase your yields while keeping your plants lush and vigorous.

Whether you’re looking for a faster way to harvest, want to grow more plants, need Tips for Growing Marijuana, or simply want to expand your marijuana gardening knowledge, this commentary can be very useful.

What Are SCROG and SOG?

Both the SCROG and SOG techniques are low-stress training methods that are utilized to control the growth of your plants. Typically, this is accomplished by generating a horizontal level canopy.

With the horizontal even canvas, all the buds on your plants will have uniform light. As a result, the buds will all grow at the same speed and rate.

Although some growers feel the SCROG technique is more difficult to master, both methods are quite easy to learn. Keep in mind; many experts suggest that you try both methods in order to determine which technique works best to suit your needs.

Growing with the Scrog Technique

The Screen of Green or SCROG method consists of a net screen placed between your pots and the grow lights. The objective is to train your plants to grow to the net screen.

Once your plants reach the netting, you simply push the outgrown branches back down so that they grow horizontally. The result is a healthy plant that creates a large and even canopy with plenty of room for buds.

This method is an ideal way to take advantage of the full spectrum of light that you have set up. In fact, you will get higher yields because your plants branches will be more spread out allowing buds to grow to their full potential.

The SCROG method is also very efficient. Once the canopy is substantiated, many growers prune the shaded areas so that all parts of the plant receive sufficient light. In contrast, the SCROG method is more successful with the right strain.

For instance, so plants a prolific and spread out nicely while other strains barely fill out. Another rule of thumb is to use 1 plant for every 30 centimeters of net.

When compared to the SOG method, the SCROG technique uses fewer plants to fill the canopy. For example, the Screen of Green method will use about 4 plants per 10 square feet, while the SOG technique will use around 130 or more, depending on the type of strain that is planted.

The Advantages of SCROG

The SCROG method has various advantages such as

• Increases yields
• Improves quality
• Increases air circulation
• Lowers grow space requirements
• More production per square feet of space
• Encourages even canopy light infiltration
• Increases the efficiency of your light source
• Delivers numerous bud sites from just a few plants
• The method can be accomplished with cuttings and seeds
• Low maintenance due to only having a few plants to sustain

The Disadvantages of SCROG

SCROG is an excellent technique for low-stress training methods. However, it does have a few drawbacks.

• Tools are needed
• More complex than the SOG technique
• Takes longer to establish than SOG method
• Flat canopy is hard to achieve if the trellis sags
• A challenge to manage test nutrients and drain pans
• Has less of a manicured look compared to SOG method

Growing with the SOG Technique

The Sea of Green (SOG) method is best utilized in smaller grow areas or if you need your plants to row at a faster rate than normal. Using a net is also optional to help maintain the plants size.

Unlike the SCROG technique that emphases innumerable bud sites, the SOG method instead forces the plant to extend all its energy into the main cola or the whole bud and surrounding plant material. In addition, the SOG method is typically used when you use clones or autoflower strains.

The SOG technique requires that the plants be crowded into a tight area. Often there are 45 or more plants per square meter. Generally, within 2 weeks of the vegetative stage, the plants enter their flowering cycle. Although the plants are still short, they will produce thick branches and stems.

This method requires the use of fans so that the plants receive good air circulation and the stems are strengthened by the plants folding down. The SOG technique also lowers the risk of diseases and pests.

If you have autoflowers, it is suggested that you use nets after 3-5 weeks of the growing stage. As well, a little training may be required. Also, keep in mind that some strains do better in tight spaces than other strains.

The Inca strain is renowned for the SOG method of growing. Your plants will seldom grow more than 95 feet or 30cm’s tall that way all energy is focused on the main cola.

Lighting is also very important. Since there are changes to the normal growth cycle, you need the typical grow lamp for marijuana such as the Viparspectra 600w LED.

Generally, fluorescents are used during the early stages of growth until you change to a 12/12 cycle. At this time a high quality LED light is necessary for proper growth and maturity of buds.

The Advantages of SOG

The SOG method has many advantages and benefits like

• Very fast growing time
• Perfect for small spaces
• Simple to implement and get started
• Growing time is faster than the SCROG method
• Lower cost of fertilizer due to shorter growth time
• Increase yields and may double the amount of your yearly harvest

The Disadvantages of Sog

• Greater maintenance
• More susceptible to pests
• Requires more seed inventory
• Diseases and pest can spread rapidly due to a packed environment

Which Technique Is Better?

For the most part, both growing methods are deemed quite successful. Basically, it is a matter of preference and the strain of cannabis you are growing. As well, each technique requires a different skillset and a growing environment.

Generally, growers will choose the SOG technique if they need their plants to grow fast and efficiently. It is the ideal method for medicinal growers that can legally grow more than 20 plants.

Growers who are limited in the number of plants they can grow will typically choose the SCROG method. As well, it is a great option for beginners and first-time growers.

In truth, it is not uncommon for the novice to gain experience in the SCROG technique then eventually try the SOG method. Regardless of which method you choose, both are very efficient and will drastically increase your yields.

Consider the Pot?

If you are undecided on which method is best, then you may want to choose according to the strain of cannabis you have. The best strain for the SOG growing technique is Indica.

Other good choices include White Widow and Northern Lights. These strains are renowned for their large central colas.

The perfect strain for the SCROG method is Sativa. Other great selections are the Amnesia strain and Jack Herner. These strains have smaller branches for more bud sites and longer limbs for support.

Topping and Trimming

Basically, trimming and pruning is pretty simple. The SOG technique requires minimal pruning because it has fewer branches.

The SCROG method has two pruning techniques : topping and node pruning. Topping is basically snipping the top of the main stem so that two colas will produce instead of just one.

Topping is done when the plants are a foot or more in height. Node pruning entails the removal of all the nodes except the top three nodes. This type of pruning encourages the three nodes to produces most 75% or faster.

SOG and SCROG FAQ

Maintenance: Are SOGs more Work than SCROGs?

The majority of growers feel that the SOG method takes more work than the SCROG technique. This is because the humidity and temperature need to constantly be monitored.

In addition, more ventilation is needed to prevent disease and pests. Further, you have more plants that require the right amount of watering and feeding.

Do SOGs Require more Plants?

Yes, the SOG method requires more plants. In fact, the technique focuses on huddling up to 25 plants underneath just one light.

It is the perfect method for growers who have a higher amount of seed they can legally plant. More seed means more plants and production. Point of fact, recreational growing is very limited on the number of plants you can grow, depending on local laws and policies.

Conclusion

SOG and SCROG are methods of growing that have comparable objectives; they assist with producing better quality plants and higher yields. Likewise, they utilize small spaces effectively while making the best use of lighting, total area, and cannabis strain.

If you are not sure which method to use, make your choice by the cannabis strain you have or the number of plants you are allowed to grow. Either way, both methods are highly successful.